Wills, Probates & Inheritance

What is a Will?

A will takes effect when you die. It can cover things like how your assets will be shared, who will look after your children if they are still young, what trusts you want established, how much money you’d like donated to charities and even instructions about your funeral.

Why make a Will?

Your life is an accumulation of experience, bond and investment. These are build up in term of family, assets and security; home, car, superannuation, rare metal, insurance, jewelery, insurance, boat and other investments.

Making a Will is the only way to be certain that these lifetime’s work is passed on to the people you love and care for. It provide security, responsibility and lessen the difficulties upon your death.

The Will not only apply in term of physical asset but may also allow you to nominate the guardians for your children who are still a minor (18 years old) so that their education and well being is maintain.

Why is a Will important?

Making a Will is a highly specialised task, often with complex financial, legal and tax implications that need to be considered to ensure that your  estate is distributed as you wish.

Who will be your Power of Attorney?

Our legal department will be able to provide you the the necessary time to manage your affairs, including the legal, accounting and taxation matters; the Power of Attorney or Executor will be;

• maintaining the Will;
• ascertaining and securing assets;
• proving the Will in court;
• discharge debts;
• establishing trusts;
• attending to income tax returns and capital gains tax issues;
• and distributing and transferring assets according to the terms of the Will.

Where should I keep my Will?

Your Will is a valuable document, just like your home’s Title, Australian Citizenship or Birth Certificate and should be kept in a safe place. We are able to retained your documents in a secure location.

Important to be note:

Keep your will valid and up to date as your legal rights change, specifically if you marry, divorce or separate; have children or grandchildren; if your spouse or beneficiaries die; or if you have a significant change in financial circumstances.

Your legal and financial housekeeping

Once your paperwork is in order, it will help your executor and family if you list the legal documents you have and where they are kept.

Keeping a record of your personal information and notes on how your legal documents, assets and investments are arranged can also help you.

Here is a list of key documents to keep:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Will
• Enduring power of attorney
• Advance healthcare directive (also called a living will)
• Personal insurance policies
• House deeds or Title
• Home and contents insurance
• Deeds and insurance policies for any other real estate you own
• Bank account details
• Superannuation papers
• Investment documents (securities, share certificates, bonds)
• Medicare card
• Medical insurance details
• Pensioner concession card
• Any pre-payments of funeral investments