Changes to the way we live and relate mean it is more important than ever for adults in NSW to have an up-to-date Will, which is why NSW Trustee & Guardian is holding a special Wills Day at the Milton Courthouse on Tuesday where people can come along and make or update their Will.
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Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 1300 364 103 or book online at www.tag.nsw.gov.au/wills-day.html.
“We have seen so many changes to the make-up of Australian families over the years, the types of items written into wills and more recently concern over what happens to your Facebook page or the music or movies you may have stored on your computer,” said NSW Trustee and Guardian Wollongong branch manager Matthew Kennedy.
“It really is more important than ever for all adults to have a will - not only does it ensure your monetary and sentimental assets are distributed as you want, but like any asset, you need to think about how your digital assets will be dealt with when you pass away and how you can ensure they will be dealt with as per your wishes.
“These can include such things as what would happen to your email, cloud and online business accounts when you die, as well as who would be in charge of managing any of your social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.”
He said today’s more complex family structures might also contribute to confusion and family arguments around who inherits if someone died without a will.
“Modern families are also more complex as siblings are blended between first and second marriages, and many of us consider our friends and pets as family.
“It’s crucial to have a valid will in place to ensure loved ones you want to inherit, are not left out and pets are looked after.
“A power of attorney should also come hand-in-hand with a will, as it allows you to appoint an attorney to manage financial and legal affairs such as paying bills and signing documents if you are unable to manage these affairs yourself or lose the mental capacity to make decisions for yourself,” he said.
There is no charge to make or update a will with NSW Trustee and Guardian when appointing them as your executor as fees are charged only upon deceased estate administration.
Similarly there’s no charge to prepare a power of attorney with NSW Trustee and Guardian as Attorney and fees are charged upon its activation.
