It is important for everyone to decide what happens to their property and belongings (assets) after their death. This means that a Will has to be made. Assets can include money, property, shares, insurance policies, personal effects and so on. Without a Will a court may need to decide who the beneficiaries will be.
Anyone can write their own Will to save costs. Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits are widely available. It needs to be checked properly though. A solicitor or lawyer can help with this. It is important to find out about their charges first.
It is important not to leave making a Will too late. Sometimes a person's health deteriorates rapidly or unexpectedly. In order to make a Will a person needs to have sound mind, memory and understanding. This is called testamentary capacity. In the last stages of an illness this capacity can sometimes fluctuate so people need to act in time.
It is important to talk to family about making a Will (even though this can be a difficult conversation to have). Let family and friends (or a designated person) know where it can be found. If the Will cannot be found it has no value.
Resources
- The South Australian Government website Service SA has information on making a will that may help.
- The Australian Government website, Seniors.gov.au, also has information on estate planning.
- Details on organ donation can be found at the Australian Organ Donor Register.
- The Canadian Virtual Hospice has information on Wills.
Related CareSearch pages
Funerals
Advance care planning
Financial resources
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011
Last updated 04 August 2009