WillsTrust us when we say as lawyers that you should never leave home without a Will. Not having one is not a good idea.
We have too often seen the destructive effects of parents, in particular, dying without a Will and the stresses and strains it can cause to families not to mention the cost.
This is often the result of an avoidance mentality where we simply cannot confront what is in reality, a certainty.
We can give you the motivation and the courage to confront it as well as the skilful advice you need to prepare a good Will, not a bad Will.
With the complexities of life and families, it is also a reality that many people want to disinherit certain people who might otherwise be expected to be a beneficiary. Doing this effectively is also a skill that we can assist you with.
Some of the important issues are:
- Making a good Will
- How to decide on who is going to be your Executor
- Incorporating testamentary trusts as effective tools in your Wills
- Discussing the importance of appointing guardians for infant children
- Providing for grandchildren
- Making a mutual will where you agree not to change your Will
- Addressing the subtleties of blended families
- Explaining the relationship between your Will, your superannuation and death benefit nominations
- Ensuring the continuation of control of your family trust when you die
- Understanding where your life insurance fits in
- How gifting assets before your death may be appropriate
EstatesWhat happens to your estate after you die can be complicated involving legal processes, family stress and the spectre of tax.
We offer the executors of your estate advice and assistance including:
- Explaining the duties and responsibilities
- Liaising with financial institutions and other entities
- Identifying the assets and liabilities
- Ensuring that insurance on the assets was in place
- Advising all persons who need ot be advised of your death
- Dealing with beneficiaries
- Obtaining Probate
- Arranging for distribution of the estate and its finalisation
Estate work as lawyers can also mean assisting or resisting any challenges to the estate by disappointed beneficiaries extending even to challenges to superannuation payments in the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal.
The issues are often complex and our experience can be of great assistance in reaching a quick and cost effective resolutions.
Contact Us today to talk about your Estate Planning needs.
