Trent Wakerley

OVERVIEW

Trent came to law a little later in life and was previously a Registered Nurse.

He worked with Sunshine Coast’s largest law firm at the time, from 2005 and after being admitted as a solicitor in 2006 remained there until 2015 gaining experience in wills & estates, will disputes, elder law, commercial and property law.

In 2015, Trent became a Partner at Kruger Law. In addition to leading the wills & estates team, Trent continued to assist clients with his expertise in Retirement Living, Lifestyle Resorts and Aged Care matters.

In July 2021, Trent became the sole Director of Kruger Law.

Known for his empathy and understanding, Trent is respected for his passion and commitment to assisting his clients in a calm, focussed, cost effective manner.

Trent is the winner of Queensland Solicitor of the Year (Small Firm) 2024 at the Queensland Law Society Excellence in Law Awards.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Estate Planning

Trent assists in all aspects of estate planning from simple to complex.

Trent assists clients with:

• wills including basic wills, testamentary trusts and special disability trusts
• enduring powers of attorney and advance health directives
• superannuation matters including binding death benefit nominations
• general powers of attorney
• deeds of succession for controlling positions in trusts including Principals and Appointors
• Supreme Court Applications for Statutory Wills for people who do not have capacity to make a Will – Trent was instructing solicitor in one of Queensland leading statutory Will cases – McKay v McKay [2011] QSC 230.

Probate and Estate Administration

Trent is often complemented on his kindness, empathy and calmness when assisting clients though estate administration challenges.  Trent has considerable experience in estate administration as he is often an executor and has experience as a Court appointed administrator.

Trent assists clients with:

• Probate, Letters of Administration and Intestacy matters
• Dealing with Superannuation funds and Death Benefit claims
• Transmission Applications and dealing with Titles Queensland
• Advice on obligations of Executors and Administrators
• Identifying and calling in estate assets and dealing with relevant entities
• Identifying and determining valid estate debts
• Accurate estate distribution to beneficiaries
• Applications to the Court for estate related matters such as:
  • Seeking a ‘copy’ of Will to be admitted to Probate (where the original cannot be located)
  • Informal Will Applications
  • Interpretation of ambiguous terms in a Will – (usually a DIY Will)
  • Directions on how an executor should proceed with estate administration.

 Estate Litigation and Will Disputes

Trent is particularly passionate about Estate Litigation and Will disputes.  His calm, focussed, and cost-effective approach achieves the best outcome for his clients.

Trent assists with all aspects of Will disputes and Estate litigation including:

• Challenging the validity of a Will including disputes about testamentary capacity and undue influence
• Filing Caveats in the Supreme Court
• Seeking further provision from the estate or assisting the executor to defend a Family Provision Application
• Disputes between co-executors
• Disputes between executors and beneficiaries
• Challenging the decision of a superannuation fund trustee regarding payment of benefits
• Disputes regarding the actions of an attorney and seeking compensation for the estate.

RECOGNITION

Trent was awarded a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from QUT in 2005 and was admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland in September 2006.

Trent assisted in developing and writing the Elder Law and Succession Law elective at the University of Sunshine Coast in 2016 and has been a sessional lecturer in this course since 2016.  He remains a member of the University’s external advisory committee.

Trent is a member of the Queensland Law Society Elder Law Committee.

Trent is a life member of the Sunshine Coast Law Association, having enjoyed many years on the committee, including roles as President, Vice President and Secretary.

He is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (S.T.E.P.)

Trent is a regularly requested to present at community events for not-for-profit organisations on Wills, Will Disputes, Estate planning and Elder Law matters.

COMMUNITY

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Trent is a true local who cares deeply for the community and volunteers for several organisations.

He is a Life Member of Kawana Rugby League Club and is a current judiciary member and former Board member for Sunshine Coast Gympie Rugby League.

He is an active patrol member for Kawana Surf Lifesaving Club and assists with Age Manager roles and Water Safety for Nippers.

Trent is a former member of the Buddina School Council and Bokarina Neighbourhood Watch.