Wills
A Will is a document setting out your intentions for what you own that takes effect when you die. It can cover things like how your assets will be shared, who will look after your children if they are still young, how much money you would like donated to charities and even instructions about your funeral.
While some choose to prepare their own Will with a Will Kit, complications can arise. Such complications can include:
- the Will may be unclear as to what the intentions are;
- the Will may not have been witnessed and executed in a way required by the Wills Act 1997 (VIC);
- the Will maker may not have considered possible challenges to the Will; and
- the Will may be invalid.
The benefit of having Ballarat Lawyers assist you in the preparation of your Will is that we will give you peace of mind that the requirements of the law have been met and that no foreseeable complications will make this time harder for your family.
To learn more about our Will services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 5303 0281 or admin@ballaratlawyers.com.au.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that people use to authorise another person to act on their behalf in certain circumstances. Depending on the power given, an attorney may be able to make decisions relating to financial matters, personal/living matters, legal matters, and medical matters.
One of the most common types is an Enduring Power of Attorney, which gives your representative authority to make financial and/or personal decisions on your behalf. This power would come into effect when it is signed and accepted and continues to operate until it is revoked or the person giving the power is deceased, as long as the Attorney has the capacity to act. Many people who are still capable of managing their own affairs grant a trusted family member or friend this power to ensure that if they ever lose the ability to manage their own affairs, the person they appointed may assist.
Another common choice for people is an Enduring Power of Attorney (Medical Treatment). An enduring power of attorney (medical treatment) allows you to appoint a person to make decisions about medical treatment on your behalf if you lose capacity for any reason. Your attorney can be a family member, friend or professional person.
To learn more about our Powers of Attorney or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 5303 0281 or admin@ballaratlawyers.com.au.
You may also be interested in our articles on wills & estates, please click here.
