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These are unprecedented and concerning times. Everyday life is changing rapidly and the challenges that many Australians will face in the coming months are hard to comprehend. While each of us seeks to adjust to life in the grip of this pandemic, our priorities will naturally be the immediate health and welfare of ourselves and our loved ones. But what about your and their future security? If the unthinkable happened, what would your wishes be and are you confident those wishes would be met? In the absence of a comprehensive estate plan, the unfortunate reality is that they may not be. 

The importance of having a comprehensive estate plan cannot be stressed enough, particularly in the current climate. A comprehensive estate plan will not only include a valid Will but will also address, among many other issues, who will make decisions for you in the event you lose capacity during your life as well as how your superannuation and/or life insurance and any interests you may have in companies, trusts and other entities will be dealt with in the event of your death. Though preparing for such eventualities may be confronting, consider the peace of mind it will give you to know that, in a worst-case scenario, you have a contingency plan in place.

Our online Estate Planning assistant enables you (and, if applicable, your spouse) to conveniently start your estate planning process in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace and without obligation. The online Estate Planning assistant guides you through the process with a simple step-by-step questionnaire which asks you to enter the important information and key facts unique to your personal circumstances. You can even engage, via the assistant, the help of your accountant or financial planner to provide us with certain information you may not have to hand. Once complete, a member of our expert Estates and Succession team will contact you to progress your estate plan and provide a fee estimate. Our lawyers can also provide you with advice about options for executing your estate planning documents in circumstances where you may be in self-isolation or not have access to independent witnesses. 

You can access our online Estate Planning assistant by clicking here. 

Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to one of our lawyers directly in the first instance, please contact our Estates and Succession team to discuss your estate planning needs. For further information about the importance of preparing a comprehensive estate plan, or about enduring powers of attorney and matters to consider when appointing a substitute decision-maker, please click the respective links.