The Senior

Creating your will does not have to be stressful

Creating your will does not have to be stressful
Creating your will does not have to be stressful

This is sponsored content for Taylor and Scott Lawyers.

Securing a comfortable future for loved ones requires preparation, and it is possible for anyone to store a will in safekeeping.

With a will in place, wealth and assets accumulated over a lifetime can be distributed fairly to those you care most about. Creating your will does not have to be stressful, and it will relieve the burden on those you leave behind.

When writing a will, it is important to make a definitive statement of intent, as there can be no clarification once you pass away.

Your will should be properly worded, easy to understand, and legally enforceable. It is advisable to employ the services of a highly regarded legal firm to ensure your will is prepared properly and correctly witnessed and signed.

Without a will, you are said to die intestate, possibly resulting in your estate being administered independently and assets distributed against your wishes. The implications on loved ones can be extremely distressing, so now is as good a time as any to contact a lawyer and have your will drawn up and singed.

In any case, the negative connotations of writing a will tend to overshadow the many positives. A will can be formalised from 18 years and onwards, not only toward the end of your life.

Creating your will does not have to be stressful
Creating your will does not have to be stressful

A will can be updated or restructured to accommodate relationships, finances, equity and assets. With the support of family and friends, creating your will does not have to be stressful, and it can be a great opportunity to bond with loved ones.

The future is unknown, but a degree of certainty is appreciated. You can rest easy, knowing that your assets are going to beneficiaries of your choosing. If your health is waning, you should appoint an Enduring Guardian or Power of Attorney to oversee affairs on your behalf.

This person should be a trusted family member or friend and advisor, or your legal representative. Your Enduring Attorney will perform financial actions on your behalf, according to your instructions.

Your will contains details regarding the administrator of your estate (the executor), and who receives your assets (beneficiaries).

The executor can be anyone within your circle of acquaintances, including a family member or friend or your lawyer or accountant. If your estate and holdings are substantial, or possibly complex, the value of professional legal assistance can't be underestimated.

Creating your will does not have to be stressful
Creating your will does not have to be stressful

There are lots of good reasons to write a will, and little to get overly stressed about. Writing a will is something everyone should consider.

The journey through life takes many turns and detours along the way, and here are some typical circumstances where updating estate planning, writing a will, or restructuring your will is a good idea.

  • Changes to your asset pool;
  • Changes to your family relationship structure.
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Changes to your intentions;
  • The need for sophisticated estate planning;
  • Changes to your finances that may impact acquiring and disposing of assets;
  • Persons' named in the original will are now deceased;
  • Business arrangements and structures are affecting your financial situation;
  • Changes in lifestyle, health and retirement;

Celebrating life is a high priority for all of us, and who better to celebrate with than family and friends? A trusted legal firm familiar with the many intricacies of wills and estates will help you get your affairs in order so everyone is looked after further down the track.

This is sponsored content for Taylor and Scott Lawyers.