Settlement Guide: The importance of having a will in Australia

A will is a legal document with instructions for who you want to inherit your estate, care for your children, and be the executor of your estate when you pass away.

Source: Getty Images/seksan Mongkhonkhamsao

Research shows that many Australians underestimate the importance of having a will. But experts argue that planning for the future of your loved ones should be a priority regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.


A will is a legal document with instructions about who you want to inherit your estate, care for your children, and be the executor of your estate when you die.
According to a 2015 study, only older Australians and those with significant assets have the most frequent wills.
When a person dies without a will, it is called a will, and the division of property is then made according to state or territory laws.
Online do-it-yourself wills are an increasing trend in Australia, but getting legal advice is considered a safer option.
But it's not just lawyers who provide professional help.
You can get your will by the State Trustees, a government office that operates in every state or territory.
Public Trustees still charge nominal fees or a regulated fee-to-service. Fee waivers may also apply to retirees and persons over 60 years of age.


 


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