Your Life | Your Legacy | Our Expertise
Focused exclusively on estate planning and deceased estates.
We consider the risks so you don’t have to.
About Woolcock Lawyers
Meet our Director - Claire Van Raay
Claire was admitted to practice in 2015, after working in the legal industry since her early twenties. She holds an Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice, a Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, and a Master of Laws majoring in Wills and Estates.
Her philosophy is simple. We are humans first. That perspective informs every matter she undertakes. Legal structure matters, but so do relationships, family dynamics and the lived realities behind each estate plan.
As the director of Woolcock Lawyers, Claire leads a focused advisory practice intentionally structured around depth of engagement rather than file volume. Each matter receives her direct involvement and professional oversight, consistent with the firm’s commitment to considered and accountable legal advice.
Claire often tells clients, “Estate planning is the land of Alice in Wonderland. Nothing exists until it exists.”
The consequences of a Will, power of attorney, a trust structure, or a tax decision are rarely felt on the day documents are signed. They emerge later, sometimes years later, when the estate is being administered. That is why her work is grounded in risk mitigation, thoughtful structuring and staying attentive to legal developments, while still allowing flexibility as laws and family circumstances evolve.
Claire has a particular interest in the complexities that arise when families, wealth, business interests and personal values intersect. Estate planning is rarely just technical. It is often layered, sensitive and deeply personal.
Her work commonly involves:
• Testamentary trust Wills
• Blended family structures
• Individuals with no dependants
• Business and trust succession
• Superannuation death benefit strategy
• Protecting vulnerable beneficiaries
• Executor guidance and estate administration
Clients often describe Claire as approachable and easy to speak with, more like a trusted neighbour than a distant professional. She believes estate planning conversations should feel grounded and clear, not intimidating. Behind that demeanour, however, is a structured, strategic and solution focused adviser who thinks carefully about risk, sequencing and long term outcomes.
Under Claire's guidance and oversight, our focus is on preparing estate plans that are legally robust and designed to operate as intended when they are needed most.
Claire is frequently adding to her list of articles and commentary on this website. Feel free to read some of our free general resources.
Dedicated to Estate Planning and Deceased Estates
Woolcock Lawyers is a Victorian based incorporated legal practice focused exclusively on estate planning and deceased estate administration across Australia, excluding South Australia.
We do not practise across multiple areas of law, and we do not undertake disputes. Our defined focus allows us to remain attentive to the legal and taxation developments that affect estates.
Estate planning is more than preparing a Will. It involves understanding asset ownership, superannuation, taxation and family circumstances so that documents operate as intended when they are needed.
We also guide clients through deceased estate administration with structure and clarity.
Because we work in both planning and administration, we see how decisions made today affect families later.
Where appropriate, we collaborate with accountants, financial planners and other trusted advisers to ensure legal structures align with broader financial and business arrangements.
Our role is simple. To ensure your estate plan is carefully prepared and properly carried through.
What to expect when working with a lawyer
If you are researching firms, it is reasonable to ask:
• Who will actually be advising you?
• Are they an admitted Australian legal practitioner?
• How much of their work is dedicated to estates?
Estate planning and estate administration are technical areas of law. Depth of focus matters.
If you are considering Woolcock Lawyers, our process is structured and advice driven.
We begin with a focused consultation to understand your circumstances and objectives. From there, we provide tailored legal advice and prepare the necessary documents, or guide you through the administration process.
We are a private billing practice. We do not provide free legal advice. The cost of the initial consultation is disclosed upfront, and we provide clear cost estimates once scope is understood. Fixed fees are offered where appropriate.
Meetings can be conducted online, after hours, or in person where required.
All advice is provided by an admitted Australian legal practitioner. As a regulated legal practice, our work is undertaken in accordance with the professional and ethical standards that apply to Australian lawyers.