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Making a
legal will ensures that your assets will be
distributed to the people or persons you want. It
gives your partner a family certainty and reduces
the opportunity for dispute.
Wills
are especially important if either you or your
partner have a child or children from a previous
relationship.
Also in
circumstances where you are not legally married to
your partner, making a legal will gives you both
some comfort in knowing that you have agreed on how
your assets will be distributed between family and
friends.
We would
also advise you to consider issues relating to
superannuation, jointly held assets, and asset
protection for your beneficiaries.
You will
be surprised to find the services at McPhees
Solicitors fast, friendly and inexpensive. We will
listen to you carefully, check out the legal issues,
advise you of your legal rights, and tailor the will
to your needs.
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A power
of attorney grants another the right to act on your
behalf while you are alive but unable to act (eg.
because travelling overseas).
It can
be limited to circumstances where you are
incapacitated and cannot act for yourself (eg.
cannot sign a cheque because of broken wrist). It
can be for general or specific purpose. For
instance, a medical power of attorney specifically
appoints another person to make medical decisions on
your behalf.
If you
don't have an attorney and become incapacitated,
your partner or family member will have to apply to
the Guardianship and Administration Board, and go
through a stressful and often expensive legal
process.
We
recommend that you appoint your partner as the
primary attorney and a family member as an
alternative. It is especially important when you
retire, as unfortunately your health might
deteriorate unexpectedly. As individual
circumstances vary, we will provide advice
specifically for you - as unique as you are. |