A legally-binding Will not only ensures control over your own assets, it also helps to alleviate the financial and emotional burden on your family after your passing. 

For blended families where partners bring children from previous relationships or new children are born into the family, having a clear and up-to-date Will is essential to avoid misunderstandings and future disputes.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you require a Will:

• Do you own property or significant assets? 
• Do you have children? 
• Do you have your own business? 
• Have you acquired a large sum of money?
• Have you started or ended a marriage or de facto relationship? 

If any of the above circumstances have recently changed in your life, then your Will needs to be updated. 

Without a legally-binding Will, intestacy laws come into place which means the court will dictate how your assets are divided. This may not align with your family’s specific needs or your specific wants, and create unexpected consequences for your grief-stricken loved ones.

Because of intestacy laws, it’s also vital to regularly update your Will so it reflects any major life changes, such as a new significant asset (e.g., a property), children or a change in relationship status.

A Will is an investment in your legacy and the future of your loved ones. Although a DIY or online Will kit may sound more appealing in terms of cost and effort, it can actually be more expensive and cause more stress for your grieving loved ones. 

Watch the video below for more information about the risks associated.

A Will is just one piece of the estate planning puzzle. Estate planning is the preparation of the management and distribution of your assets after your passing or if you are medically unable to make decisions on your own. 

When preparing a Will with us, we’ll also advise you on creating an estate plan which includes: 

• An Enduring Power of Attorney (read more about POAs in our blog here).
• A Medical Treatment Decision Maker. 
• An Advanced Care Directive. 
• Superannuation and life insurance nominations (read our blog here for more information). 
• Trusts and tax planning. 

In most situations it will be appropriate that all children should be included equally in your Will.  However, there are circumstances where a more tailored approach is appropriate. 

Choosing to leave different amounts or exclude a child completely means they may be able to contest or challenge the Will following your passing.

Read more about it in our blog here. 

Most importantly, the passing of a parent is a sad and stressful experience for your children, so leaving an equal inheritance can help avoid additional emotional and financial strain for all parties involved.  Conversely, not considering each child’s individual circumstances may be detrimental.

An Executor is the person you legally appoint to administer your estate and finalise your affairs after your passing. Read our blog about choosing the right person for this important role here.

It takes just two meetings with us to create a legally-binding Will. We’ll carefully listen to your wishes and prepare a Will you can easily read and understand. We are also able to advise and assist with the preparation of your estate plan, including Powers of Attorney and the appointment of Medical Decision Makers.

To get started, we recommend you take the time to consider your assets, who you would trust to handle your estate after your passing and who you wish your beneficiaries to be prior to your initial consultation with us.

Download our free FAQ guide which lists everything you need to consider when creating a Will.

Open our FAQ Guide

Standard Will – single: $660
Standard Will – couple: $880

Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Medical Decision Maker – single: $440
Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Medical Decision Maker – couple: $660