Some of life’s greatest traumas is the death or illness of a loved one.
We can arrange appointments in our office or come to you.
We are able to assist families with the full range of legal issues which can arise after a loved one’s death, such as:
- Applying for Probate (this is the process of the Supreme Court authorising the executor of a valid will to distribute the estate)
- Distribution of estates where assets exist and there are a number of potential beneficiaries
- Claims against wills & estates
- Deceased estate claims / defending deceased estates
- Estate planning administration
- Letters of Administration (in the event that no will has been left or a will is deemed invalid);
- Supreme Court estate litigation; and
Thomas Murphy and Co’s qualified staff can help you:
- Draw up a new will
- Elect a power of attorney/attorneys
- Set up enduring guardianship
It’s as easy as visiting our contact us page to start the process.
Frequently asked questions:
Do I need a will?
If you are over the age of 18 and have assets, whether it is a motor vehicle, jewellery or a house and you want the ability to choose who receives them.
When do I need to update my will?
With each significant change in your life and financial circumstances, you should make sure you update your will to reflect those new circumstances. You may have just retired, bought or sold a business or bought or sold a home or investment property or changes in your family circumstances such as marriage, divorce, re-marriage (especially if a blended family is involved) and the arrival of children require an updated will.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney enables you to give control of your financial and property matters to another person or persons and it can be drawn up to be effective immediately or for a set period (if your traveling) or to be used only when you are medically deemed unable to make your own decisions.
What is an Enduring Guardianship?
An enduring guardian is a person or persons that you appoint to make lifestyle, health and medical decision for you when you are not capable of doing so for yourself. That gives that person or persons the ability to make decisions as to where you live, what services are provided to you at home and what medical treatment you receive. The enduring guardianship only comes into effect when you lose the capacity and will to make decisions and it is only in effect during the period of your incapacitation.
What is Estate planning?
An estate plan includes your will, Superannuation death nominations, the creation of testamentary trusts, power of attorney, power of guardianship, anticipatory direction or advance health directive. Estate planning can reduce the amount of tax, fees and court costs to your family, can protect your assets and also avoids probate.