Wills and Estates

The importance of having a will

A will directs the distribution of assets to your beneficiaries in per your wishes. The wishes you state in your will must be executed when you pass away. It’s for this reason and many more that your will is one of the most important documents you will prepare in your lifetime. It is essential to document who will be appointed the executor of your estate, who will act as a guardian for any minor children, and how your assets will be divided.

What can go wrong?

If a will is not properly written, signed and witnessed, it may be invalid. An invalidly drawn will may be left open to challenge or worse still, it may have no effect at law meaning that the law will determine how your assets are dealt with. This can create serious personal and taxation consequences to your dependants. Your will should be updated when your individual situation changes such as events like getting married, divorced, entering into a de facto relationship, acquiring a significant asset, or if you wish to change your beneficiaries.

How we can help

At P&B Law, we advise and assist in the preparation of your will. We also assist in applications for grant of Probate and other testamentary matters.

From simple to very complex wills, at P&B we can advise you on a variety of matters such as:

Specific gifts;
Specific burial wishes;
Mutual estates;
The establishment of a testamentary trust for long term asset protection and taxation benefits;
Dealing with Superannuation and Insurance policies;
Dealing with and passing on a family business or an interest in a company/business;
Dealing with overseas assets;
The effect of a marriage, divorce or a separation;
Estate Planning to ensure that assets are transferred to beneficiaries in the most financial and tax-effective manner.

At P&B Law, we can guide you through the estate planning process so that you are satisfied that:

Your will complies with all legal requirements as it is properly drawn up, correctly signed and witnessed
Your beneficiaries are provided for and your wishes are clearly expressed
You understand under what circumstances your will can be challenged and have taken appropriate steps to minimise the risk of this occurring

If you have any questions regarding legal wills and estates – please contact us for prompt service.

Contesting a will

At P&B we can advise you on challenging and contesting a will. Our Estate Dispute Lawyers where you believe that:

The will was incorrectly executed or administered.
The will maker was incapable of making a will or executed the will under pressure from others.
The will maker made insufficient provisions for a spouse, children or other dependants which the will maker has a moral obligation to provide for.
Contesting the validity or interpretation of a will can be costly and complex and there are strict timelines which must be followed.
Powers Of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a document that is used to give a trusted relative or friend a legal right to sign documents on your behalf. Medical Powers of Attorney are now used to give a trusted relative or friend the right to make decisions with respect to your medical care. This can only be used if you are unable to instruct your doctors. At P&B Law, we can draw limited or unlimited powers of attorney to suit your circumstances.

Our Estate Dispute Lawyers

Are you concerned about how your estate will be handled? Maybe it’s the estate of a deceased relative you are concerned about. One of the best ways to review the handling of an estate is to get assistance from an Estate Disputes Lawyer. Here at P&B Law, our team can assist you in making a claim and protecting your entitlements. Our Estate Dispute Lawyers can represent you throughout the process of making a claim. They can also represent you during mediation and court proceedings.

You may also be concerned about matters that occurred before a deceased family member or loved one passed away. If something doesn’t sit right with you when it comes to the sale or gift of an estate, there is something you can do about it. Our Estate Dispute Lawyers can review all details of the will and estate to see if anything can be deemed unlawful or unjust.