Do I need a will?

It depends on what you want to happen after you die. If you do not have a will, the distribution of your estate is governed by the rules of intestacy. In the ACT, those rules are found in the Administration and Probate Act 1929 (ACT). In general, the first $200,000 is paid to your spouse plus 50% of the balance. The other 50% is paid to your children (if any).

If you have a will, the distribution of your estate is governed by the terms of your will.

Top Ten Things to Consider When Making a Will

Beneficiaries

Your beneficiaries are those who will inherit your estate assets when you pass away. You should also consider substitute beneficiaries in the event your primary beneficiaries do not survive you.

Executors

Your executors are appointed to administer your estate in accordance with your Will. You may appoint your primary beneficiaries or someone else you trust.

Specific Gifts

You can gift specific belongings to certain people. You may also prepare a list of personal belongings to accompany your Will if you have yet to decide what to gift and to whom.

Joint Ownership

Properties owned jointly do not form part of your estate. It will immediately be transferred to the other owner upon your passing.

Organ Donation

You may express whether you would like your organs to be donated. You may also specify whether you wish for your organs to be donated to the body of a living person and/or for medical research purposes.

Disposal of your Body

You may express how you would like your body to be “disposed of”. Common choices include burial or cremation.

Guardians

If you have minor children, you should appoint guardians for your children in the event their other parent or guardian does not survive you.

Contemplation of Marriage

Wills are effectively revoked upon marriage or divorce. If you contemplate marriage with your partner, you may express in your Will that it is in contemplation of that marriage.

Superannuation

Superannuation is a non-estate asset, and therefore cannot be managed by your Will. You may need to complete a Binding Death Benefit Nomination to ensure that your super is paid out to your chosen beneficiaries.

Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney appoints a person you trust to manage your property, personal care, health care and medical research matters in the event a medical practitioner observes that you have lost your decision-making capacity. FGD can also assist in drafting an Enduring Power of Attorney along with a Will, in the form of a package.

FAQ

The most common questions around wills are answered below.

It depends. If you want the safety and security of knowing that your will is going to be effective and distribute your estate according to your intentions, then it is recommended that you retain the services of a professional to draft the necessary documents.

But an estate plan is more than a will. You also need to consider a power of attorney, your superannuation death benefits and insurance. Do-it-yourself will kits do not provide a comprehensive estate plan.

If the wording of your will is not clear (and bear in mind this is a very technical area where the words you use may be interpreted by a court to mean something other than what you actually intended), it could cost your estate thousands of dollars in legal fees to obtain a ruling from the Court on the true meaning of the will.

In addition, some of your assets may not fall into your estate on your death and your will may not reflect your true intent. Joint assets, assets in a family or discretionary trust, life interests, pensions, annuities and superannuation proceeds may not form part of your estate depending on circumstances.

A solicitor experienced in estate planning will be able to give you advice on which assets will fall into your estate.

Major life changes such as entering into marriage or a de facto relationship, separating, divorcing or retiring may all necessitate changes to your existing will.

Changes in the relationships of your children is another important consideration. Marriage always cancels any previous will unless that will specifically states that it is made in contemplation of the marriage. Separation or divorce does not cancel your will but divorce will, in most circumstances, cancel any gifts to your former spouse.

There is no need to change your will simply because you change your address, although you should notify whoever is holding your original will of your new address.

There are no death duties in Australia. However, capital gains tax may be payable by your estate on the transfer of title of assets with a CGT liability.

It is advisable to consult a solicitor experienced in estate administration before you dispose of major assets in an estate.