Life is unpredictable, and your whole world can change in an instant if you fall ill or sustain a serious injury.
You certainly don’t want to think about your death when you’re in the prime of your life, but there are numerous good reasons to consult with an Adelaide estate planning lawyer as soon as possible.
It may be difficult to face your mortality, but the compassionate team at Genders & Partners will make the legal process of getting your affairs in order as easy as possible so that you can put this unpleasant task behind you and go back to living your life to the fullest.
What Does “Getting Affairs in Order” Mean?
An estate plan is generally made up of several legal documents that direct how you want your assets handled as well as how you will be cared for—both financially and medically—in the event that you can no longer make decisions for yourself, ie in the event of your incapacity or death.
Key documents in your estate plan include a Will, which typically names your beneficiaries and executor, details how your assets should be divided and dictates who should look after your children if they are under 18 when you die. Advance care planning is also part of estate planning, and your specialist estate planning lawyer will help you define your wishes regarding your medical care and finances through enduring Powers of Attorney and Anticipatory Care Directives documents.
Keeping all of your important paperwork in one place is another key component of getting your affairs in order. This makes it easier for your executor, attorney or guardian to help you in carrying out your wishes. This paperwork may include your Will, birth certificate, marriage certificate, advance care planning documents, Medicare and other medical insurance information, bank account details, funeral planning documents, superannuation and insurance information and house deeds or leasing documents.
Why Is An Estate Plan So Important?
An estate plan is critical because it ensures that your every wishes are legally documented and this minimises errors and inconvenience when difficult times happen for you & your family. Dying without a Will can dramatically worsen your family’s position. In the midst of their grieving, your loved ones are left wondering how to divide your assets, and even in the most loving families, this scenario can end with arguments, drawn-out legal battles and irreparable family rifts.
The same holds true for outlining how your finances and medical care are carried out should you become ill or suffer a severe accident. Without appointing trustworthy people to look after you, your life may end up in the hands of someone who has no clue about the types of choices you would make for yourself if you could.
Estate Planning in Adelaide
At Genders & Partners, we specialise in estate planning in Adelaide, and we welcome the opportunity to help you get your affairs in order so that you can obtain peace of mind. Contact us today for your free telephone consultation.
SPECIAL REPORT “7 Things You Must Know Before You Make Your Will”
In this report you will Learn:
Why home-made Wills can be a LOT more expensive than you might think.
The secret weapons used by the rich & powerful to protect their assets, and transfer their wealth two or three generations ahead.
How Estate and Trustee Companies make BIG money from “free” Wills.
The Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes, how they can cost your family a fortune, and How to Avoid Them.
The Elements of a Sound Estate Plan – why a Will alone is not enough.
How to Make Sure Your Assets Stay in Your Family and are not lost to creditors, lawsuits or ex-spouses.
How to guard against challenges to your Estate after you’re gone.