What is estate planning?

Estate planning is the process of arranging the distribution of your assets and wealth after your passing to ensure it aligns with your wishes, minimises taxes, and maximises the benefit to your loved ones.

Why do I need a Will?

A Will is essential because it allows you to specify how your assets are distributed, name guardians for your minor children, and ensure your wishes are legally upheld.

What happens if I die without a Will?

When an individual passes away without a Will, this is known as dying 'intestate.' In such cases, it is necessary to file an application with the Supreme Court to obtain 'Letters of Administration.' These letters represent the formal authorisation from the court which allows a designated person to oversee the distribution of the deceased's estate.

How often should I update my Will?

It's a good practice to review and update your Will whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in financial circumstances.

What is a trust, and do I need one?

A trust is a legal arrangement to hold and manage assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. Trusts can be valuable for various reasons, including avoiding probate, safeguarding assets from creditors, and reducing estate taxes.

How can I minimise estate taxes?

Effective estate planning strategies, such as gifting, setting up trusts, and utilising exemptions, can help minimise the impact of estate taxes on your assets.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters if you become incapacitated.

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Wills - Estate Planning - Trusts

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNING LAWYERS WOLLONGONG

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Estate Planning Specialists

We make estate planning easy. We have many years of combined experience in this area and are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with expert legal counsel.

Comprehensive Range of Services

From mutual Will agreements to matters involving self-managed superannuation funds, the team at Kells offers a complete range of services to meet your estate planning needs.

Readily Accessible

With strategically located offices across Wollongong and the Illawarra region, we offer the benefit of convenience and accessibility to our clients in NSW.

Tailored Legal Solutions

We do not make you fit into a “one size fits all” for your estate planning requirements. Instead, we tailor our solutions to meet your unique needs and goals.

Here to Help

Estate planning is about protecting and providing for your family. We take the time to understand you and your personal circumstances to ensure you have an overall estate plan where the right assets go to the right people.

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How Can Our Wollongong Wills & Estate Planning Lawyers Help?

At Kells we do not make you fit into a “one size fits all” for your estate planning needs.

We take the time to understand you, your personal circumstances and your assets, investments and business structures.

By making you the centre of the process, rather than selling a standard product that may or may not deliver the desired outcomes, we ensure that you can be confident that your wishes are honoured in a way that is practical and effective for your beneficiaries.

Part of estate planning may involve having honest discussions with family members, which we can facilitate, so that everyone understands what arrangements are in place and ensure that all of the relevant issues are taken into account.

Kells makes estate planning easy for those in Wollongong or the Illawarra. Whether you’re making a Will or changing one, executing a Will or disputing one, Kells is your cornerstone. We’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy the finer things in life.

Browse our service offerings below to get a better idea of how we can help you.

Blended Families and Mutual Will Agreements

Business Succession Planning

Complex Advice

Deceased Estate Probate

Disputing Wills and Family Provision Claims

Enduring Guardian / Advanced Health Care Directives

Enduring Power of Attorney

Estate Planning Check-up and Safe Custody of Documents

Residential Aged Care

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

Testamentary Trust Wills

Will

Get Expert Wills & Estate Planning Advice

Do you have any questions about Wills, estate planning, and trusts? Call us today and let our expert estate planning lawyers assist you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is estate planning?

Estate planning is the process of arranging the distribution of your assets and wealth after your passing to ensure it aligns with your wishes, minimises taxes, and maximises the benefit to your loved ones.
Why do I need a Will?

A Will is essential because it allows you to specify how your assets are distributed, name guardians for your minor children, and ensure your wishes are legally upheld.
What happens if I die without a Will?

When an individual passes away without a Will, this is known as dying 'intestate.' In such cases, it is necessary to file an application with the Supreme Court to obtain 'Letters of Administration.' These letters represent the formal authorisation from the court which allows a designated person to oversee the distribution of the deceased's estate.
How often should I update my Will?

It's a good practice to review and update your Will whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in financial circumstances.
What is a trust, and do I need one?

A trust is a legal arrangement to hold and manage assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. Trusts can be valuable for various reasons, including avoiding probate, safeguarding assets from creditors, and reducing estate taxes.
How can I minimise estate taxes?

Effective estate planning strategies, such as gifting, setting up trusts, and utilising exemptions, can help minimise the impact of estate taxes on your assets.
What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that grants someone the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters if you become incapacitated.

What is an advanced health care directive?

An advanced health care directive is a legally binding document that empowers you to make informed decisions about your medical treatment preferences, particularly in situations where you may become unable to communicate those choices.
Can I name multiple executors or trustees?

Yes, it is possible to appoint multiple executors or trustees to share the responsibilities and ensure the efficient administration of your estate or trust.
What are the benefits of creating a family trust?

A family trust can provide asset protection, income distribution flexibility, and control over how your assets are used for the benefit of your family members.
How can I protect my assets from creditors?

Certain types of trusts, such as irrevocable trusts, can help protect your assets from creditors, provided they are structured correctly and meet legal requirements.
Can I change the beneficiaries in my Will or trust?

Yes, you can typically update your Will or trust to change beneficiaries, as long as you follow the legal procedures and requirements in your jurisdiction.
What is the role of an estate planning lawyer?

An estate planning lawyer specialises in helping clients create and implement effective plans for their assets, Wills, trusts, and other related matters, ensuring their wishes are carried out.
How can Kells assist me with my estate planning needs?

Kells' experienced team of lawyers can help you on a range of estate planning matters, from creating Wills and trusts to contesting and defending a Will, and from providing complex advice on blended family arrangements and business structure reviews, to lodging family provision claims for persons under legal incapacity.