Willcraft featured in the Have-A-Go News January 2015 edition, page 26

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Where there isn’t a will…

by Sharon Hunt and Colin Chapman

A SURPRISING number of Australians fail to make a will, despite warnings about the mess that can be caused by people neglecting to do this.
It doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy or not so wealthy; if you have assets and family a legal will is important and should not be neglected.
Many people think it can be put off until they’re elderly, but in reality many couples with children and grandchildren should have a will to make provisions for them.
Furthermore, it should be reviewed every three to five years or as financial and family circumstances change, for example when there’s a separation or divorce, remarriage or the birth of a child or grandchild.
If you fail to complete a will you will die intestate and your assets will be distributed by the Government. This will very likely, not be as you wished. Some people may benefit that you would prefer not to, rather than your family and the beneficiaries you choose.
Some of these laws are quite onerous and can be the cause of major disputes and legal expense to your estate. You need to make decisions as to how to divide assets, provisions that you may want to make for children and so on.
You need to consider many key factors, depending on your circumstances:
Is your property owned in the most beneficial way for distribution?
Are you married or in a de facto relationship?
Do you have children under 18?
Do you have children from previous relationships?
How do you want your assets divided among your family and friends?
Do you need to consider protecting assets for beneficiaries in a trust?
For peace of mind, the best route is to have your will created for you by experienced professionals.
Willcraft is a specialist, qualified team with 20 years of experience in will writing and estate planning for families. Willcraft can assist you in will preparation, as well as Advanced Health Directives (living wills), Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship. They’ll come to your home or workplace and offer a fixed price service.
Take control of your assets, protect your family and assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. If making a will is something you have been ‘meaning to get round to’ take action today!
Call Sharon on 0447 188 805 or Colin on 0429 926 964 Email: team@willcraft.com.au Website: www.willcraft.com.au