Secure Your Future, Protect Your Loved Ones
Taking control of your estate planning is a vital step towards protecting your assets and ensuring your loved ones’ future is secure. At the Australian Probate Centre, our expert estate planning solicitors are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of estate planning, so you can gain peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored. Whether you are looking to safeguard your wealth or ensure the proper care of your family, we are here to provide personalized guidance every step of the way.
What is a Will?
A will is an essential legal document that gives you full control over how your assets are distributed and who will care for your minor children after your passing. Without a will in place, these crucial decisions are left to the court, which can result in outcomes that may not align with your wishes and potentially lead to family disputes and unnecessary complications.
Why You Need a Will:
Take control of your legacy - determine how your assets are passed on
Ensure the well - being of your children by designating guardians
Prevent family conflicts with clear instructions on your final wishes
Appoint a trusted executor to manage your estate efficiently.
Do not leave these crucial decisions up to chance. Create your will today and protect your family’s future with certainty.
What is a Will?
Why You Need a Will:
- Ensure the well - being of your children by designating guardians
- Ensure the well - being of your children by designating guardians
- Prevent family conflicts with clear instructions on your final wishes
- Appoint a trusted executor to manage your estate efficiently.
What is a Trust?
A trust is a highly effective estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth after your passing – without the delays and expenses of probate. By establishing a trust, you maintain control over how, and when your assets are distributed, protecting your estate and loved ones from unnecessary complications.
Explore Our Types of Trusts:
Revocable Living Trust
Retain control of your assets during your lifetime with the flexibility to make changes as needed. Ideal for those who want to avoid probate while maintaining control.
Irrevocable Trust
Secure significant tax advantages and shield your assets from creditors by setting up a trust that cannot be altered without beneficiary consent.
Testamentary Trust
Incorporated into your will, this trust is activated upon your death to ensure assets are managed for minor children or beneficiaries who may not be ready to handle them independently.
Special Needs Trust
Provide long-term financial support for a loved one with special needs, without affecting their eligibility for vital government assistance.
Each trust serves a unique purpose in ensuring your wealth is protected. Let us help you find the right Trust to safeguard your estate and secure your family’s future.
Standard Will vs Trusts
Choosing between a will and a trust depends on your personal and financial circumstances. At the Australian Probate Centre, our expert estate planning solicitors will work closely with you to understand your goals and recommend a solution tailored to your needs. Whether you need the simplicity of a will or the added protections of a trust, we will guide you every step of the way.
Do not wait until it is too late – start protecting your legacy today. With our legal team by your side, you can rest assured that your family will be taken care of, and your assets distributed exactly as you wish.
01
Assess Your Assets and Liabilities
Before drafting your will, our solicitors will assist you take an inventory of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and other valuables. This will give you a clear picture of what you need to plan for.
02
Identify Your Beneficiaries
Next, decide who will benefit from your estate. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, charities, or organizations. Be specific about what each person or entity will receive.
03
Appoint a Guardian for Minor
If you have minor children, it is essential to designate a guardian in your will. This person will take legal responsibility for your children in the event of your passing. Make sure the individual you choose is willing and capable of taking on this responsibility.
04
Choose an Executor
An executor is the person you appoint to ensure your wishes, as outlined in your will, are carried out. This individual will manage your estate, settle debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Choose someone responsible and trustworthy.
05
Decide on Special Provisions
You may wish to include special provisions, such as establishing a Testamentary Trust to manage assets for minor children until they reach adulthood or specifying funeral or burial instructions.
06
Draft the Will
Once we have gathered the necessary information, the next step is to draft your will. Our experienced estate planning solicitors will draft your will that fully addresses your needs complies with the law.
07
Executing the Will
For your will to be legally valid, you must sign it in the presence of at least two witnesses. These witnesses must not be beneficiaries of the will. Their role is to confirm that you signed the will voluntarily and were of sound mind when doing so.
08
Store Your Will Safely
After signing your will, store it in a secure but accessible location. You can store your will at home in a fireproof safe, at a trusted financial institution, or with the State Trustees. Inform your executor and close family members of its location so they can access it when necessary.
09
Review and Update Your Will
Life changes - such as marriage, the birth of a child, or acquiring new assets - may require updates to your will. Review it periodically and make changes as needed to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances.
At the Australian Probate Centre, we offer free, initial 15 min consultations to help you get started with your estate planning. Our team will walk you through your options, explain the benefits of wills and trusts, and help you draft a plan that fits your unique situation.
Take Action Now: Schedule a Free Consultation
Enduring Power of Attorney
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change rapidly. Here’s why having an EPA is essential:
- Protection against Unforeseen Events: Whether due to illness, injury, or mental incapacity, there may come a time when you cannot manage your financial affairs. An EPA allows someone you trust to step in and make crucial decisions, ensuring your interests are protected.
- Avoiding State Intervention: If you lose mental capacity without an EPA in place, the State Tribunal will make financial decisions on your behalf. This can lead to lengthy delays or decisions that may not reflect your wishes. By establishing an EPA proactively, you ensure that your chosen representative manages your affairs, preserving your legacy and values.
- Timely Decision-Making: Financial matters often require immediate attention. With an EPA, your appointed representative can act swiftly, preventing potential financial losses and safeguarding your assets.
Creating an Enduring Power of Attorney is a proactive measure that provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. At Australian Probate Centre, our experienced team of solicitors are dedicated to guiding you through the intricacies of establishing an EPA. We understand that every situation is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
Enduring Power of Guardianship
- Empower Your Choices: By establishing this legal document, you retain control over who makes significant lifestyle decisions for you. This ensures that your values and preferences are respected during times when you may not be able to advocate for yourself.
- Prevent State Intervention: If you lose mental capacity without an Enduring Power of Guardianship, the decision of who will make choices on your behalf will be left to the State Tribunal. This process can be lengthy and may not align with your wishes. By acting proactively, you ensure that your guardian is someone you trust, maintaining your autonomy even in difficult circumstances.
- Timeliness Matters: In the event of a sudden change in your mental capacity, having an Enduring Power of Guardianship in place allows for immediate decision-making by your appointed guardian, avoiding unnecessary delays and complications.
Creating an Enduring Power of Guardianship is a proactive step toward safeguarding your personal choices and ensuring your peace of mind. At Australian Probate Centre, our dedicated team of experienced lawyers is here to guide you through the process.
Why Choose Australian Probate Centre?
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our knowledgeable attorneys will simplify the process for you, offering clear explanations and addressing any concerns you may have.
- Personalized Solutions: We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and desires, ensuring that your wishes are accurately captured and reflected.
- Confidence in Your Future: With our support, you can rest assured that your financial decisions are entrusted to someone you know and trust, allowing you to focus on what matters most in life.
Contact Australian Probate Centre today to schedule an initial 15 min free consultation and take the first step toward securing your peace of mind.