Still not got your Will sorted out?

Home News & Views Still not got your Will sorted out?

Just like spring-cleaning, making and updating your Will is something you really should do, but sometimes you don’t really get around to it. As we spring through October, we wanted to remind you to record in writing what it is that your loved ones are to do when you’re gone.

It may be a bit morbid to think about what happens when you die, but it’s an unavoidable reality and making a Will can make your passing an easier process for your family.
A Will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever make. It can set out what will happen to you, your dependents and your property when you die.

Don’t be fooled by the misconceptions that you need a house or children before you should make a Will. A Will can simply identify any gifts you want to make from your possessions or set out what you want to happen for your funeral.

If you die without a Will, it will be difficult for your loved ones to act on your behalf or to deal with your funeral if you have not left a valid will. The law would determine what happens to the people who depend on you and how your valuables are divided. The provisions of the law may not be exactly how you or your family had expected your property to be divided or your body disposed of and those unusual arrangements can make the whole experience rather unpleasant, on top of your family grieving.

Making a Will doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. Creating a straightforward Will simply involves the following steps:

1. You fill out a will questionnaire with your general information and wishes
2. We review your questionnaire and intentions
3. We draft your Will and provide you with this draft for your approval
4. We meet with you in person to make any final changes and sign your Will
5. We store your original Will safely

If you already have a Will, it’s also very important to update it when circumstances change. For example:

Have you bought a new home?
Have you ended or started a new relationship?
Have you got married?
Have you had a baby?
Have you acquired something precious you would like to gift?
Has it been a long time since you last reviewed your Will?

Writing your Will and keeping it up to date is important and easy to do. Just get in contact with us at MacTodd Lawyers (03 441 0125) or email us at claurenson@mactodd.co.nz and we will guide you through the process and provide an estimate.

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