What is estate planning?
Estate planning involves making arrangements for what happens to your assets, finances and personal affairs if you die or lose capacity. It commonly includes preparing a will, appointing decision makers and planning to minimise disputes and uncertainty for your loved ones.
Why do I need a will and who can make a will?
A will sets out how you want your assets to be distributed after your death and who will manage your estate. Generally, anyone aged 18 or over with legal capacity can make a will. A lawyer can help assess capacity and ensure the will is legally valid.
What happens if I die without a will?
Without a will your estate is distributed under state legislation. This can lead to delays, additional costs and may not be according to your wishes or family circumstances particularly in blended families or where there are step-children or dependants.
