Wills and Estates Law

 

Prepare Your Will Professionally for Peace of Mind

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will write during your life. A Will sets out your wishes to your loved ones and beneficiaries and it is essential that it is prepared correctly.

In our experience, when a loved one dies without a Will, it is stressful and painful for all.

By preparing a Will you are easing the burden on those left to grieve. You can specify exactly how you would like your assets distributed. Making a Will is one of the most considerate gifts you can leave for your loved ones.

A Will doesn’t have to be boring or use language from Shakespeare’s first play. It can be a true reflection of you, and if that isn’t conventional then great! We can help you draft a document that has anything you want to say. We must abide by the regulations surrounding preparation of a Will to ensure its legal precision, but more importantly, your final wishes are in your own words.

We understand that making a Will can be an unnerving experience. Our staff will guide you through this process in a fast and effective manner which will leave you prepared for the rest of your life.

In addition, Mahony’s Lawyers provide several benefits for our clients with respect to the provision of a Will at no extra charge. Services as Safe Custody and the Wills Register provide peace of mind for all.

Wills Register

Things go astray, it happens. Even the most important documents can be lost or kept in a safe spot which, after your death, is like a Sherlock Holmes mystery trying to find.

You can leave clues for your loved ones though. The Wills Register is a quick and easy way for a legal practitioner to locate a Will which would normally take time, add stress to your loved ones and added cost to your Estate in order to advertise and locate your Will.

Mahony’s Lawyers provides registration on the Will Register with the Law Society at no additional cost. The Will Register is only accessible by Lawyers and provides your name, date of birth and location of your Will. No other information is released. This ensures that your Final Will is current and is always found. Elementary Watson, Mystery solved! 

Safe Custody

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will write during your life. It is important that your Will is not damaged in any way as any marks, tears or even the removal of a staple may effect the validity of your Will.

Mahony's Lawyers offers a personalised service to our clients through our safe custody service. We have a secure vault where we can hold your Will securely at no additional cost.

Contesting a Will

You may find yourself in a dispute with family members over an estate. This can be a stressful and bewildering time. We will help you through this process by providing up front and honest advice and we will clearly explain your options. 

Advanced Care Directives

An Advanced Care Directive details how you would like to be cared for at the end of your life, based on your choices today. These can include decisions such as how life support and resuscitation are managed, nursing support and home care services, burial and funeral arrangements.

These are matters that you may not be in a position to manage or make decisions about down the track, so we will help you put an Advanced Care Directive into place so that your wishes are respected and carried out accordingly, should this time ever come.

Probate/Letters of Administration

If you have been given the responsibility of being Executor or Executrix of someone’s estate, you may need help with ensuring it is provided correctly and with the least amount of stress for everyone involved. As a Mahony’s client, we work with you so that you understand your role and obligations to assist you through what is often a complex process. 

Power of Attorney

Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney are not the same things.

An Enduring Power of Attorney is effective when you are alive. A Will is effective upon your death.

During your life me, an Enduring Power of Attorney can give someone else the right (power) to handle your financial affairs for you, to effectively take over your decision making on financial matters.  

A Will is the instructions you leave so that your possessions are dealt with in the manner you would wish after you have died.

Mahony’s can help you navigate Wills and Powers of Attorney, how to best establish these for yourself, or how to manage these in the event of death.

What If There is No Will?

You may find yourself in need of direction if your loved one has passed away without a Will. We can assist you with the necessary steps associated with the Estate of someone who has died without a current Will in place. Please call us to discuss your circumstances.

 

What Our Clients Are Saying...

"Thank you Jim for always believing in my case and giving me hope when I was in despair. Your professionalism, understanding and empathy shown to me was always appreciated.  You have shown fantastic tenacity and I thank you for always keeping me up to date with what was happening and your down to earth approach is a true asset. Lastly, the office staff who were always understanding, polite and helpful, especially Tricia. It has been a fantastic result at the Tribunal for myself and my daughters. It will never bring my much loved husband and adored father back but at least we have some peace now. I would highly recommend Mahony's Lawyers as an outstanding law firm in every respect."

June, Flagstaff Hill