About

Over 30 years experience in Succession Law

Andrew Woods believes that in an increasingly complex world, one should focus on one's strengths.



In 2020, with over 30 years of experience, Andrew commenced Woods Wills Lawyers to enable him to focus on his areas of expertise and provide high quality, efficient and economical advice in wills, estates, succession law and VCAT Guardianship List matters.

Andrew R Woods, TEP

Accredited Specialist (Wills and Estates) Victoria
TEP - Society of Trusts & Estates Practitioners

Over 30 years experience in Succession Law

Andrew Woods believes that in an increasingly complex world, one should focus on one's strengths.



In 2020, with over 30 years of experience, Andrew commenced Woods Wills Lawyers to enable him to focus on his areas of expertise and provide high quality, efficient and economical advice in wills, estates, succession law and VCAT Guardianship List matters.

Andrew R Woods, TEP

Accredited Specialist (Wills and Estates) Victoria
TEP - Society of Trusts & Estates Practitioners

Wills and Estates – Times have changed

Andrew's first exposure to succession law was through his grandfather, who was a Wills Officer with a Trustee Company in the late 1960s and early 1970s.



In those times, society was very orderly and lifespans were comparatively modest. 



Since then, as society has become more diverse, succession law issues have become a lot more complicated.

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    Increased life expectancy, coupled with increased divorce rates, remarriage and the recognition of de facto and same-sex relationships has resulted in far more complex family structures.


    This area of law involves a great deal of contact with a huge variety of different people. No two clients are the same and Andrew obtains a great deal of satisfaction in providing advice and solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of its clients.


    After qualifying in the 1980s, Andrew spent two years in a country legal practice before returning to Melbourne to work with Equity Trustees for over 16 years. Andrew initially became an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates with the Law Institute of Victoria in 1998.

Wills and Estates – Times have changed

Andrew's first exposure to succession law was through his grandfather, who was a Wills Officer with a Trustee Company in the late 1960s and early 1970s.



In those times, society was very orderly and lifespans were comparatively modest. 



Since then, as society has become more diverse, succession law issues have become a lot more complicated.

  • Read More

    Increased life expectancy, coupled with increased divorce rates, remarriage and the recognition of de facto and same-sex relationships has resulted in far more complex family structures.


    This area of law involves a great deal of contact with a huge variety of different people. No two clients are the same and Andrew obtains a great deal of satisfaction in providing advice and solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of its clients.


    After qualifying in the 1980s, Andrew spent two years in a country legal practice before returning to Melbourne to work with Equity Trustees for over 16 years. Andrew initially became an Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates with the Law Institute of Victoria in 1998.

International experience

Between 2001 and 2011, Andrew lived and worked overseas, managing the Wills and Estates section of the Private Client department of a large law firm in Bermuda. 

 

During his time in Bermuda, Andrew dealt with a broad range of clients, ranging from international ultra-high net worth individuals to local clients with more modest needs.



Following his return to Victoria, Andrew regained his Victorian Specialist Accreditation in 2012. Prior to establishing Woods Wills Lawyers, Andrew practiced in the City of Melbourne in mid-tier law firms and a Trustee Company. 

International experience

Between 2001 and 2011, Andrew lived and worked overseas, managing the Wills and Estates section of the Private Client department of a large law firm in Bermuda. 

 

During his time in Bermuda, Andrew dealt with a broad range of clients, ranging from international ultra-high net worth individuals to local clients with more modest needs.



Following his return to Victoria, Andrew regained his Victorian Specialist Accreditation in 2012. Prior to establishing Woods Wills Lawyers, Andrew practiced in the City of Melbourne in mid-tier law firms and a Trustee Company. 

Qualifications and Admissions

1982 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

1982 – Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

1983 – Admitted, High Court of Australia

1992 – Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

1998 – Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

2002 - Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

2012 - Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

1982

1982

1983

1992

1998

2002

2012

2012

Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

Admitted, High Court of Australia

Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

T.E.P. – Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners 





1982

1982

1983

1992

1998


2002

2012



2012

Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

Admitted, High Court of Australia

Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

T.E.P. – Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners 





Qualifications and Admissions

1982 – Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

1982 – Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

1983 – Admitted, High Court of Australia

1992 – Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

1998 – Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

2002 - Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

2012 - Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

1982

1982

1983

1992

1998

2002

2012

2012

Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

Admitted, High Court of Australia

Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

T.E.P. – Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners 





1982

1982

1983

1992

1998


2002

2012



2012

Bachelor of Laws – University of Melbourne

Admitted, Supreme Court of Victoria

Admitted, High Court of Australia

Associate – Executor and Trustee Institute

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (lapsed on leaving for Bermuda)

Admitted, Supreme Court of Bermuda

Accredited Specialist, Wills and Estates, Victoria (on return to Victoria)

T.E.P. – Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners 





Memberships

  • The Law Institute of Victoria
  • The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). 



Andrew also serves as a committee member of the Victorian branch of STEP.

Through STEP and international contacts made during his time in Bermuda, Andrew has links to experienced practitioners throughout the world when international advice and assistance is required.

Memberships

  • The Law Institute of Victoria
  • The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). 



Andrew also serves as a committee member of the Victorian branch of STEP.

Through STEP and international contacts made during his time in Bermuda, Andrew has links to experienced practitioners throughout the world when international advice and assistance is required.

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