Elder Law Solicitors in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD
Supporting You Through Life's Later Stages — With Clarity, Compassion and Specialist Expertise
As we get older, legal matters can become more complex, and more important to get right. Whether you are planning ahead, navigating aged care decisions, or concerned about the well-being of a vulnerable loved one, Southern Waters Legal provides clear, compassionate advice at every stage.
Our elder law team is led by Adeline Schiralli, Special Counsel and Accredited Specialist in Wills, Estates and Elder Law, a distinction held by very few solicitors across New South Wales. With offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD, we are well placed to assist clients throughout the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney.
Our Experts in Elder Law can advise you on:
Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship
Planning ahead means choosing the right people to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so yourself. An Enduring Power of Attorney appoints a trusted person to manage your legal and financial affairs, while an Appointment of Enduring Guardian covers medical and lifestyle decisions. We take the time to explain your options clearly and help ensure the right people are in place to help protect your interests.
Retirement Village Contracts and Aged Care Advice
Moving into a retirement village or aged care facility is a significant decision, and the contracts involved can be complex. We provide clear, practical advice on retirement village agreements, entry and exit arrangements, aged care funding options, and your rights as a resident or prospective resident. Adeline Schiralli regularly presents to legal professionals on retirement village law and brings specialist depth to this area.
Guardianship and Financial Management Applications
When a loved one loses capacity, and no legal arrangements are in place, an application to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) may be necessary to appoint a guardian or financial manager. We guide families through this often complex and emotional process with sensitivity and clarity, always focused on the best interests of the person concerned.
Elder Abuse — Legal Advice and Protective Measures
Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial exploitation, coercion, physical harm or emotional mistreatment. If you are concerned about a vulnerable older person, we can provide confidential legal advice on the options available to help safeguard their wellbeing and autonomy. We act with discretion and compassion, and can advise on appropriate legal steps where needed.
Estate Planning for Later Life
For older clients, reviewing and updating an estate plan is an important part of planning for later life. This may include preparing or updating a Will, reviewing existing Powers of Attorney and Guardian appointments, or considering more complex structures such as testamentary trusts. Our team can help you plan comprehensively for the future, with advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Learn more about our estate planning services.
Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estates
Adeline holds Accredited Specialist status in Wills, Estates Law, a distinction held by very few solicitors across New South Wales. Recognised by the Law Society of NSW, this accreditation reflects a demonstrated depth of knowledge and practical experience in elder law matters. When you come to Southern Waters Legal for elder law advice, you can be confident you are working with a solicitor of the highest standing in this field.
Why Choose Southern Waters Legal for Elder Law
- Offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD — serving clients across the Sutherland Shire
- Sensitive, unhurried approach to complex and often emotional family situations
- Experienced in NCAT guardianship and financial management applications
- Trusted by families and individuals across the Sutherland Shire since 2009
- Consultations available in person, by phone and by video call
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney and why do I need one?
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that appoints a trusted person to manage your legal and financial affairs if you lose capacity. Unlike a general power of attorney, it continues to operate even if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. Having one in place can help avoid the need for a formal NCAT guardianship application later, and gives you peace of mind that your affairs will be managed by someone you trust.
What should I do if I am concerned about elder abuse?
If you are concerned that an older person is being financially exploited or mistreated, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We can advise on the legal options available, which may include applying to NCAT, seeking orders in relation to existing Powers of Attorney, or working with relevant authorities. All enquiries are treated with strict confidentiality.
What does a retirement village contract involve?
Retirement village contracts in NSW are governed by the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (NSW) and the Retirement Villages Regulation 2025 (NSW), and can be complex. They typically address ingoing contributions (entry payments), recurrent charges (ongoing fees), exit entitlements, and obligations relating to the condition of premises on exit. We strongly recommend obtaining independent legal advice before signing any retirement village agreement. Our team has specialist knowledge in this area and can help you understand what you are agreeing to before you commit.
When does a guardianship application become necessary?
If a person loses capacity to make decisions and has not previously appointed an Enduring Guardian, a family member or other person may need to apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a guardianship or financial management order. This process can take time and can be stressful for families, which is why planning ahead with an Appointment of Enduring Guardian is so important.
Our Elder Law team supports clients across Cronulla, Menai, the Sutherland Shire, and Sydney CBD.
We offer consultations in person at any of our three offices, as well as by phone or video call, to make things as convenient and accessible as possible for you and your family.
Enquire about elder law in Cronulla, Menai or Sydney CBD
OUR ELDER LAW SOLICITORS
Areas We Service
Cronulla | Sutherland | Miranda | Caringbah | Menai | Engadine | Gymea | Kirrawee | Sylvania | Como | Jannali | Bonnet Bay | Woolooware | Kurnell | Bundeena | Maianbar | Lilli Pilli | Port Hacking | Grays Point | Burraneer | Caringbah South | Dolans Bay | Yowie Bay | Woronora | Woronora Heights | Lucas Heights | Bangor | Barden Ridge | Illawong | Alfords Point | Sydney CBD
TESTIMONIALS
LEGAL INSIGHTS
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When Should You Update Your Will? Key Life Events That Trigger a Review
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