Wills and Estates
When we die, we do not want those we leave behind to worry about practicalities more than absolutely necessary. There should be time for them to grieve, to heal – not panic about finances.
No Win No Fee
In many cases if you are making a claim an estate we work on a no-win-no-fee basis, collecting our fees only after your matter has been settled. We will do an assessment and let you know where you stand right from the start. Should anything change in the course of your matter, we will let you know immediately. Click below to find out more about our no win no fee terms.
What is estate administration?
Very simply put, estate administration is what is done with everything you own and owe after you die.
Proper estate planning is critical to make things as easy as they can be for your loved ones. It is also the only way you can be sure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. If you die without a will, the administrator of your estate must follow the rules set out in the Succession Act to determine who gets what. This means your wishes and specific circumstances may not be taken into account.
So, even though no-one wants to do it, thinking about what will happen once you are no longer here and getting the help of a good lawyer to set your affairs in order could save your loved ones a lot of heartache later.
How we can help
We can help you with important matters such as:
- Drafting a proper, legal will.
- Setting up a testamentary trust
- Making sure your superannuation and any related death benefits are put to effective use.
- Setting up enduring powers of attorney and drawing up an advanced health directive.
Steps for proper estate planning
- Start now! You are never too old or too young to start getting your affairs in order.
- List everything you own. This includes everything you can touch, such as houses, cars and art pieces, and things you cannot touch, such as shares and bank accounts.
- Determine what your survivors and beneficiaries need. This includes arranging a proper guardian for your children.
- Make a will or trust.
- Review your beneficiaries. Some of your policies could still have beneficiaries you named long ago. Make sure you update where necessary.
- Contact us.
Important terms at a glance
| Intestate | Dying without a will. |
| Administrator | Person appointed by Supreme Court to administer an estate |
| Advanced Health Directive | Document setting out your directions on your future health care. |
| Testamentary trust | An arrangement you make in your will whereby a trustee manages your property for your beneficiaries after you die. |
| Enduring power of attorney | The appointment of someone to make financial and health-related decisions when you can no longer do this yourself. |
| Probate | The legal process your estate goes through after you die. It entails proving your will is valid and carrying out your wishes set out in your will.Having a will or living trust makes probates easier. |
