Wills

A Will is a legal document that names the people (beneficiaries) you want to receive the things you own (your property and possessions). You can also nominate a charity as a beneficiary of your Will.

It is essential that you make a Will to direct where your property shall pass upon your death. It is particularly important to make a Will if you are concerned about who will receive your assets and belongings after you die.

It is also crucial to make a Will if your relationship or marriage breaks down OR if you enter a new relationship or get married.

It has been estimated by 2020 there will be more blended families in Australia than nuclear families. This brings about special problems, particularly with regard to the home and what should happen following the death of one of the parties. Frequently, Wills are challenged and unnecessary expense incurred. We will endeavour to find solutions for you.

Frequently, second marriages or relationships become an issue and the drawing of a Will and its contents becomes important. Recently, this matter was not addressed by a conveyancer with a result that following completion of the matter, the title needed to be unscrambled causing unnecessary expense.

The legal procedures are complicated and time consuming and may cause expense, worry and even hardship to your family.

Our Solicitors have undertaken extensive education in the area of Wills and Estate Planning and continue to study to ensure they are aware of all recent developments in this area of law.

 We can assist you in:

• Advising you on your existing Will;
• Updating an existing Will;
• Making a new Will.

Case Example:

Recently a person purchased a Will Kit from a newsagent (approx. $10.00). The person then completed the form to their best ability and signed it as their completed Will. Not long afterwards, the person died. The executor then took
the said Will to a solicitor for probate, only to be told that there were glaring anomalies in the document.

These anomalies were affecting the beneficiaries to such a degree that it cost the estate $40,000.00 in legal fees to amend the Will.

IT MAY COST A FEW EXTRA DOLLARS TO USE A SOLICITOR IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT IT WOULD NOT COST $40,000.00

An informal Will may also be more open to challenge than a formal Will prepared by us.