As Wills and Estate Planning Lawyers, we are passionate about our clients taking action to ensure their family is protected if unexpected events occur.
Every Australian over the age of eighteen should ask themselves the following questions:
Question 1
If I wake up tomorrow and I have lost the ability to earn an income – through accident or illness, will I have enough money to live on & pay my monthly expenses from investment income and/or insurance policies?
The answer may be found talking with a financial planner and arranging appropriate risk insurance policies.
Question 2
If I lose mental capacity tomorrow as the result of an accident or illness, will my most trusted friend or relative be able to do important things for me regarding my personal affairs?
The answer is an Enduring Power of Attorney.
Question 3
If I were to pass away tomorrow, will my spouse, children and other family members receive all of my assets in a secure and tax effective manner, whether these assets are owned by me or through companies and trusts that I control or have an interest in?
The answer is an Estate Plan which includes a Will which may contain one or more Testamentary Trusts.
Question 4
If I were to pass away tomorrow, will my spouse or preferred family member receive the proceeds of my Superannuation policies in a secure and tax effective manner?
The answer is an Estate Plan which might include a binding death benefit nomination.
Estate Planning Health Check
| Are you over the age of 18 years and do not have a will? | Yes – you need a will |
| Are you over the age of 18 years and do not have an enduring power of attorney? | Yes – you need an enduring power of attorney |
| Do you have a will, but have married since the will was made? | Yes – you will need a new will (unless the will was made in contemplation of marriage) |
| Do you have a will, but are no longer happy with your choice of the executor named in the will? | Yes – you need a new will |
| Do you have a will, but are no longer happy with your choice of guardians nominated in the will? | Yes – you need a new will |
| Do you have a will, but are no longer happy with the way you have gifted your assets in your will? | Yes – you need a new will |
| Do you have a will, but are not sure if it will provide for your family in a tax effective manner? | Yes – you need a new will |
| Do you have a will, but want to ensure your assets are protected for your family? | Yes – you need a new will |
| Do you know where your original will is located? | No – you need a new will |
| Do you have an enduring power of attorney, but wish to change the attorneys you have nominated? | Yes – you need a new enduring power of attorney |
| Is it more than 5 years since you prepared and signed your will? | Yes – you should review your will with a solicitor |
| Have you told your executor, friends and family where your original will and enduring power of attorney are located? | No – we highly recommend that you do this immediately. |
If you have ticked any of these boxes, call Wockner Lawyers today for the peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of in the event of accident, illness or death.