How to Sign a Will

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 Victoria, those rules are found in the Administration and Probate Act 1958. Who gets what depends on your circumstances including whether you have a partner, whether you have children and whether those children have received other property from you. If you have a will, the distribution of your estate is governed by the terms of your will. Should I see a professional to make my will? Again, 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…

Your will and power of attorney are only two elements of your overall estate plan that need to be considered. Other matters when we can advise you on including setting up Family Trusts; death benefit nominations for your superannuation fund; and relevant insurances. In many cases it may also involve entering into a Financial Agreement. Because of our vast experience in family law, we are well placed to give you technical and practical advice about how best to protect your family’s wealth, and the wealth of future generations to come, especially in the event of family breakdown. Estate Planning case study- the Estate of Peter Brock The Estate of Peter Brock (a famous race car driver of course) is an excellent example of the importance of proper estate planning. By way of background, Peter had his first will prepared in 1983. It was professionally drafted and properly executed. It was…