Wills and Estate Planning

When considering the future of your Estate, a Will is the single most important instrument in looking after your family should anything happen. While it is often a topic avoided, passing away without a Will (dying intestate) can cause distress for your next-of-kin and has the potential to cause significant difficulties amongst family and friends. As a result, it is important that adequate consideration and diligence be given to ensuring it is secure and actionable by completing this process through a professional service provider.

There are several considerations when drafting a Will, and Kenney Legal can guide clients through the process to ensure all aspects of your estate and family are cared for.

In addition to the standard Will process, Kenney Legal can provide clients with guidance on the drafting of Will provisions specific to:

  • Distribution of superannuation and life insurance benefits

  • Distribution of assets interstate and overseas (noting the country the assets are located in can impact on the Will’s enforceability)

  • Family, Discretionary, Fixed, Hybrid and Specialty Disability Trusts.

Medical and Financial Power of Attorney

Kenney Legal also offer Medical Treatment Decision Maker (Medical) and Financial Power of Attorney documents. These documents authorise a representative to act on a person’s behalf for matters which may be of financial interest or one of health or wellbeing, business or other interests. The document enables the authorised person to act in accordance with the person’s interests when they may not have the capacity to do so. Power of Attorney documents are often prepared in conjunction with a Will. Kenney Legal can advise what additional documents are recommended based on your particular situation.

Letter of Wishes

A letter of wishes is used to complement the Will, it provides clarity on the reasoning behind why your Estate has been divided the way that it has. This is of value in circumstances where there may be a party that may take umbrage to your Will. A Letter of Wishes can also contain account details and passwords to enable the executor to efficiently execute the Will.

Fees

Wills and Estate planning pricing is a fixed fee as detailed below. Documents that require additional time, changes or more complex matters involving estate planning or involving services of a professional third party will be subject to an additional document fee or our hourly rate. We can advise of this fee prior to commencement.

  • Standard Will for a single person $450

  • Standard Will for a couple (2 Wills) $800

  • Power of Attorney (Medical or Financial) for a single person $200

  • Power of Attorney (Medical or Financial) for a couple (2 documents) $350

  • Letter of Wishes for a single person $150

  • Letter of Wishes for a couple (2 documents) $200

  • Professional hourly rate $290

If you are local to the Maroondah area and you require Kenney Legal to attend your premises, there is no attendance fee. If you live outside of the Maroondah area, contact us and we can discuss suitable options.