Wills & Estates

Wills

Everyone should have a Will. If you don't have a valid Will, a family member may have to get a court order to administer your estate, or the government may get involved through the Office of the Public Trustee. Most importantly, without a Will you have no control over how your estate (property and assets) is distributed.

Having a valid Will is especially important if you have children, if you plan to marry, if you have separated from your spouse, or if you have re-married.

If you have separated from your spouse and done a new Will at that time, you need to know that if you re-marry, any Will you have is revoked. It only remains valid if you made it "in contemplation of marriage".

Many things are out of the control of your survivors, if you do not have a Will. It is a true gift to your loved ones to have an up-to-date Will.

Powers Of Attorney

A Power of Attorney for Property is a legal document that gives someone the power to manage your finances. You may want someone to help you manage your finances now, or in the event you become incapable of doing so in the future. The "attorney" is not usually a lawyer - it is someone you trust to look after paying bills, manage your bank accounts and money, and to make other financial decisions or your behalf.

A Power of Attorney for Personal Care is a different document in which you can appoint a person to make personal care decisions on your behalf if you become mentally incapable. You can choose someone you trust to be your "substitute decision-maker" to make decisions about your medical treatment, housing, diet, and all aspects of your personal care.

Many people want a Power of Attorney for Personal Care so that they can specifically give authority to a friend or family member to take them off life-support if they have an incurable, terminal condition. That is why this type of Power of Attorney is sometimes called a "living will".

The team at H. Jane Robertson & Associates will be careful, sensitive, and competent as they assist you with these important matters. Call the office to book an appointment or for information about the fees charged by the firm for Wills and Powers of Attorney.