Ipswich Estate Planning Lawyers Planning Your Future & Securing Your Legacy
Expert Estate Planning is critical to ensure your legacy is protected and your wishes are faithfully executed. At Stanford Legal, as your dedicated Ipswich-based Estate Planning Lawyers, we stand beside you, ensuring every aspect of your Will and Estate Planning is meticulously managed.
Why choose Stanford Legal for Wills and Estates planning?
Personalised approach:
We understand that every individual has unique needs, assets and wishes for their loved ones. Our personalised service ensures that your Estate Planning mirrors your exact preferences, providing peace of mind for you and your family’s future.
Clarity and Education:
Wills can be complicated and intricate. That’s why we’re not just here to draft documents. We aim to educate you, making sure you understand each clause, its implications and its benefits. We transform complexity into clarity.Empathy and Expertise:
Crafting a Will or planning an Estate is not just a legal matter; it’s deeply personal. Our team of Ipswich solicitors and Wills specialists balance unmatched expertise with genuine empathy, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.Seamless Experience, Comprehensive Service
Wills:
We are committed to crafting airtight wills. In an era where generic online templates are rampant, we ensure your will stands robust against scrutiny, representing your wishes in the truest sense.Estate Planning:
Beyond just drafting wills, our services encompass a broad spectrum of Estate Planning. From trust establishment to asset distribution, we have you covered. Our meticulous attention to detail guarantees nothing is overlooked.Empowering Choices:
Whether it’s about designating guardians for minors, detailing funeral wishes or establishing trusts for special needs beneficiaries, our commitment is to empower you with informed choices, ensuring every eventuality is anticipated and addressed.Connecting with Your Wills and Estates Planning Lawyers
If you’re on the lookout for Wills and Estates Planning Lawyers who offer an unmatched blend of professionalism, care and knowledge, Stanford Legal is your ideal partner.
Let’s collaborate and lay down the foundation for a future where your loved ones are cared for, and your legacy stands tall.
Drafting & Managing Legal Wills
Succession Planning
Estate Dispute
Deceased Estate Administration
Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)
Wills & Estate Law FAQs
What is the importance of having a legally drafted will?
A professionally drafted will is crucial as it legally ensures your assets and belongings are distributed according to your wishes after your death.
It helps avoid disputes among beneficiaries and simplifies the probate process, providing peace of mind that your final wishes are honoured.
How often should I update my will?
It’s advisable to review and potentially update your will every 3-5 years or after significant life events like marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or a major change in financial circumstances.
Regular updates ensure that your will accurately reflects your current wishes and situation.
What happens if someone passes away without a will in Australia?
If someone in Australia passes away without a will, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy laws, which may not align with their personal wishes.
This can lead to complex legal processes and potential family disputes, highlighting the importance of having a will.
Can a will be contested, and what are the grounds for contesting a will?
A will can be contested on several grounds, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or if the will fails to provide adequately for certain family members or dependents.
Contesting a will requires a legal process where these aspects are scrutinised.
What role does an executor play, and how do I choose one?
An executor is responsible for administering your estate according to the terms of your will after you pass away. This role includes a range of duties such as notifying beneficiaries, paying debts and taxes owed by the estate, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and potentially managing any legal or financial issues that arise during the administration of the estate.
When choosing an executor, it’s important to select someone who is responsible, trustworthy, and capable of handling financial matters. Ideally, this person should also have a good understanding of your personal wishes and be willing to act in the best interest of your beneficiaries. Many people choose a close family member or a trusted friend, but it is also common to appoint a professional, such as a lawyer or accountant, especially if the estate is large or complex.
What is an enduring power of attorney and should I have one alongside my will?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to incapacity.
Unlike a general power of attorney, an EPOA remains effective even if you lose mental capacity, covering decisions related to your finances, property, and personal or health matters, depending on the permissions you grant.
Having an EPOA alongside your will is highly advisable. While your will takes effect after your death, an EPOA is crucial for managing your affairs if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.
It ensures that someone you trust can legally make important decisions on your behalf, aligning with your wishes and best interests.
Together, a will and an EPOA provide a comprehensive approach to estate planning, covering both life and post-life scenarios
What are the benefits of setting up a trust in my will?
Setting up a trust within your will, often known as a testamentary trust, offers several benefits:
- Asset Protection: Trusts can help protect assets from beneficiaries’ potential future legal problems, such as bankruptcy or divorce settlements.
- Tax Benefits: Testamentary trusts can offer tax advantages. Income generated by the trust and distributed to minor beneficiaries can be taxed at standard adult rates rather than penal child rates, potentially resulting in significant tax savings.
- Flexibility in Distribution: Trusts allow you to specify how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance. This can be particularly useful if you have concerns about a beneficiary’s ability to manage a large sum of money responsibly.
- Control Over Assets: Trusts can ensure that specific assets, like a family business, are maintained and controlled by chosen beneficiaries under conditions you set.
Incorporating a trust into your will can provide long-term benefits and peace of mind, ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes, providing protection and potential financial advantages to your beneficiaries. IF you’d like to learn more about whether a trust is recommended for your situation, contact our team today!
Book your free initial consultation today
Looking for expert legal assistance with your will or estate?
to discuss your will, set up a trust, or create a power of attorney with our expert legal guidance.
Contact us today on 07 3703 1801 or contact us online to schedule a free 30 minute consultation and take the first step towards securing your legacy with professional, reliable legal support.
