OK, So I have made out my Will - What next!!

A recent Media Release from national law firm Slater & Gordon Lawyers has indicated that in a survey done on their behalf of over 1000 Australians, nearly half of them did not have a valid Will. The research also revealed that some two-thirds of people surveyed without a Will knew that they should have one but for one reason or another have never got around to having one made out. (A)

So, let us assume that you are one of the people who has made out your Will, and you are comfortable after having discussions with appropriate people that you are confident that you have a Will that is valid and would stand up to any court challenge, should a person for whatever reason choose to take such action.

The next thing that you need to consider is where to keep the original and also the duplicate copies.

This is where our site www.wherethereisawill.com.au comes into play. At present, for no cost you can record on our site the location and whereabouts of any document or item that you believe is important. All we would ask is that you make sure that your family and executor know to access our site with three key pieces of your personal information. Your First Name, Family Name and lastly your Date of Birth.

When those details are searched on our site, your file will appear and the enquirer can then follow the necessary steps to proceed as per your instructions.

At all times you are in control of your own listing, and you can make changes 24/7 should circumstances warrant. This means that your information will always be 'up to date,' thereby giving you peace of mind, knowing that you have everything in place should anything untoward happen.

The failure by many of satisfactorily providing a trail for people to follow was brought home in an article by Phillip McGowan of de Groots entitled 'Protecting important documents when a crisis hits' (B)

In this article Mr McGowan went on to state that the reality of the Victorian bushfires and the recent floods in Queensland and New South Wales has highlighted the need to ensure that people need to think carefully as to where important original documents should be stored, whether on their own property or with an external organisation such as a bank or solicitor.

In his concluding paragraphs, Mr McGowan stated that wherever the documents are stored, there should be some way to trace where the documents are located. It is important that family members or the executor know where the original will is located so it can be accessed at the appropriate time and by the appropriate people.

"Proper thoughtful planning now gives you peace of mind and ensures that your loved ones will not have to pay, financially and emotionally, later."

Our site www.wherethereisawill provides that peace of mind.

(A) http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf

(B) http://www.degroots.com.au/articles.cfm?item=51.0

2.5 trillion in household wealth not protected by valid Wills

While the article is now a couple of years old, I believe that the figures have not improved.

The article relates to the amount of Australian household wealth that may not be protected due to wills not being valid. It is a quick and sobering read. On out site it is under the following trail: Useful Links - Associated Articles - Slater & Gordon

http://www.slatergordon.com.au/docs/MediaReleases/2010/Mar%2010/Slater%20Gordon%20launches%20online%20wills%20100301.pdf