Miller Harris Lawyers

30/04/2026

Our offices will be closed on Monday, 4 May 2026 in observance of the Labour Day Public Holiday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

We hope you enjoy a safe and restful long weekend.

If you need assistance while we are away, please send us an email and we’ll respond promptly once we’re back in the office.

06/02/2026

When a loved one passes away, it can be an overwhelming and emotional time, particularly if you are unsure where to start. To assist in navigating this difficult time, here is a guide to the first steps to take if you are dealing with the loss of a loved one in Australia:

1. Register the death with the Births, Deaths, and Marriages registry in your state. Once complete, you will receive a death certificate which is crucial for many of the following steps.

2. Locate the will and other important documents such as their birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any insurance policies or documents. The will is vital as it outlines the deceased's final wishes and names the executor who will manage the estate and start the legal process.

3. Seek legal advice early to make the next steps clearer and help prevent misunderstandings or disputes.

At Miller Harris Lawyers, our estate planning experts combine a wealth of experience with a sensitive approach to guide executors and beneficiaries through the estate administration process. Everyone’s personal circumstances are different, and we will work closely with you from the outset to navigate the process with the least amount of stress to all concerned.

Contact us on +61 7 4036 9700 for more information or to book an appointment.

Remember, finalising an estate can take up to 12 months or longer, depending on its complexity. Take care of yourself during this time, and don't hesitate to reach out for professional assistance if needed. To access confidential 24/7 counselling services, call:
• Lifeline Australia on 131 114
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

12/01/2026

Most of our followers know that we are avid supporters of Send Hope Not Flowers. If you are not familiar with the work it helps to fund, follow them and browse their website, and you will soon see why we are so very passionate about supporting SHNF and its project partners.

It’s a new year of fundraising and supporting small but incredible safe birth initiatives in developing countries for the team at Send Hope. But right off the bat we want to pay tribute to a team that has been quietly behind us since the very beginning of our journey into maternal health improvements almost 15 years ago, in Cairns. They raise a constant stream of donations for us and without fuss or fanfare, they have saved countless lives of mothers and babies in PNG. They do this because they are good people who want to give back. Fundraising is hard grind and these guys step in constantly (without us even asking!). Honestly we 💕💛 them. Thank you for all that you’ve done for us over the years. X

09/01/2026

Miller Harris Lawyers is delighted to announce the promotion of Adeline Wilder to Associate of the firm. Adeline has demonstrated excellence in practice through her strong advocacy, attention to detail, and pragmatism. She is constantly working to deliver the best outcomes for her clients, both in and out of court.

Adeline works within our dispute resolution team to help clients resolve employment, commercial, and contractual disputes. She acts for corporate clients and individuals. The Firm congratulates her on her well-earned promotion, and we look forward to seeing her next achievement.

03/01/2026

Miller Harris Lawyer is seeking an experienced, highly organised, and detailed-focused Legal Secretary to join our Commercial Team.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a Senior Associate on a range of commercial and property matters, gaining experience and exposure in a supportive environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who is looking to further their career in a supportive, professional, and community minded regional practice.

Key responsibilities include providing secretarial support, assisting with commercial and property transactions, preparing legal documents and correspondence, managing calendars, client communication, and file maintenance.

Key requirements:
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a legal secretary (or similar)
• Strong organisational and digital literacy skills, particularly in Microsoft Suite
• A client-oriented mindset and commitment to teamwork
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail

Why join us?
• Competitive remuneration and flexible work arrangements
• Professional growth, ongoing training, and mentorship opportunities
• Exposure to interesting, high quality work in a supportive and collaborative environment
• A friendly, team-oriented culture

For further information and to apply: https://www.millerharris.com.au/careers/commercial-legal-secretary/

Law firm with offices in Cairns and Mareeba

17/12/2025

Miller Harris Lawyers will be closed for the holiday period from 5pm Tuesday 23 December 2025, and reopen at 8.30am Monday 5 January 2026.

Wishing all our clients, colleagues, and community a safe and joyful holiday season. We look forward to working with our clients and colleagues for a successful year in 2026.

03/11/2025

Planning ahead can save your loved ones time, stress, and uncertainty later on.

Our latest blog explores the most common estate planning mistakes, from not updating your Will after life changes to overlooking key documents, and how to avoid them.
Now’s the perfect time to review your Will and make sure it still reflects your wishes. Read more on our website: https://www.millerharris.com.au/2025/11/03/estate-planning-mistakes/

31/10/2025

Lauren Doktor, Wills and Estates Partner, and Charlotte Frangos, Conveyancing Paralegal, joined the Mareeba Shire Council’s Seniors Morning Tea, connecting with locals as part of Queensland Seniors Month.

The event at Mareeba International Club was a wonderful celebration, highlighting the vibrancy and contributions of senior residents over food, entertainment, and community spirit. The morning encouraged meaningful conversations about future planning and underscored our team’s ongoing commitment to empowering North Queensland families.

Thank you to everyone who helped create such a welcoming event. We look forward to continuing our support for local seniors and delivering trusted advice in wills, estates, and elder law.

27/10/2025

Mediation plays a valuable role in helping families resolve disputes outside of court, offering a pathway to reduce conflict and reach practical solutions tailored to everyone’s needs.

At Miller Harris Lawyers, we believe mediation can:
- Encourage open and respectful communication between the parties
- Provide a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to lengthy court proceedings
- Allow parties to stay in control of the outcome instead of leaving decisions solely to a judge
- Promote healthier, long-term relationships by focusing on cooperation rather than conflict

If you are navigating a separation or family dispute, our experienced family law team can help you explore mediation as a constructive step forward.