Will
Enduring Power of Attorney vs Executor
When planning for the future, it is essential to understand the distinct roles of an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Executor. Both positions involve significant responsibility, but they operate at different times and serve different purposes. Confusing the two can lead to misunderstandings and complications in managing your affairs. This article clarifies the differences … Read more
Who should I choose to be the Executor of my Will?
An Executor is the person you appoint in your Will to manage your estate and carry out your wishes after your death. They will need to attend to the following: Apply for and obtain a Grant of Probate (if required) Collect all the assets of the estate Pay any debts and expenses Arrange tax returns … Read more
Advance Care Directive
We often mention Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker documents in our Estate Planning discussions. The Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker (AMTDM) is the document under which you can appoint a person to make medical decisions on your behalf when you no longer have the capacity to make those decisions on your own. An … Read more
Transparency in Estate Planning
Family dynamics can be intricate, and sadly, disputes sometimes arise when it comes to estate planning. A lack of transparency regarding a loved one’s Will can intensify these situations and often lead to Will challenges. This blog post emphasises the critical importance of fostering open communication and transparency amongst family members to help minimise the … Read more
Wills for Young Adults: Why It Matters Now
While estate planning often conjures up images of retirement homes and wealth, the truth is, it’s equally important for young adults to consider taking control of their future. Despite not having vast fortunes, young adults often possess valuable assets, from cherished family heirlooms to growing investment portfolios and superannuation. More importantly, they might have loved … Read more
Understanding Enduring Powers of Attorney
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) In the journey of life, we encounter various uncertainties and challenges. It’s essential to plan for the future, not only for our well-being but also to ensure that our wishes are respected and upheld, especially when unforeseen circumstances arise. One powerful tool for such planning is the Enduring Power of … Read more
Who Can Witness Your Documents
A question we get asked a lot is ‘who can witness my estate planning documents?’ In this post we aim to outline in clear terms who can witness your documents. Wills For your Will to be valid, it needs to be signed in front of two (2) witnesses. These witnesses need to be over … Read more
Where Is Your Original Will
It is important to know where you have stored your original documents, including your Powers of Attorney, Wills and even Certificates of Title. It is also important to let your close family members and Executors know where such documents are kept, they do not need to know the contents of the documents but should know … Read more
Who Is Allowed Copies Of Your Will
When a person has died, you would be forgiven for thinking there is a round table ‘reading of the Will’ as is often seen in movies. This is not the case. When a loved one has died, it is up to the Executors to contact the lawyers and obtain a copy of the Will and … Read more
Gifting To Charities In Your Will
It is quite common for individuals to gift an amount from their estate, or even a percentage of their estate to a charity of their choice. When including a charity as a beneficiary in your Will, it is very important to get the wording right to ensure the gift is successful on your death. When … Read more