Wills, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardians & Deceased Estates
Wills & estate planning
Advising clients on Wills has long been a strength of the services provided by Clark Rideaux Solicitors.
Making a Will is an important planning step that every adult should take. Your Will may not need to be complicated, but it can save your loved ones from having more complex and expensive processes to deal with on your passing.
We can assist you to put appropriate arrangements in place – whether your needs are simple, or you are needing to address more complex and sensitive family issues around estate planning and management of personal and financial affairs.
Clark Rideaux Solicitors offers one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to obtain a will in the Bega area. We can assist you with:
- Drafting & updating wills;
- Estate planning administration;
We always recommend keeping your will up to date as it makes distributing your estate far easier on your executors and beneficiaries.
Enduring powers of attorney & enduring guardianship
Another important aspect of personal planning is having an Enduring Power of Attorney which addresses property and finance issues; along with an Appointment of Enduring Guardian, which covers health and personal care issues. We can assist in getting the appropriate documentation and arrangements in place, to enable your trusted family member or friend to take care of your affairs should the need arise.
Deceased estates
You will be treated with understanding and respect when dealing with arrangements after the loss of a family member or dear friend. We can assist you by getting estate affairs sorted out in a timely and efficient manner.
We are experienced in dealing with estate disputes. If unfortunate conflict arises following the passing of a family member, then we can work with you to find sensitive and appropriate solutions and minimise the distress and expense.
We can assist you with:
- Applying for Probate;
- Assistance with claims against wills & estates
- Deceased estate claims / defending deceased estates
- Letters of Administration (in the event that a will is deemed invalid or a loved one dies without a Will);
- Supreme Court estate litigation; and
- Assistance with the Family Provision Act 1982
Probate
Clark Rideaux Solicitors can help you apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for Probate in instances where there is a valid will and you have been nominated as Executor of that will. The Supreme Court can then grant probate which authorises you to distribute the deceased estate in accordance with the provisions of the will.
Letters of administration
In the some-what complicated event that a valid will has not been left, Clark Rideaux Solicitors can assist you with applying for Letters of Administration to the Supreme Court of NSW. In these circumstances, there is legislation that details how an estate may be distributed and by whom. The Supreme Court can appoint an Administrator to distribute the estate under the Wills, Probate and Administration Act 1898.
Family provision
If you expected to be a beneficiary of a will but have not been provided for, you can make a claim against the distribution of any estate under the Family Provision Act 1982, provided you can clearly set out reasons as to why you should be considered a beneficiary of the deceased estate.
Information brochures
Will Brochure (PDF, 394 KB)
Power of Attorney Brochure (PDF, 382 KB)
Enduring Guardianship Brochure (PDF, 394 KB)
NSW Health Advanced Health Care Directives Brochure (PDF, 199 KB)
Deceased Estate Brochure (PDF, 595 KB)
External links
General
Wills
Estates
Using a funeral director
Centrelink – What to do following a death