Principal

Aaron Jolly

Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates

Aaron Jolly is a Principal at WJM Lawyers, specialising in Wills & Estates with a focus on litigation and dispute resolution. With over a decade of experience, Aaron is recognised for his in-depth knowledge and his ability to provide practical legal solutions in complex, high stakes matters. He has earned a reputation for his clear communication and trusted advice, particularly in cases involving disputed estates, complex succession planning, and estate administration.

Aaron’s approach to law is centred on building strong, trusting relationships with his clients. He prioritises clear communication and a problem-solving mindset, ensuring that his clients feel supported through complex legal matters. Known for his calm under pressure, Aaron's steady hand is invaluable in resolving disputes and navigating sensitive estate matters.

Expertise

Wills & Estates:

  • Will and Estate disputes

  • Succession Planning including the preparation of Wills and testamentary trusts

  • Enduring Powers of Attorney

  • Appointments of Medical Treatment Decision Maker

  • Superannuation including Self-Managed Superannuation Funds and Disputes

  • Complex Estate Administration including applications for probate and other grants of representation

  • Trusts and Trust Disputes

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Qualifications:

  • Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

  • Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics and International Trade)

Accreditations & Awards

Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates 

Aaron is a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates, a prestigious designation that recognises his superior knowledge, experience, and expertise in this area of law. This accreditation is only awarded to lawyers who meet stringent criteria, including substantial experience in the field, ongoing professional development, and a demonstrated track record in handling complex Wills & Estates matters. As an Accredited Specialist, Aaron is among a select group of lawyers in Victoria with the highest qualifications in this area of practice, offering clients a level of legal expertise they can trust. 

Law Institute of Victoria President’s Award for Outstanding Service (2021) 

Aaron was honoured with this prestigious award for his exceptional and voluntary contributions to the legal profession and the community. His leadership of the Geelong Law Association was widely recognised for driving change, fostering transparency, and promoting member engagement through initiatives like CPD offerings, social events, and digitisation of GLA systems. 

Community Involvement

Director, Catherine Gray Trust

Aaron is a Director of the Catherine Gray Trust, a private charitable organisation based in Geelong that supports a variety of causes, including wildlife welfare, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and assistance for victims of disaster. 

Eleanor’s Gift to St John of God Hospital Geelong Special
Care Nursery 

Aaron is also involved in Eleanor’s Gift, a fundraising initiative aimed at raising money for specialised equipment for the St John of God Hospital Geelong Special Care Nursery, helping critically ill newborns stay in Geelong rather than be transported to Melbourne. 

Professional Leadership

Aaron served as President of the Geelong Law Association from 2015 to 2021. Under his leadership, the association transformed into a modern, connected, and innovative organisation, delivering significant benefits to its members and the wider community. He was instrumental in implementing new initiatives such as Mental Health and Wellbeing Month and enhancing the professional development and social opportunities for the legal community. 

Notable Cases

Aaron has been involved in numerous significant cases, including:

Existence of Charitable Trust

 

Re Irving; McCann v Lamb [2019] VSC 594

acting for trustees to determine whether a valid charitable trust was created in 1926 over land in Ceres and whether the trust should be applied cy-près given the land could no longer be used for its original purpose.

 

Family Provision Claim acting for Estate

 

Re Dodson; Dodson v Dodson [2019] VSC 833

acting for the executors in the successful defence of a family provision claim made by an adult son. The Court found the deceased’s Will did provide the adult son with adequate provision by way of a right of residence and a fund held on trust by the executors. The Court subsequently ordered all costs be paid from the fund established for the unsuccessful claimant and that the adult son reimburse the estate for unpaid rent owed to the deceased.

Family Provision Claim acting for claimant

 

Re Finnie; Petrovska v Morrison [2021] VSC 9

acting for a plaintiff in a successful family provision claim against the estate of her long-term domestic partner. The Court awarded the plaintiff 40% of the net estate in a relatively small estate with strong competing needs from the beneficiaries of the Will.

Admission of deathbed letter as final Will

 

Re Holloway [2022] VSC 181

acting for the executor in a case concerning the admission to probate of an informal testamentary document which was ultimately determined to be an informal codicil. The Court’s decision reinforced the importance of testamentary intention over strict formalities, illustrating how courts can exercise discretion in ensuring a deceased’s wishes are honoured despite technical irregularities.

Get in touch

We’re dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions with unwavering expertise and trusted guidance.

Contact Us

Our office is located at Level 2, 100 Brougham St, Geelong. Parking is available on the front of the building or on the adjoining streets.
Upon arrival, please proceed to the ground floor lobby and dial 201 on the intercom to the left of the lifts. Our Reception will then grant you access to the lifts. 


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