McDonald, Slater & Lay

Mentone, VIC

(03) 958..

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About Us

McDonald, Slater & Lay has been providing trusted legal services to the Mentone and Bayside communities since its establishment in 1954. Founded by Ivan L McDonald, the practice began as a sole proprietorship offering a comprehensive range of legal assistance to local families and businesses. Over the decades, it has grown and evolved through the stewardship of successive practitioners dedicated to maintaining strong client relationships and expanding the firm’s expertise. In 1983, Ian Slater took over the practice, building on Ivan McDonald’s foundation by enhancing the firm’s capacity in commercial law and estate planning, alongside continuing traditional services such as wills, deceased estates, and conveyancing. The firm further strengthened its capability when Peter F Lay, a respected local lawyer, joined in 1987, contributing to the practice until his retirement in 2004. Since 1991, Elda Bradford has been an integral part of McDonald, Slater & Lay, significantly enhancing the firm’s family law and commercial litigation services. Elda is recognised as a leading family law practitioner in Victoria, bringing considerable experience and respect to the firm. In 2015, the firm incorporated the deeds of G R Herbert & Co, reflecting a long association with the late Mr Ewen Cameron. This ensured the secure custody of important client documents such as wills, titles, and deed packets. Today, McDonald, Slater & Lay serves corporate, commercial, and individual clients across a wide spectrum of legal areas. The firm is committed to delivering clear and practical advice in wills, powers of attorney, probate, testamentary trusts, business and commercial matters, litigation, family law, employment law, criminal law, and conveyancing. With a dedicated team and decades of combined experience, McDonald, Slater & Lay remains a trusted name in the Bayside legal community.

Practice Areas

Commercial Law

Criminal & Traffic

Employment Law

Estate Planning

Family Law

Intellectual Property

Litigation & Disputes

Property Law

Specialisations

Estate Planning

McDonald, Slater & Lay offers comprehensive estate planning services including the preparation and execution of Wills and Powers of Attorney. They provide tailored advice on key issues such as estate planning structures, taxation implications, testamentary trusts, and the roles and responsibilities of executors, trustees, attorneys, guardians, and administrators. Their approach recognises the complexities of modern family dynamics and personal finances, ensuring that clients’ wishes are clearly articulated to minimise disputes among beneficiaries. The firm also has extensive experience in probate and deceased estate administration, assisting with asset collection, management, and distribution both domestically and internationally. They offer expert guidance on court applications for Grants of Probate and the efficient resolution of estate matters. In addition, their lawyers have a proven track record in managing contested wills and family maintenance claims, providing strategic advice on litigation and dispute resolution. McDonald, Slater & Lay also acts in trusteeship, guardianship, and administration matters, representing clients before the Victorian Administrative and Civil Tribunal when required.

Family Law

McDonald, Slater & Lay offers comprehensive legal support in family law matters, including divorce-related disputes such as property settlements, child residence and contact arrangements, spousal maintenance, and child support. The firm is well-versed in drafting and advising on binding financial agreements, including pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements, ensuring clients are protected through clear, enforceable arrangements. The firm also has a strong track record in resolving de facto property disputes through litigation in the County and Supreme Courts. Their lawyers bring extensive knowledge of complex financial issues, including taxation considerations like capital gains tax, as well as company, superannuation, trust structures, and State revenue matters, allowing them to provide thorough and strategic advice tailored to clients’ unique situations.