Will & Estate Planning

Why should I have a Will?

In WA around 30% of people own real estate. Between 2011 and 2014 the average superannuation holding has risen from $63,740 to $76,725. Statistically, around 32% of first marriages end in divorce and 60% of second marriages end in divorce. Around 47% of divorces involve children. There are approximately 120,000 Marriages per year in Australia which makes the number of divorces significant. The life average expectancy has increased from 80.5 years in 2004 to 82.35 years in 2012 leaving an increase in cases of cognitive impairment from 565,000 cases in 2009 to 668,100 cases in 2012.

What happens if I don’t have a Will?

If you do not have a will your estate may be distributed in accordance with s14(1) of the Administration Act 1903 (WA) and not in accordance with your testamentary intentions. There may be an extra cost and delay in obtaining grants of representation and there may be potential conflict regarding who will be the legal representative of your estate. Your administrator may have to deal with issues regarding establishing trusts for minors or infant children or there may be adverse taxation and stamp duty implications.

Our succession lawyers are committed to providing you with tailored advice that is suited to your circumstances. Talking and planning your estate matters can be daunting but…

If you complete the online intake we may not need a second in-person meeting with you. That is to say, we may be able to complete the whole process with only one face to face meeting.

What are the costs?

Our estate planning solicitors understand that each clients’ situation is unique and as such, require certain information to be provided in order to prepare a personalised and competitive estate planning quote for your consideration. Upon completion of your chosen client intake method, we will provide you with a fixed fee scope of work for consideration.

As a guide, our Wills start from $550.00 + GST. Our estate planning packages range between $1,250 – $4,500 + GST per person (excluding disbursements such as Landgate registration fees). The price depends on the nature and complexity of the estate plan and asset structures.

Please rest assured, there is no obligation to proceed after receiving a quote from us, however please contact us to discuss it before declining as may be able to review the estimate. Notwithstanding, please be mindful of the disasters of not having a proper estate plan. Our page the Importance of Estate Planning has further information on the subject.