The Succession Act

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Don’t leave your will & estate planning until it is too late

Estate Planning is often left by people until it is too late. It is a useful tool for you and your estate to provide certainty and save expense in the long term.

An estate planning lawyer can provide certainty and peace of mind. Planning for death is generally an issue that is neglected by many Australians. Around 40% of Australians die each year without a Will or any significant Estate Planning and many of the remainder die with wills that do not reflect their current needs.

There are legal issues that must be taken into account when you are considering your estate planning and financial plans and our expert estate lawyers in Sydney are here to help. How you structure your will, the appointment of trustees, how your estate is distributed and the appointment of guardians for any children are all vital issues that should be addressed in your Will.

There may be circumstances where trusts should be established after your death or life interests created.

Our estate planning lawyers are able to advise you and assist you in the preparation of Wills and Estate Planning issues such as Powers of Attorney and Guardianship appointments. We can also discuss Advance Directives with you if you want to leave directions to your guardian should you become incapable of making a health or welfare decision.

You only have one chance to get your Will or Estate Planning right. Once you have passed away, the Will cannot be changed without the intervention of the Supreme Court, the cost of which Will far outweigh the cost of seeing your solicitor. It is therefore important that you get it right the first time!

How to Make a Will?

1. Contact Owen Hodge Lawyers for your Estate Planning Assessment. The process is flexible and consultative.

2. Fill in the Estate Planning Review Checklist and bring it with you when you meet with our experienced estate planning lawyer.

Estate Planning Review Checklist

Estate planning requires a lot of careful consideration as well as a number of documents and forms, including wills, power of attorney forms, and living wills.

The Estate Planning Review Checklist can assist in preparing your estate planning documents. Not all questions will be applicable to your situation while others may prompt further considerations. Please answer only the questions you feel comfortable answering at this time. When you meet with a lawyer, there will be opportunity to discuss the estate planning needs specific to you.

Click here to download the checklist.

3. An initial meeting with Owen Hodge’s Sydney-based estate lawyers will establish your values, vision and goals, ahead of a seven step process that will guide you from your initial objectives to post-implementation reviews.
4. Owen Hodge Lawyers will provide clear instructions and advice on the preparation of Wills, testamentary trusts and Power of Attorney and all relevant documentation including legal notifications to guardians.

If you need any assistance with this topic, please contact us.

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