Will Lawyers Adelaide | Estates Lawyers

Get advice from our experienced Adelaide wills and estates Lawyers

A carefully thought out and correctly drafted will is one of the most important documents you can put in place to protect your family. Wills are complex documents and it is important to ensure they prepared correctly to ensure your wishes are properly accounted for.

Errors in preparing your will can have serious consequences for those left behind and it is essential to get it right.

For those left behind, the death of a loved one will be a traumatic experience. The last thing they need is the added stress, anxiety and cost in navigating the legal maze if you do not have a clear and valid will in place.

Making Your Will

If you are over 18 years of age and have assets or superannuation it is time to make your will. Our experienced Adelaide wills and estates lawyers can assist you in putting an appropriate will in place that suits your individual circumstances. Our services include:

Assisting you to draft a will that clearly documents your wishes and accounts for changes in circumstances;
Advice on the role and responsibilities of executors
Advice on the nomination of guardians for any children
Advice the need for testamentary trusts
Advice on how to effectively deal with non-estate assets such as trusts, companies and superannuation.
Safe storage of your will and other legal documents in a fire proof safe until you need them at no charge.

Try our Online Will Form and Assets and Liability Proforma to assist with the development of your will.

Online Will Form

Assets and Liability Proforma Download

experienced Adelaide wills and estates Lawyers

At Williams Barristers and Solicitors...

Mark Williams - Criminal Lawyer, Wills and Estates, and Traffic Lawyer in Adelaide.

We take time to ensure that your instructions are understood and accurately reflected in your will . The process usually occurs over the course of two meetings; however, additional meetings may be required depending onindividual needs. At the initial meeting, we talk through your personal circumstances including your family and asset structure and discuss your wishes. It is not expected that you will come to the first meeting with all the answers and as we explore your options, it is common for people to take things to think about after the first meeting. At the conclusion of the first meeting we arrange a second appointment with you to return and sign the completed documents.

Once all documents are signed we make the relevant certified copies for you and offer free storage for your original documents in our fire proof safe.

Enduring power of attorney and advance care directive

In addition to wills, Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive are essential to good estate planning. Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive documents empower you to appoint trusted and competent people to make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated or unable to make your own decisions.

Failure to appoint an attorney and substitute decision-maker through an Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive will result in the decision being taken out of your hands and the person appointed may not be who you would have chosen for yourself.

Mark Williams with clients discussing wills and advance care directives

What happens if I die without a will?

Depending on your assets, Letters of Administration may need to be applied for should you die without leaving a Will.

Unlike probate where assets are distributed in accordance with instructions in your will, in the absence of a will, assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the Administration and Probate Act 1919.

The provisions of the Administration and Probate Act 1919 may not reflect your instructions and as such it is important that your estate not be left to chance.

Letters of Administration may also be granted where there is a valid will; however, no executors are able or willing to administer it. In such circumstances, an application will need to be made to administer the estate in accordance with the will.

How often should I change my will and other estate planning documents?

Estate Administration

If you have been appointed as an executor under a will or are otherwise eligible to act as administrator of an intestate estate, it is important that you seek expert Estate advice.

The role and obligations of an executor/administrator can be complex and can have significant consequences if not executed correctly.

At Williams Barristers and Solicitors our team of expert estate lawyers have the experience necessary to guide you through the probate process up to completion of your executorial/administrative duties.

In addition to our inhouse expertise, we have a network of valuers, conveyancers and accountants who are all well versed in the area of estate administration to ensure that your role is discharged lawfully and as efficiently as possible

If you are looking to draft your own will or need assistance to administer an estate, we encourage you to contact our experienced will and estate lawyers. Call us on 84519040.

Experienced will lawyers and estate lawyers Adelaide reviewing last will and testament document.

Wills and Estates Lawyers