What's happening?
A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets distributed after you pass away, and can also appoint an executor and, where relevant, guardians for minor children. Without a will, or with one that is unclear or invalid, your estate may be distributed in a way that does not reflect what you actually wanted.
A well-prepared will takes into account your family circumstances, the nature of your assets, and any particular wishes you have, such as providing for a person with a disability or excluding a particular person from your estate.
What could it mean for me?
- Assets may pass to unintended people if a will is unclear, outdated or invalid
- Certain assets, such as jointly owned property or superannuation, may not be governed by your will at all
- Not providing for an eligible person may increase the risk of a future claim against your estate
- Appointing the wrong executor can create practical difficulties for your family
- A will needs to be signed and witnessed correctly to be valid
What are my options?
- Prepare a new will that reflects your current wishes and circumstances
- Consider how jointly held assets and superannuation interact with your will
- Discuss whether a testamentary trust may be appropriate for your situation
- Choose executors and any guardians for minor children carefully
What happens next?
- We discuss your assets, family circumstances and wishes
- We advise on structuring your will and any related documents
- A draft will is prepared for your review
- The will is finalised, signed and witnessed correctly
- We advise on safe storage and when to review the will again
How can MGE Lawyers help?
MGE Lawyers prepares wills for individuals and couples across Parramatta and Sydney, taking the time to understand your family and financial circumstances before drafting.
We explain the effect of different clauses in plain English, so you understand exactly what your will provides for before you sign it.