Preparing a Will with McLaughlin & Associates Lawyers

Step 1: Initial Meeting with You

The first step to getting your will prepared is to complete our questionnaire. This questionnaire is integral for us to get a complete picture of your family structure, the assets you own and your liabilities.

Following this, an initial appointment with our estate planning lawyer is scheduled (either in person or via video conference) to discuss your estate planning goals. Our estate lawyer will then ask specific questions to confirm your responses on the questionnaire and to ensure that they gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation and your intentions.

Some of the questions you will be asked include:

• Your relationship status – are you single, married, in a relationship, separated or divorced?
• Do you have children or stepchildren?
• What assets do you hold. How are they held? What is the value of those assets?
• Who do you want to share in your estate and in some cases, just as importantly, who don’t you want to share in your estate.
• Do you have superannuation?
• Do you have a Binding Death Nomination?

You will also need to appoint an executor in your will. An executor is the person or persons who will administer your estate and carry out your wishes as per your will after your passing. It is crucial to consider personal and logistical factors when appointing your executor. We will advise you in this regard.

Step 2: Drafting the will

Our estate lawyer will then draft your will using a set structure and terminology to ensure it is unambiguous, valid, and tailored to your requirements. A copy of this will be sent to you to review prior to your signing appointment.

Step 3: Signing and safe keeping

After finalising your will, the final step is to sign and store the document. The signing of your will, correctly, is a crucial part of the process.

After your will is signed, we will provide you with a copy and the store original in our safe custody, free of charge.

If you don’t have a will, don’t know where it is or haven’t reviewed the terms of it in years, then you need to contact us today to arrange an initial meeting. Our phone number is 07 3808 7777 or business@mclaughlinlawyers.com.au