WILLS AND ESTATE LAWYERS
Cass Legal have been in business for over twenty years, and you can be sure we have the experience to provide you with high-quality legal advice and exceptional documentation that we draw which is specific only to you, and as you require. We are the Wills and Estate Lawyers you can trust.
MANAGING YOUR ESTATE AFFAIRS
It would be wise from time to time to review your estate planning needs, including updating or preparing a new and valid Will. A Will is a legal document which, as far as possible, ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. Your Will may cover all the assets held in your own name such as your house, land, car, shares and bank accounts. It does not cover life insurance or superannuation. In the drawing of many Wills over the years, I am gratified that one great living benefit that my clients take away from the exercise is that they experience the immediate comfort of ‘peace of mind’.
PREPARING YOUR WILL
The process of preparing a Will allows you to nominate how and to whom your assets are to be distributed, and who will manage the estate on your behalf. A Will is a complex legal document encompassing a number of legal requirements which must be followed to ensure that it is effective and valid. When discussing your Will a solicitor will seek to record your thoughts and express wishes such as:
- who to appoint as your Executor or Executors and what are to be their powers?
- who are to be your beneficiaries?
- what are your current assets and liabilities?
- who should receive your assets and in what proportion?
- who to appoint guardian of your children and how you would like to provide for your children’s future?
- What are your preferred funeral arrangements?
While you can legally prepare your own Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, you should be mindful of the pitfalls in doing so which generally arise at the time of your death when the document is most needed. In the absence of a valid and clear Will the laws of intestacy may apply where the Court will interpret your Will and make decisions as to distribution of your assets. This may encompass a variation of your wishes, and add further costs and emotional burden on your loved ones.
Managing the Estate of a deceased family member can be harrowing. Cass Legal Wills & Estate Lawyers can assist in the prompt and careful distribution of assets to the beneficiaries. We have extensive experience in managing Estates including obtaining Probate or Letters of Administration, distributing assets and finalising affairs.