Clients often ask us why it is necessary to prepare a Will or an Enduring Power of Attorney.
If you have never finalised a Will, it would be prudent to seek legal advice regarding the current intestate laws of the State.
Further, with the complexity of relationships in the modern era it is necessary for clients to be advised in regards to current Family Maintenance Provisions. Family Maintenance Provisions outline the class of “eligible people” who can claim against your estate upon your passing.
“Eligible People” are people such as your spouse, defacto partner, children, step-children and dependents.
When making a Will it is necessary that you receive the appropriate advices regarding the provisions that you wish for your Will, your assets, distribution of your estate, and those people who can claim against your estate.
We will advise you of all the relevant information and issues that are required to ensure you make an informed decision regarding your Will.
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document that authorises another person to act on your behalf for financial and or personal/health matters.
We can prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney that is suitable for you and your circumstances.
In addition to the above service, we also offer the following:-
- Estate Administration
- Estate Disputes
- Probate Applications
- General Estate Advices
In addition, we have a broad network of expert advisers in all fields relating to our legal work. In particular, for estate administration we have Valuers, Accountants, Barristers and Mediators (if required).
Please contact us if you have any queries or wish to make an appointment.
You must be aware that if you lose the power to act on your own behalf and you have not completed an Enduring Power of Attorney, then your affairs may be handled by a Government Department or Institution at a charge to you.
If our clients express their wish NOT to prepare a Will, we ensure they are made fully aware of the provisions contained in the Intestate Legislation.
Firstly, a valid Will clearly outlines your intentions for the administration and distribution of your estate.
Secondly, without a Will your estate is distributed in accordance with the current intestate laws. “Intestate” means dying without having made a valid Will.