ALLARS MOTTEE & HANNAFORD SOLICITORS
Five Dock
Corner of Great North Road & First Avenue Five Dock circa 1916
About allars mottee & hannaford Solicitors
Welcome to Allars, Mottee & Hannaford Solicitors, a dedicated team of legal professionals committed to providing comprehensive and personalized legal solutions. With years of experience and a strong reputation in the community, we are proud to stand as trusted advisors for individuals, families, and businesses alike.
At Allars, Mottee & Hannaford, we pride ourselves on our client-first approach. We understand that navigating legal matters can be complex and, at times, overwhelming. That’s why our mission is to simplify the process, offering clear guidance, practical advice, and effective representation tailored to your unique circumstances.
Our Expertise
Our diverse team of lawyers and legal specialists brings together expertise in:
Property Law & Conveyancing: From buying your first home to managing complex commercial property transactions, our team ensures a smooth and stress-free process.
Wills & Estate Planning: Helping you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones with thoughtful planning and advice.
Family Law: Supporting families with compassionate and effective solutions during life’s most challenging transitions.
Commercial Law: Assisting businesses with contracts, disputes, and strategic legal advice to help them thrive.
Litigation: Providing strong and strategic representation in civil and commercial disputes to protect your interests.
Five Dock Community
Allars Mottee & Hannaford Solicitors, is proud to be an active and dedicated member of the Five Dock community. We believe in giving back and supporting the people and organizations that make our community thrive. From local initiatives to broader community events, we are passionate about fostering connections and making a positive impact.
We welcome sponsorship and partnership opportunities from community groups and organizations. Whether you’re planning a local event, running a community program, or seeking support for a cause, we would be delighted to explore how we can collaborate to strengthen our shared community.
Five Dock, Rodd Point, Russell Lea, Drummoyne, Ashfield, Croydon, Haberfield, Summer Hill, Canada Bay, Wareemba, Abbotsford, Concord, Mortlake, Croydon Park
Family Law services
At AMH Solicitors, we provide comprehensive family law services in Sydney. Our team of experienced family solicitors is dedicated to offering personalised legal support, ensuring your rights and interests are protected during life's challenging moments.
Why Choose Our Family Law Services?
Expertise in Family Law: Our solicitors have extensive experience in handling a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, property settlements, and more.
Personalised Support: We understand that every family situation is unique and offer tailored legal solutions to meet your specific needs.
Compassionate and Confidential Service: Our approach is both empathetic and discreet, ensuring a comfortable environment for our clients.
Services We Offer:
Divorce and Separation: Professional guidance through the legal process of divorce and separation.
Child Custody and Support: Assistance in negotiating custody arrangements and child support.
Property and Financial Settlements: Expert advice on dividing assets and finances during separation.
Spousal Maintenance:
Contact Us for an online or face to face consultation if you're facing a family law issue.
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Wills & Estates Services
At AMH Solicitors, we are experts in navigating the complex and often emotional disputes surrounding contested wills and estates. Our team of expert solicitors is dedicated to providing you with professional and empathetic support during these challenging times.
Why Allars Mottee & Hannaford?
Expertise in Estate Law: Our solicitors possess extensive experience in contested wills, estate planning, and probate matters.
Personalised Approach: We offer bespoke solutions, understanding that each case is unique.
Compassionate Service: We handle your case with sensitivity and respect, recognising the emotional weight of these disputes.
Our Services Include:
Will Disputes: Assistance with challenging or defending the validity of a will.
Probate & Estate Administration: Guidance through the process of probate and estate distribution.
Wills: We will draft simple and complex wills for clients ensuring your legacy is looked after.
Power of Attorney: A Power of Attorney provides is an essential estate planning tool. It ensures those who have your best interests at heart get to make your financial decisions when you no longer are able.
Enduring Guardianship: An Enduring Guardianship will provide your loved ones with the power to navigate your care decisions when you can no longer manage it.
