Genders & Partners
We are the oldest law firm in South Australia, established in 1848. We obtained the highest ever award for personal injuries in South Australia for one of our clients and have been involved in four of Australia's largest claims for personal injuries. Proud member of:
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WillsHelpful Tips
Did You Know ... ? Free Lunch ... ? A cheap (or free) Will may be far more costly than you might think. Some Trustee companies offer free Wills on the condition that they are named as Executor to your estate. This means that they can charge a percentage of your overall estate to administer it - frequently this is thousands of dollars more than a solicitor would charge for the same service.It is the only way, on your death, to direct who is to take charge of your affairs and to ensure your assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries you choose in the way you want. Should you die without a Will (intestate) your estate may be divided according to a Government formula – a formula that may not reflect your wishes and which may cause undue hardship, cost and delay for your family. In situations where you have no living relatives closer than cousins, your estate may go to the State Government. A Will is particularly important to update after marriage, divorce or if you are living in a domestic or de facto relationship. Other people can also make a claim to your estate if not adequately provided for under a Will. Will making is a highly specialised task, with potentially complex financial, legal and tax implications that need to be considered to ensure that your estate is distributed as you wish. Having a professionally-prepared Will can give the following types of benefits: Secure children's future If your children are under the age of 18 years, you may choose to nominate guardians for them in your will and to make arrangements for their maintenance and education. Marriage It is not commonly known that marriage automatically cancels all previous wills. So if you have made a will before you married and still want to continue to provide for those beneficiaries or make arrangements to cater for the new circumstances, you must make a new will. Domestic or De facto relationships If you die without a will your domestic or de facto partner may not automatically be entitled to your estate. He or she might stand to lose the assets and treasured mementos that you want them to have. Early distribution of estate A professionally drawn and executed will greatly assists the cost-efficient administration of your estate and the early distribution of your assets to the beneficiaries named in your will. Decide who benefits If you die intestate, that is without leaving a will, your estate is divided according to the law and you will have no say in how your estate is distributed. Choose your executor When you make a will, you appoint an executor who is responsible for looking after your estate and distributing your assets according to the instructions contained in your will. Changes to your will You should consider alterations to your Will as your circumstances change. Marriage, the birth of a child, the acquisition of new assets or a divorce are just some of the events which may cause you to want to change your Will.
We are happy to offer expert advice and practical help when
it comes to making any alterations.
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