Wills and estates is an area of law that covers more than making a will. It is now increasingly common for people to plan ahead and ensure that, as they age, there is a legal framework that will assist them in making financial and medical decisions. In addition, wills and estates cover traditional powers of attorney and family financial arrangements through trusts.
Planning ahead
Regardless of your age and financial situation, it pays to plan ahead. Just as you would take out insurance on your house, preparing a will is a way of ensuring that your wishes are carried out. It is always a great relief to a grieving family to know that there will be no need to apply to the court and see your assets distributed in a way that doesn't accord how you would have approached matters. It can also be important to plan for future generations to avoid costly legal disputes between beneficiaries, as wills made later on in life might be contested on the basis of your age or decision making ability.
On the other hand, it pays to plan ahead for a family with a trust. Trusts are a way of ensuring that money and other property is distributed for a particular purpose and at a particular time. There can be taxation benefits to setting up a trust and they can also work together with wills if you would prefer that a younger family member receives something when they are older.
The lawyers at Stacks Collins Thompson also provide assistance with guardianship matters, covering situations where a person requires assistance to make medical or financial decisions. This field also embraces powers of attorney, where a person may have an enduring or temporary power to make decisions for someone else. All of these forms of assistance help avoid frustration and the inability to decide when time is short.
Understanding and professional service
At Stacks Collins Thompson, we offer a full range of wills and estates services, covering such matters as:
- Estate planning
- Will preparation
- Assisting with deceased estates
- Testamentary trusts
- Contesting wills and acting in disputed wills claims
- Preparing powers of attorney and enduring powers of attorney
- Guardianship
We understand that seeking advice in this area can come at a very emotional time for you and your family. Our solicitors have an understanding of the human element involved in caring for a loved one and always aim to ensure that your wishes are carried out with sensitivity and professionalism.
We have established strong ties in the local Hornsby community and have been assisting families in the north shore of Sydney for over thirty years. We uphold the strictest personal and professional ethics as well as the utmost concern for our clients. We urge you to speak to one of our experienced solicitors today on (02) 9476 2788 to discuss your situation.
We can assist you with matters relating to estate planning, preparation of wills, administration of deceased estates, testamentary trusts, will disputes, taxation considerations, guardianship (appointment of guardians and enduring guardianship) and powers of attorney.
