Life, and death, can be complicated

Far too often, making sure your will is up to date is put in the ‘too hard’ basket.

There are many reasons for this – it’s hard to think about your own mortality, let alone discuss what will happen when you die. It’s hard to envisage what the different scenarios could be for those you leave behind.

Often people know they need to do something about their will, but never get around to making that appointment.

Not having an up to date will can cause great stress, anxiety and even conflict when a person dies.

That’s why OFRM Lawyers want to make sure that everyone checks their will is up to date...and does something about it.

Making sure everything is sorted with your will & powers of attorney gives you and your family peace of mind. You will have thought about your wishes and made it easier for your family.

How to check your will is up to date

Download our handy checklist to check that your will is still right for your circumstances now and in the foreseeable future

Make an appointment time that best suits you using our online booking to discuss your will with one of our experienced lawyers

Appointments

What happens when you at an appointment for a new will?

Prior to the appointment we will send you some further information to help you prepare for the discussion.

At the appointment we will discuss:

  • Your current circumstances to identify the most appropriate provisions for your will
  • Who would be the most appropriate executors for your will
  • How to choose the best way to distribute your estate
  • Any steps you should take now to ensure your assets are best dealt with upon your death
  • How to ensure your will is not at risk of being challenged
  • How to ensure your wishes are understood and respected by your family
  • The need for Powers of Attorney, including a Power of Attorney for medical treatment

Following your appointment we will make a time for you to come back to you’re your will (the rules for signing a will correctly can be complicated and a a will signed in our office is stronger) and send you a draft of your will to check .

Everyone’s circumstances are unique so we have created a variety of types of appointments to make sure you can get your will up to date:

  • New will appointment - an appointment (usually taking up to an hour) to discuss and prepare a new will and powers of attorney
  • Will check – a half hour appointment for you to discuss with our experienced lawyer whether your current will is correct. If your will needs to be updated, the new will can then be prepared
  • Powers of attorney – many people will find that there will is fine, but that they haven’t got powers of attorney, you can make an appointment just to prepare powers of attorney
  • Will chat – our experience is that for some people there is a particular stumbling block to them making a new will. It might be the blended family making it difficult to consider how to provide for everyone or that you are worried about the care arrangements for your children. Our "will chat" appointment reduces that hurdle by providing an opportunity to talk through your particular concerns with one of our lawyers.
  • Comprehensive estate planning - if you have a family business, a farm or a selfmanaged super fund you may need more comprehensive estate planning

Maka an appointment at a time that suits you using our online booking or call 03 5445 1000.

Your team

 
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Russell Robertson

Russell is one of Bendigo's most experienced lawyers with expertise in both Wills and Probate and Commercial Law. He is recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Wills & Estates and is particularly skilled in assisting businesses with Trusts, ownership structures and succession planning.

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Madeleine Vear

A lot of estate work is about getting organised – finding the information, processing it, keeping executors and beneficiaries in the loop of what’s happening. Having a reliable and efficient lawyer assisting with your role as executor is the golden ticket. Madeleine’s proactive nature and drive coupled with her caring manner makes dealing with wills and estates stress free.

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Emily Chamberlain

Emily began her working career with OFRM in late 2018 and has now been admitted as a fully qualified lawyer following the completion of her Law/Science degrees in 2016. Emily is practising in the area of Wills & Estates, in the city she grew up in.

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