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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, Accredited Specialist in Elder Law, and Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates, 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.

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Elder Law Solicitors at Southern Waters Legal in Meeting
Simon Bennett, Solicitor in Elder Law, Southern Waters Legal

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.

Dual SPECIALIST ACCREDITATION IN ELDER LAW AND WILLS & ESTATES

Adeline Schiralli, Special Counsel at Southern Waters Legal, is a Law Society of NSW Accredited Specialist in Elder Law and an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates Law.

As one of the first solicitors in NSW to achieve Specialist Accreditation in Elder Law, Adeline brings recognised expertise to matters involving later-life planning, decision-making, guardianship and estate planning.

Adeline provides clear, practical and compassionate advice to help individuals and families navigate complex legal matters, protect their interests and plan confidently for the future.

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Adeline Schiralli, Elder Law at Southern Waters Legal
Business Lawyers from Southern Waters Legal in a meeting

Why Choose Southern Waters Legal for Elder Law

  • Offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD — serving clients across the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney
  • 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
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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.
Book an estate planning consultation — Southern Waters Legal Cronulla

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

Simon Bennett, Managing Director of Southern Waters Legal

Simon Bennett

Managing Director | Wills & Estates | Business, Superannuation & Taxation
Adeline Schiralli, Special Counsel at Southern Waters Legal

Adeline Schiralli

Special Counsel | Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates Law | Accredited Specialist in Elder Law
Simon Bennett, Managing Director of Southern Waters Legal

Simon Bennett

Managing Director | Wills & Estates | Business, Superannuation & Taxation
Adeline Schiralli, Special Counsel at Southern Waters Legal

Adeline Schiralli

Special Counsel | Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates Law | Accredited Specialist in Elder Law
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

“Simon, Leona and all their staff dealt with my Estate Planning and Family Law matter in such a professional manner, I cannot thank them enough. The care and patience shown to me during the time of my matters was truly amazing! Again thank you all so much.”

Glen
Estate Planning & Family Law Client

“Thank you for your very friendly and professional help in getting all of our affairs sorted in such a short time. We are very glad we came to Southern Waters Legal, ad we’re really appreciative of the professional manner and advice with which we received.”

Wayne & Margaret
Estate Planning Client

“I have been a client of Southern Waters Legal for a number of years now. It is at specific times in our lives that we really value integrity and honesty in those we deal with. Simon, Leona and the team have helped me organise our affairs at a very tough time in my life, they have provided wise counsel, legal support and hand-holding as I went through the sale of my family home and moving to new premises. I have received possibly the best financial advice that is reaping rewards for me now. Thank you to a wonderful team of professionals. Thank you”

Anne
Property Client

“I used Leona and her team’s services during an extremely difficult and stressful period of my life. They were able to guide me through the steps required from beginning to end of divorce and financial settlement and set up a plan to follow that helped to take out a lot of the anxiety around not having control over the situation. I had 100% faith at all times in Leona and her team that my best interests were always taken into consideration and I was only contacted when needed to avoid being charged unnecessarily. These guys are the dream team and highly recommend them.”

Stephanie
Family Law Client

“Family law can be very daunting but Leona Bennett removed all the confusion of the ‘legal jargon’ and step by step walked me through the family court process. Leona made it simple and I always had a full understanding of what was happening and made clear decisions for the final outcome. Leona and her team were there for me, working their wisdom to always provide greater clarity and support.”

Cheryl
Family Law Client

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for your exceptional guidance and support throughout my property settlement and divorce.

Your expertise, strategic thinking, and calm command of the process were deeply reassuring, especially during the most difficult moments. What stood out even more was your unwavering commitment to acting ethically and with integrity, even when the other side did not extend the same courtesy. That strength of character meant a great deal to me and helped me stay anchored in a process that was often emotionally and morally challenging.

Thank you for being both a skilled advocate and a steady presence. I’m deeply grateful to have had you in my corner.

Madeline
Property Law Client

I would like to say a truly heartfelt thank you for everything you did yesterday. You went above and beyond, not just in terms of the legal work, which was so thorough and professional but in the way you showed such care, calm and kindness throughout.

“This has been an incredibly emotional and complex chapter of my life, and to have someone like you guiding the final stages made all the difference. You were steady, thoughtful, and incredibly responsive.  I felt genuinely supported and looked after!

Thank you for helping me bring this to a close with grace and dignity. I’m so grateful our paths crossed.”

Maddie
Family Law Client

LEGAL INSIGHTS