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  • Home
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    • Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Recent Posts

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27/90 Mona Vale Road, Warriewood NSW 2102

Services

Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Elder Law
Family Law
Wills & Estates
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Jessica Ross M De Mestre

Jessica Ross

Paralegal

Jess is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws at the Australian Catholic University and is a valued member of our team. Jess brings a thoughtful, organised and client focused approach to her role.

Willow Profile Pic

Willow

Office Support Dog

Willow is our much-loved office support dog, known for her calm presence and friendly nature. She plays an important role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for clients, often available to offer comfort, a friendly greeting, or simply a moment of ease during what can sometimes be a stressful time.

Helen Petratos

Helen Petratos

Office Manager

Helen brings valuable experience from the real estate industry, equipping her with strong organisational skills and a client-focused approach. As our Office Manager, Helen is the first point of contact for client enquiries and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless day-to-day operation of the firm. Her professionalism, efficiency, and approachable nature help create a welcoming and supportive experience for every client. Outside of the office, Helen enjoys spending time with her four children.

Monique Rubino Profile Pic

Monique Rubino

Paralegal

Monique is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University and is a valued member of our team. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, diligence, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Monique’s proactive attitude and growing legal knowledge enable her to provide meaningful support across a range of matters while continuing to develop her professional skills.

Parliamentary Inquiries

General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2, Submission for Inquiry into Elder Abuse in NSW

Newspaper Articles

Financial Review, The reason so many adult children are challenging wills

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-sydney-mother-cut-her-kids-out-of-a-2-million-inheritance-they-fought-back-20260618-p60809.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/how-a-handshake-deal-between-friends-at-a-sydney-shopping-centre-delivered-one-8m-20260506-p5zu89.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-woman-misappropriated-1-million-after-inheritance-fight-with-brothers-20251208-p5nlvz.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/boxing-day-epiphany-how-christmas-lunch-can-spark-family-inheritance-feuds-20251103-p5n7dt.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-sydney-woman-waged-a-court-battle-over-a-3m-estate-she-faces-a-huge-bill-20251022-p5n4ij.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-shipping-dynasty-and-the-500-million-inheritance-battle-20260306-p5o858.html

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-sydney-man-a-surprise-daughter-and-the-12-million-estate-20250917-p5mvoj.html

https://www.thebrieflaw.com.au/post/electronic-wills-in-australia-a-brave-new-world

https://www.afr.com/wealth/personal-finance/my-father-left-me-out-of-his-will-what-can-i-do-20250630-p5mbb1

Linda De Mestre Profile Pic

Linda de Mestre

Linda has been in the legal industry for over thirty years.

Linda commenced her career as a registration clerk and has had exposure to a variety of facets in the legal industry including but not limited to secretarial work, finance and accounting.

In her spare time Linda is a mother to five adult children and grandmother to four grandchildren.

Ally Etherington Profile Pic

Ally Etherington

Ally is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University maintaining a distinction average in her degree. With a strong passion to help people she is committed to applying empathy and legal knowledge to understand the needs of our clients.

Playing in the highest competition of netball in NSW, Ally has strong team-work ethic and organizational skills that assist working in a team to problem solve and create the best outcome for our clients.

Podcast Appearances

Boutique Lawyer Show, The need for collaboration in elder law matters

Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network: Protege: There are so many opportunities, if you just look for them (Spotify)

Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network: Protégé: ‘There are so many opportunities, if you just look for them’ (libsyn.com)

Retire Right, Elder Abuse: what are the signs & what to do

Thrive in Business, The Shocking Truth: Why Only 24% of Australians Have a Will with Mary-Ann de Mestre

Your aged care compass, ‘Elder Abuse with MaryAnn de Mestre and Nicholas Donnelly’ 23 July 2024

Awards

Winner of Academic/Researcher of the Year 2024

Finalist for Partner of the Year Wills & Estates 2024

Finalist for Academic of the Year 2023

Nominated for a CLM Inspire Award 2024

Academic Position at Macquarie University Convenor of Succession Law

https://unitguides.mq.edu.au/unit_offerings/157571/unit_guide

Publications

de Mestre, MaryAnn, ‘Probate Challenges in Cross-Jurisdictional Wills’ STEP Newsletter 25 June 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann & Kha, Henry “Testamentary undue influence in Australia: should it be reformed?” | Trusts & Trustees | Oxford Academic (oup.com), 13 Apr 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann “Exploring the Legal Implications of Electronic Wills” LSJ Online, 2 Feb 2024

de Mestre, Mary-Ann “Construction of a Will & A Solicitor’s Responsibility” LSJ Online, 16 Jan 2023

de Mestre, Mary-Ann, Ethics in Elder Law and Substitute Decision Making; “Preparation, Execution and Use of Powers of Attorney” presentation, International Legal Ethics Conference VII, Fordham University, New York (2016)

de Mestre, MaryAnn “Editorial” (2015) 9 Elder Law Review, Article 1 de Mestre, Mary-Ann – — “Developments in Case Law on Human Rights & the Older Person: Nicholson v Knaggs [2009] VSC 64” (2015) 9 Elder Law Review Article 6

de Mestre, MaryAnn, Field Sue UWS, “Inquiry into Elder Abuse in NSW” 13/11/2015

de Mestre, MaryAnn “Supported Decision Making as an Alternative to Guardianship Orders” (2014) 8 Elder Law Review

de Mestre, Undue Influence after Bosschieter v Howitt Can the Remedy by Simplified? LSJ Online 14 March 2025

 
Digital Assets in Wills navigating the intersection of technology and succession law
https://lsj.com.au/articles/digital-assets-in-wills-navigating-the-intersection-of-technology-and-succession-law/
 
Solicitors rules and ethical responsibilities when dealing with older clients
https://lsj.com.au/articles/solicitors-rules-and-ethical-responsibilities-when-dealing-with-older-clients/
 
Undue influence after Bosschieter v Howitt can the remedy be simplified
https://lsj.com.au/articles/undue-influence-after-bosschieter-v-howitt-can-the-remedy-be-simplified/
Maryann De Mestre Profile Pic

MaryAnn de Mestre

Principal & Sessional Academic

MaryAnn de Mestre is the Principal Lawyer of M de Mestre Lawyers and a recognised voice in wills and estates, estate litigation, and elder law.

She is known for taking a strategic, no-nonsense approach to complex legal disputes, particularly in family disputes, estate litigation, and family provision claims. While MaryAnn maintains a broad general practice, she has developed a strong reputation for her work in resolving highly sensitive and high-stakes matters involving families and estates.

MaryAnn combines sharp legal insight with decisive action, guiding clients through challenging and often emotionally charged situations with clarity and confidence.

An award-winning academic, MaryAnn was named Academic of the Year (Macquarie University) at the Women in Law Awards. She brings intellectual rigour and real-world strategy to every matter, ensuring her clients are not only protected but strategically positioned for the best possible outcome. MaryAnn has also been appointed as a court-appointed expert in estates and professional negligence, reflecting the trust placed in her expertise and professional judgment.

She is frequently sought after for her legal commentary and regularly appears on ABC Radio and 2SM. Her insights have also been featured in leading publications including the Australian Financial Review, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald, where she provides commentary on legal issues impacting individuals and families. MaryAnn has a particular interest in elder abuse awareness and prevention and is committed to using her platform to educate, advocate, and drive meaningful change within the legal profession and broader community.

She leads a modern, forward-thinking law firm that challenges traditional approaches delivering practical, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s circumstances.