Mediation and Litigation: Expert representation in court and through alternative dispute resolution methods for estate disputes.
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Conveyancing
At Allars Mottee & Hannaford, we provide comprehensive Conveyancing services for the purchase and sale of residential, commercial and SMSF properties.
100% Digital Service
We can run your matter remotely as we offer:
Secure online verification of identity;
Electronic signing of documents;
Electronic settlement;
Free Contract review
As a goodwill gesture, we offer free contract reviews so you can have the confidence and peace of mind when buying.
Fixed Fee Service
We charge a fixed fee for our conveyancing service and disbursements at cost. Our fees are deducted from your settlement funds.
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Ben Wilding
Principal Lawyer & Director
Ben Wilding, the Principal Lawyer at Allars Mottee & Hannaford Solicitors, brings a unique blend of educational and legal expertise to his practice. Before transitioning to law, Ben spent 12 years as a high school teacher, imparting knowledge in PDHPE and Mathematics. His passion for law, however, was ever-present, leading him to pursue legal studies full-time during the night while maintaining his teaching career during the day.
His dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, as he serves on the advisory council at his old school, CBHS Lewisham. This commitment to community is further evidenced in his role as the President of the local rugby league club for three years, reflecting his deep love for sports, particularly rugby league and cricket.
In his legal career, Ben specialises predominantly in Education Law, Family Law, Wills/Estates, and Property/Commercial Law. His approach is informed by his diverse background, offering a compassionate, understanding, and highly knowledgeable perspective to his clients. As a father of two, Ben understands the importance of family and brings this sensitivity to his practice, particularly in family law matters.
His journey from education to law highlights his dedication to lifelong learning and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making him a trusted and respected figure in his community and the legal field.
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John Hannaford
Special Counsel
John Hannaford is a distinguished solicitor with decades of experience and a deep commitment to serving the community. Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales on 27 July 1973, John is an expert in property law, leasing, wills, estates, and probate.
Originally from Cowra, John attended boarding school at Scots College before completing his Bachelor of Laws at the Australian National University (ANU). In 1991, he established his practice in Five Dock and took over from Con Mottee in 1997. Over the years, John has become a trusted legal advisor, serving up to three generations in some families—a testament to his dedication and the respect he has earned in the community.
John's passion for people and exceptional service delivery set him apart, making him the most respected solicitor in Five Dock. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his growing family and playing golf, a pastime he indulges in more often than not.
For your convenience, John is available for appointments on either Tuesday or Thursday.
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Imelda Murphy
Imelda Murphy - Biography
Imelda Murphy has been a dedicated member of Allars, Mottee & Hannaford for an incredible 32 years. As the firm’s legal secretary specialising in probate and estate matters, Imelda is an indispensable asset, renowned for her expertise and efficiency. Affectionately known as the "guru of the office," she ensures everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes.
Imelda’s decades of experience and meticulous attention to detail make her the trusted go-to for clients and colleagues alike. Her commitment to excellence and approachable demeanour have made her a cornerstone of the firm, supporting generations of families with professionalism and care.
With Imelda at the helm of all things probate and estates, clients can rest assured they are in the most capable hands.
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Emily Gathercole
Paralegal
About Emily: Emily Gathercole is a dedicated and ambitious law student currently pursuing her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Notre Dame Australia, with an expected graduation in November 2025. Emily is eager to contribute her strong organisational, research, and teamwork skills to the legal profession. Her commitment to excellence and passion for the law is evident through her academic achievements and work experience.
Experience: Since commencing her legal career in March 2024, Emily has been an integral part of the team at Allars Mottee & Hannaford Solicitors. During this time, she has gained valuable experience attending to Family Law matters, conveyancing, as well as wills, estates, and probate matters. Her role at Allars Mottee & Hannaford Solicitors has allowed her to apply her legal research and writing skills in a practical setting while continuing to build her knowledge and expertise in various areas of law.