I’m currently polishing off my long-forgotten fishing skills over on the Yorke Peninsular as is my usual practice this time of year, so I’ll keep this month’s article short and to-the-point.
I hope you all had a safe and happy Christmas and, like me, have been able to spend some time with family and friends relaxing before returning to work in January. In my case, this will be later in the month.
One thing a New Year can encourage us to reflect on is whether we have our estate documents in order. Here are 6 other significant occasions that should remind you to get things in order:
1. Buying Your First Home
With housing affordability being an issue, people are buying property later and later – all the more reason to think about who you want to leave your newly purchased home to! If you die and you own property, a Grant of Probate will be needed before the property can be sold or transferred. Having a Will in place makes this a much easier process.
2. Getting engaged or married
Marriage revokes a Will – unless your Will includes a contemplation of marriage clause. If you get married and then die without a Will, legislation sets out how your estate would be divided, and it might not be what you want.
3. Having a child
Your world is about to change. It is the perfect time to think about the life and legacy you want to build.
4. Going on holiday overseas.
5. Receiving an inheritance
Receiving an inheritance can significantly change your financial situation. Updating your Will ensures that these new assets are distributed according to your wishes.
6. Separating from your partner
While in South Australia divorce revokes clauses in your Will relating to your former spouse as an executor or beneficiary, you should still update your Will to appoint people in their place. If you have separated but not yet divorced, updating your Will ensures that your ex-spouse does not unintentionally benefit from any provisions made when you were together. It is a proactive step to reflect your new life and protect the interests of those you care about most.
Sometimes it takes a bad experience or a diagnosis to make you serious about getting your affairs in order. I encourage you to take the reins and get everything in order while things are good, so that the path ahead is clear, and your family and friends have the power to help you when needed.
New Year Shutdown
Please note that the offices of Ezra Legal will reopen on Monday 8 January 2024.
In the meantime, for urgent legal guidance or advice during this period, please telephone our main office number on (08) 8231 6100 and you will be re-directed to an on-call staff member, or email reception@ezralegal.com.au.
As we say… we’re here to help!
For information on the range of estate planning services that we provide, head to:
Michael Fabbro
Practice Principal
Ezra Legal