Will
A will is a legal document that enables you to express your wishes after death in respect to a person or persons who are authorised to administer your estate and distribution of your estate.
If you are an adult with assets in your name, having a valid Will is essential. Whether you own a house, a car, investments or business, a valid and carefully drafted Will ensures such assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes in a cost and time efficient manner.
In order for a Will to be valid, it must comply with necessary legal requirements set out in the Succession Act 2023 in South Australia or other relevant legislations in other Australian States and Territories. If your Will does not comply with the necessary legal requirements, there will be unnecessary legal costs and delays in administering your estate. It is crucial that you seek legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in Wills and Estate to ensure your will complies with the legal requirements. Dawood has assisted hundreds of clients with drafting their Wills.
Frequently asked questions
Whilst there is no legal requirement for a will to have a specific format, wills prepared using a Will Kit can cause legal issues resulting in delay and unnecessary costs when it comes to performing the Will.
No, you do not have to use the same lawyer who made your will, your new will will automatically revoke your existing will.
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed pursuant to the law of intestacy.
Generally, a will must be reviewed every 5 years since the date it is made. However, in the event of change of circumstances such as marriage, divorce or death of a beneficiary or executor, we suggest you meet with an estate planning lawyer to review your will immediately.