Thoughtful planning for peace of mind
Overview
Planning for the future is an act of care for yourself and your loved ones. VRT Lawyers provides comprehensive wills and estate services, ensuring that your assets and wishes are handled exactly as you intend. Our expert team assists with drafting of wills, power of attorneys, and guardianship agreements, estate planning, and the administration process, providing peace of mind that your legacy is secure. We approach these conversations with sensitivity, understanding the importance of these decisions.
Estate planning can seem daunting, but it's essential for protecting what you've worked hard for. Our legal experts will guide you through every step, from setting up trusts to navigating the intricacies of probate and beyond. We'll help you understand the legal jargon and make informed decisions, ensuring that your wishes are carried out without added stress on your family.
In times of loss, managing an estate can be an overwhelming responsibility. Our attorneys offer supportive guidance to executors and beneficiaries, alleviating the burden during a difficult period. We handle disputes with a balanced and fair approach, aiming for resolutions that honour the decedent's intentions and maintain family harmony. With VRT Lawyers, you can trust that your estate planning and administration are in capable and caring hands.
FAQs
These Q&A entries are designed to address common concerns and provide foundational information that can help Australian clients understand the importance of wills and estate planning. They also showcase the expertise of VRT Lawyers in this area of law, encouraging potential clients to seek personalised legal assistance.
Yes, having a will is crucial. It ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. Without a will, your estate will be dealt with under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your personal wishes. In Australia, this typically means your closest relatives will inherit your assets in a predetermined order, which might not align with your intentions.
For a will to be valid in Australia, it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries of the will. You must also have the mental capacity to understand the implications of the will at the time it's made. It's highly recommended to have a legal professional assist in drafting and executing your will to ensure all legal requirements are met.
While you can leave someone out of your will, it's important to know that in Australia, close relatives and dependents may be able to contest the will if they believe they have not been adequately provided for. To mitigate the risk of a successful claim against your estate, you should clearly document your reasons for the exclusion and consider the potential for claims under family provision laws.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. It's a critical tool for estate planning, particularly if you become unable to manage your affairs due to illness or incapacity. There are different types of Powers of Attorney in Australia, and choosing the right one depends on your individual circumstances.
An executor is the person you nominate in your will to administer your estate after you pass away. Their role includes paying debts and distributing your assets according to your will. A trustee, on the other hand, may be appointed to manage any ongoing trusts set up by your will, such as those for minor children or for specific purposes. This role can continue for a longer period, depending on the terms of the trust.
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Expertise in handling and settling complex wills and estates matters
Our team of dedicated family law specialists have years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal matters.