The following information will help your solicitor plan your estate and prepare a Will that reflects your wishes.

1. Name in full
2. Full name of spouse
3. Address, Telephone number
4. Full names and ages of children
5. Have you any disabled dependants?
6. Name and address of Executor(s)
( usually the executor is your spouse or your children, but a friend, business associate, lawyer, or even a trust company, can be appointed as executor.)
7. List of assets
8. Taxable income
9. Distribution of estate when wife or husband survives:   Full name of beneficiary:    Relationship:  Amount of bequest or percentage of residue:
10. Distribution of estate in case of common disaster. (In those cases where the husband and wife both die as a result of a common disaster.)
Full name of beneficiary:   Relationship:   Amount of bequest or percentage of residue:
(You may make further arrangements for dividing your assets, or setting up trusts for infant children.)
11. Specific items to be given to any beneficiary   Item:     Recipient:
12. Guardianship: In the event of your spouse dying before you or at the same time, it is important to name a guardian for your minor children

All information received is strictly confidential

STEPS IN ESTATE PLANNING:

Make an inventory of your assets and liabilities.

Determine what you want to do with your estate. This is usually a simple question of who you would like to benefit from your estate.

Consider the tax implications. Many times you can obtain the same objectives and save a substantial amount in income tax simply through the wording of your Will. Your lawyer will assist you in this, if you provide a list of assets and information about your and your spouse’s annual income.

After you have considered the tax implications, you may wish to reconsider the division of assets or the manner in which you distribute those assets.

All of these questions should be reviewed with an experienced solicitor, who can advise you and make helpful suggestions when planning your estate and preparing your Will.

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING

Common Concerns When Planning Your Estate & Will

You should consider alternative beneficiaries if your primary beneficiary dies before you do.

You may leave your Will in safekeeping, at no cost, at NSWB making it more accessible to you or an executor in the event of your death.

You may wish to prepare a "Power of Attorney" to enable someone to look after your affairs if you become incapacitated during your lifetime.

You may wish to prepare a "Health Care Directive" setting out your wishes for medical treatment in the event of a terminal illness; or appoint a proxy to make these decisions if you are unable to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of our knowledgeable and experienced solicitors. We will gladly help you with every detail so as to secure a smooth and efficient administration, at saving to you and your family.