Planning For Your Future
Planning for your future can be an emotional and stressful experience, but it doesn’t need to be.
If you’re unsure what ‘business’ needs to happen to take care of your loved ones after you die or if you need to defend or contest a Will, we can help.
At Williams, Lawson & Zuur, our estate practitioners will listen to you and see to it that your wishes are clearly set out so that you can be rest assured you’ve taken care of your loved ones.
You may also make plans for the right people to assist you in times of need. Speak to us about making an appointment of an enduring guardian and appointing an attorney.
With Williams, Lawson and Zuur, you can access a full range of advisory and expert services for estate matters, including:
- Wills
- General Power of Attorney
- Enduring Power of Attorney
- Revocation of Appointments
- Appointment of Enduring Guardian
- Mutual Wills
- Advanced Care Directives
- Beneficiary Nominations
Frequently Asked Questions
We have helped hundreds of clients create, execute and contest a Will. Here are a few common questions.
Do I need to make a Will?
Everyone should have a Will, especially if you have a family or other dependants.
Benefits to making a Will include:
- Being able to direct how your property is distributed, including gifts to friends and family, charities and other persons.
- Avoiding additional expense, difficulty, delay and possible anguish in relation to distributing your estate.
- Appointing a person you trust to carry out your wishes.
Can I leave my assets to anyone I like?
Yes, however, there are certain people who may be eligible to challenge your will. We can discuss this with you.
When should I review my Will?
Wills should be regularly reviewed to ensure that they reflect your current situation and wishes.
It is recommended that Wills be reviewed every 5 years or when significant life events occur for example marriage and death of a beneficiary or executor.
How can a solicitor help me?
Lawyers can give a range of advice to help you in the Will and estate planning process, including:
- How to provide adequately for your spouse and children,
- Help outline capital gains tax (in consultation with your accountant),
- Make sure your wishes are correctly documented,
- Make sure your Will is properly drawn, signed and witnessed,
- Keep your will in safe custody.
What is a power of attorney?
It is a legal document that appoints a person to act on your behalf, with regards to managing your financial affairs.
A power of attorney may be enduring (carries on even if you lack capacity) or general (seizes if you lack capacity).
What is estate planning?
An estate plan involves a number of legal documents that detail how you want to be looked after if something happens to you.
It also outlines how your estate and assets will be protected while you are alive and then distributed after your death.
The following can be included in an estate plan:
- Last Will and Testament
- Appointment of Enduring Guardian
- Advanced care directives
- Power of Attorney (General or Enduring)
- Trusts, including testamentary trusts
Can you attend on me at home to discuss my will?
Yes, we can visit you at home or at the hospital. Fees may apply.
Why Choose Us?
We’re a friendly, local law firm with an excellent reputation.
Our lawyers & support staff are good communicators, friendly, empathetic, and highly experienced.
We provide our clients with exceptional service, advice and value for money.
We have your best interests at heart and will go above and beyond to ensure the best outcome for you.