About Our Will Dispute Lawyers

GMP Contesting Wills Lawyers is a division of Gerard Malouf and Partners Lawyers, who have over 40 friendly staff that speak your language; English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Greek, Serbian, Armenian, Croation & Macedonian.

We have been providing friendly service to the community for over 26 years. Below are the profiles of two of our lawyers practice in the area of law contesting wills.

David Cossalter - Solicitor

David began working as a solicitor for Gerard Malouf upon completion of his Master of Law and Legal Practice Degree in 2007. He has previously worked for the major commercial law firms and after identifying how profit driven these firms were, David came to Gerard Malouf with the knowledge that Gerard Malouf is a client based firm which aims at ensuring the client receives maximum benefit from their solicitor and representing firm. David is a strong negotiator who will put every effort in the endeavour to settle your claim prior to court proceedings, but he also thrives in a court room ready to ensure client?s rights are pursued when negotiations do not succeed.

David?s areas of practice include insurance litigation claims, however his main focus, drive and special interest is founded in Family Provisions claims and Contesting of Wills. David derives satisfaction from obtaining a result for children or family members who have unfairly been cut out of a Will as well as succeeding in claims against corporate giants and insurance companies, who try to diminish the rights of the average person.

David has an exceptional settlement record within the Family Provisions and Contesting of Wills realm, and has obtained results exceeding the expectations of our clients in both NSW and QLD. A particular matter that comes to mind is a matter where a child of a deceased was allowed to live in a house rent free for the remainder of her life, however no provision was made for her well being, and being on a pension such a provision was essential. The net value of the estate was approximately $1,200,000.00. After discussions with the estate and the other beneficiaries David was able to secure our client a 1/3 share of the net value of the estate, being approximately $400,000.00.

Another notable matter that comes to mind is where 3 siblings were left out of the Will of their abusive father, whom left all funds to the RSPCA and Salvation Army. After the commencement of proceedings and lengthy settlement discussions, keeping in mind that our clients did not want to take too much money away from the charities, David was able to secure the clients $100,000.00 each from an estate that had a net worth of $800,000.00.

In his time at Gerard Malouf and Partners David has become our key Solicitor in dealing with Family Provisions and Contesting of Wills cases. ?I like to ensure that those who are in need receive what they deserve, I do not like dealing with claims that are merely pursued to obtain funds from the estate. If a person is in need or disadvantaged because they have been left out of a Will, I will do everything in my power to fight for them.? This view is a key belief of Gerard Malouf and Partners, and is in line with our undertaking to fight for the disadvantaged and not to pursue frivolous claims.

David is also fluent in Italian and should you have difficulty with English, David is able to assist you in understanding the complex nature of your claim.

On a personal note, David enjoys travelling, playing poker with friends, good dinning and Football (Soccer).

Gerard Malouf - Principal Solicitor

It has been said; ?leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them? and this would be one of the ways to best describe Gerard Malouf. Gerard grew up in an environment where excellence, consideration of others and a sense of justice were demonstrated. His father, a specialist medical practitioner, instilled values and beliefs in his children, about themselves and others, that developed and shaped Gerard into the leader he is today.

Gerard has been a legal practitioner and an Accredited Personal Injury/Negligence specialist for over 25 years. The belief system that governs both his private and professional life is: ? Anyone can achieve anything in life if they set goals, put effort in and pray. Never be afraid to help those around you and use the skills and powers that you have to do good for others, as it will find its way back to you some day. If you live by this motto you will have nothing to hide from and live a happy and peaceful life. ?Success and happiness is not merely luck, but comes about through a great deal of hard work and commitment?.

The belief system that he has instilled into the firm is that ?if we cannot help the client and show them love and some understanding and compassion, then we might as well be not practising law. We need to impart warmth, compassion and ?love? to each other and every person that comes to our office door and show them respect?. These attributes are partly responsible for Gerard having opened various offices throughout NSW & QLD.

Gerard studied a Combined Arts & Law Degree, majoring in politics at the NSW University, Randwick. He became an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury in 1993 and is the founding member of the Australian Plaintiffs Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association (Excellence in Advocacy) and as well as a member of the Brain Injury Association.

A father of 4, Gerard's interest range from Rugby, camping, hunting, water skiing, game fishing, sports car racing and motor cross riding.

Richele Nelson - Solicitor

Richele Nelsen graduated from her combined degree in Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Criminology in 2010 obtained at the University of Western Sydney. Combing Social Science with Law has provided Richele with a unique view and understanding of all demographics allowing her to relate and empathise with her clients and their situation.

Richele obtained outstanding achievements in her studies, including winning the de Groots award for exceptional results in Wills & Succession Law. She has continued with this drive and determination in her work at Gerard Malouf and Partners.

Richele is determined to help those who have been injured or mistreated obtain the favourable and fair result they deserve. Strong willed and motivated, Richele will aggressively pursue the best result for each and every client she represents.

Under the guidance of the senior solicitors at Gerard Malouf and Partners Richele has been able to develop her understanding and experience in the firm’s areas of practice. Richele’s main areas of practice include Motor Vehicle Accidents, Public Liability, Workers Compensation and Wills.

When Richele isn’t working hard at the office, in her spare time she enjoys playing soccer and spending time with her friends at the beach.

Garbis Kolokossian - Solicitor

The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done today. - Abraham Lincoln"

With this as a guiding foundation to Garbis Kolokossian work ethic you can rest assure that he will endeavour whole heartedly to achieve justice for the clients he works for by making sure everything that needs to be done has been done.

Garbis has been extremely successful in representing the interests of his client with a no hold back rule. You can rest assure that if you have Garbis working on your case you will have a great lawyer, a strong advocate and a very competent negotiator. In his time at Gerard Malouf and Partners Family Provisions Department, Garbis has settled over 90% of his cases leading to greater results for clients, lower costs and an overall high satisfaction rate.

Garbis is one of the most motivated lawyers at our firm with a hunger for success. Garbis believes “all people that are eligible to seek further provision under the estate deserve the best lawyers to represent them without being limited because of the cost of legal representation. That’s where we come in, we are the best in the industry and we provide great service at affordable rates payable on successful completion of your case”.

In his spare time Garbis Kolokossian is a member of the Australian Defence Force, plays Basketball, indoor soccer, has a great interest in world politics and when he is not training with the army , playing sport or reading he is going out with friends and family and even enjoys the odd poker tournament.

Garbis Kolokossian is fluent in Armenian should you have difficulty with English.

Get Good Legal Advice

Contact GMP Contesting Wills Lawyers to book a free first consultation. At the first consultation we will discuss with you in a professional friendly manner the details of your situation and advise you if and how you should proceed.