Whyte Just Moore Lawyers

02/09/2026

Next to the red door at 27 Malop St, you can still see the faded 'WJM' on a silver plaque.
This is where Whyte, Just & Moore operated for 120 years.

The firm began on Yarra St in 1877, relocated to this Malop St office in 1904, and then moved to our current home on Brougham St in 2024.

Next year, we'll be celebrating 150 years of Whyte, Just & Moore.
A century and a half of serving the Geelong community.

This plaque is a nice reminder that some of our current clients are descendants of people who first walked into the Whyte, Just & Moore office over 100 years ago.

27/08/2026

Family members refusing to leave an estate property is one of the more difficult situations executors and co-owners deal with. It's emotional, it often involves people you care about, and it requires a lot of compassion to handle well.

It also requires knowing the legal process. Living in a property, even for years, doesn't create ownership rights, and there are clear steps available to recover possession when it's needed.

We've written a guide covering the process, timeframes, and what to do if the person claims a financial stake in the property.

Read it here:

A beneficiary or family member won't leave a deceased estate property in Victoria? Here's the legal process for executors and owners to recover possession.

27/08/2026

What's the difference between a conveyancer and a property lawyer?

A licensed conveyancer can legally handle standard property transfers, including buying, selling, and title transfers.

A property lawyer can do that, plus advise on disputes, complex contracts, development structures, leasing, and any legal issues that arise during or after a transaction.

If there's any complexity involved, a property lawyer gives you more coverage.

19/08/2026

When a business starts experiencing financial pressure, the instinct is often to wait and see if things improve.

But early intervention almost always produces better outcomes than late intervention.
Business partners who seek advice quickly have more options available to them, including restructuring, voluntary administration, or other processes designed to protect the business and manage creditor relationships.

Waiting until things have escalated significantly can close those doors.

Will Punivalu, Principal at Whyte, Just & Moore, is an ARITA-accredited insolvency specialist, a qualification held by a small number of practitioners in Victoria.
If your business is under financial pressure, or you're a creditor dealing with an insolvency matter, his team can help you understand where you stand and what comes next.

Get in touch with Whyte, Just & Moore to arrange a conversation.

13/08/2026

We're so glad Ben and the team could achieve a great outcome for this client.

If you're in the midst of a business dispute (or foresee potential for one in the future), come see us at Whyte, Just & Moore.

10/08/2026

Why is it better to see a lawyer before you go into business with someone, rather than after things have gone wrong?

Our Principal and Commercial Disputes Lawyer, Will Punivalu, explains.

05/08/2026

What happens if you die without a will? Let's dispel a few myths.

05/08/2026

People assume that if you die without a will, your estate goes to the people you love.

Not always.

When there's no will, Victorian law follows a fixed order of distribution.
It starts with your partner and children. If there's no partner or children, it moves through parents, then siblings, grandparents, then the wider family.

For families with complicated situations, the outcome can surprise everyone.

We've written a guide that explains the order of distribution, how superannuation fits in, and what to do first if someone close to you has died without a will.

Read it here:

A Geelong law firm's guide to intestacy in Victoria: who inherits when there's no will, and what to do if you're dealing with it now.

03/08/2026

We are delighted to mark a momentous occasion in the history of Whyte Just & Moore.

Alison Mitchell has been appointed as Partner, achieving a historic milestone as the first woman to hold this position in our 150‑year history. Throughout her many years with WJM, Alison has been a trusted and respected member of our team, known for her exceptional legal insight, compassionate approach, and dedication to guiding our Wills & Estates clients through complex and sensitive matters.

Please join us in celebrating Alison’s well‑deserved promotion and this momentous chapter in our firm’s story.

29/07/2026

Grief and conflict don't mix well.

Estate disputes are among the most emotionally difficult legal matters a family can face. They're also more common than most people expect, and they come with strict deadlines.

Aaron Jolly is an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates.
If you have questions about a will dispute, a superannuation death benefit, an executor's conduct, or a family provision claim, Aaron and the team at Whyte, Just & Moore can help you understand your position.