Why you should ask a Solicitor to assist...

If you don’t have a legal Will, there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you wish, even if you have told family members.  Even if you think you don’t own much, it is important to have a Will.

Powers of Attorney are not expensive when prepared professionally and they provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Estate administration can be a highly complicated process and it pays to have a lawyer assisting the executor in administering the estate.

Wills

Why you should have a Will...

Even if you think you don’t own much, it is important to have a Will.  If you don’t have a legal Will, there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you wish, even if you have told family members.  In cases where no Will exists, assets are distributed in accordance with intestacy laws which will not necessary accord with your wishes.

Why you should ask a Solicitor to draw up your Will...

There are a number of myths surrounding the completion of a will and we’d like to remind you of the following: 

		Many people are surprised to find that it is quite inexpensive to have a quality Will drawn up by professionals - please refer to our Pricing below.
		Arranging Mediation
		Kits and cheap options do not allow for all eventualities: A small error in preparation or signing can result in a Will that is not legally recognised. Simple "plain English" wording can easily be misconstrued and challenged in Court. There are ongoing costs such as storage to consider.  Fire-safe document storage costs are not cheap.  If we prepare your Will, it is stored FREE OF CHARGE forever.
		Significant difficulties and hardship can be experienced if your Will is not professionally prepared.

When you need to update your Will... 

Certain changes in your lifestyle may invalidate clauses or even your entire Will.  For example, if you marry, divorce, remarry, separate, enter into a de-facto relationship or have children, your current Will may be affected.

Powers of Attorney

Powers of Attorney are not expensive when prepared professionally and they provide peace of mind for you and your family.

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial and personal/health matters, if or when you are no longer able to manage your affairs.

A General Power of Attorney is a document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage financial matters.  This is typically used for commercial transactions, for example – if you need to sell your property while you are overseas and unable to sign documents.

Estates

Estate Administration

Estate administration can be a highly complicated process and it pays to have a lawyer assisting the executer in administering the estate.  Early legal advice can ensure that everyone is aware of their rights and obligations.

The instances of Estate Litigation and Contesting of Wills have increased greatly in recent years.

Our Professional Estate Administration Services include:

		Ensuring that the Collection of Assets, Probate (if required) and Transfers of Property are dealt with effectively and efficiently.
		Handling communication with Banks, Life Insurance and Superannuation companies, companies that the deceased may have held shares in and any other relevant organisations.
		Providing regular updates on the progress of the Estate.
		Assisting in the sale of any properties that need to be sold.
		Providing advice about Capital Gains Tax.
		Attending to Tax Returns for the Estate, if required.

 

Contact our office for pricing.