HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REVIEW MY WILL?
You should review your will regularly, say, every five years. You should also review it whenever your circumstances change, for example:
if you marry or enter into a civil union or de facto relationship,
when such a relationship ends;
if there is a birth of additional children (or grandchildren in some cases);
if a trustee or significant beneficiary named in the will dies; or
if your assets or debts change significantly.
You should also review your will if the law changes. Some major changes in recent years have affected wills so if you have not already done so, check to see if your will is still valid and if it is likely to be challenged under any of the new laws. If your will has been made since 1 November 2007, it is probably valid under the new laws.
Whether you are wanting to make your first Will or wish to update an existing Will, we are happy to assist you. Our friendly Solicitors will be able to explain everything to you so that you understand the process every step of the way. We will discuss your wishes and will tailor your Will to your specific needs.
To help you start thinking about your Will, download our Will Information Form by clicking on the button below.
To discuss drafting a Will, please contact our solicitors Braden Matson and Breanna Fuller for more information.
WHY SHOULD I SEE A LAWYER?
Though you choose what to say in a will, the law specifies how you should say it.
If you do not comply with the law, your will – or parts of it – may be invalid.
A lawyer can:
suggest how you can best and most fairly provide for your family and dependents;
express your wishes so they have the legal effect you intend, and ensure your will is properly drawn up and valid;
tell you about alternatives you must consider (including who may challenge your will and why – this can be a complex area of law);
advise on the appointment of suitable executors;
advise on and form trusts for your beneficiaries;
explain how relationships might affect your will;
explain extra powers available to your executors and trustees that you might want to include in your will and advise on the appointment of suitable people to take on these roles.
When you come and see us, bring with you:
a list of your assets and debts;
a list of the names of people and charities to whom you want to leave things;
any digital information and passwords or the whereabouts of this information;
a list of questions you want to ask; and
any trust deed or relationship property agreement you have made.