Do I need a Will?  If you have a family or possess any assets, the answer is almost certainly yes.  The Will acts as an assurance upon one’s death that all your testamentary wishes go fulfilled.  A well prepared Will can provide you peace of mind and save headaches and stress for those that survive you.

A Will is only one document that makes up effective estate planning.  An Enduring Power of Attorney and a Representation Agreement are also important documents within an estate plan.

An Enduring Power of Attorney authorizes someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs in case you lose your mental capacity.

A Representation Agreement authorizes another person to make decisions regarding your medical care and where you live in the event that you are incapable of making these decisions on your own.

Another legal instrument commonly included in estate planning are Trusts. A Trust may be recommended to assist with issues relating to tax and inheritance.  Common uses of trusts include estate plans for complex family scenarios, supervising gifts to minors and tax planning.

In addition to providing services and advice with regard to developing an estate plan, our law firm also provides services to in relation to the Administration/Executorship of an estate.  A great deal of work is required to properly administer an estate including applying for Probate, Passing of Executor Accounts and distributing estate assets to the beneficiaries.  If you are appointed an Executor of an Estate you have many legal obligations and responsibilities and it would be advisable for you seek the advice of a lawyer that will counsel you through the procedure.

Perhaps a family member died without a Will – this is called an Intestate Estate.  In these circumstances you may wish to apply to the Court to be appointed the Administrator of the Estate.  Our law firm can advise you on and assist you with the required Court application.

Finally, when you complete a Will you may want to appoint a lawyer of our firm as your Executor. We will provide Executorship and Trustee services.

Contact Heath Law LLP for any of the following legal services:

• Drafting Wills, Power of Attorneys, Representation Agreements and Trusts;
• Providing advice to Executors and Administrators;
• Probate applications;
• Administration applications for Intestate Estates;
• Passing of Executor or Administrator Accounts; and
• Executor, Administrator and Trustee services.