Do I need a Will?
It is recommended that every person over the age of 18 years who holds assets in their name should have a valid Will in place to ensure that their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes upon their death.
It is recommended that you review your Will at least every three years or earlier in the event that you have a change in your circumstances (i.e. you separate or divorce or you have another child). If you die without a Will your assets will be distributed in accordance with the intestacy legislation which may not reflect your testamentary intentions.
Do I need a Power of Attorney document and an Enduring Guardianship document?
Yes. Sadly, people do not consider arranging these documents until it is too late. You need legal capacity to appoint both a Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian. A Power of Attorney document allows you to authorise someone to make financial decisions on your behalf in relation to your property and finances. An Enduring Guardianship document allows you to authorise someone to make health and lifestyle decisions including decisions on what healthcare you receive and where you live if you are unable to make these decisions yourself.
At Meehans Solicitors we are here to clearly explain to you in real language what these documents mean and why you need them.
Please contact our office today on 02 4627 3333 to discuss any of your legal needs with one of our experienced Wills and Estate Lawyers.
This article was published on 20/09/22 and the information is valid only to the date of publishing. This article should be considered merely general and non-specific on the subject matter and is not and should not be considered or relied on as legal, advice. Meehans Solicitors is not responsible in the event this information is relied upon by the reader in the absence of specific legal advice.