How Does It Work?

1. Creating Your Will

Michael Atkinson & Associates help with the following:

• Create a legally acceptable will based on your intentions and preferences
• Update your will to reflect major life changes like marriage, children, divorce, or death of a family member
• Help you address intestate estates for those who pass away without a will
• Clarify beneficiary, executor, and guardianship decisions

It is crucial to keep your will up-to-date as your life and circumstances shift.

Wills & Estates

Managing your inheritance is super stressful and frustrating when you don’t know the ins and outs of the process. But, with an experienced lawyer standing behind you, these matters can be resolved peacefully and without a hitch.
Our experienced and skilled team guides executors, beneficiaries, and families through:

• Managing estates according to the deceased’s wishes
• Applying and obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Settling debts and distributing assets in a transparent and equitable way
• Contesting or defending wills under the Succession Act, providing favorable outcomes for all parties concerned

Our attorneys follow a positive and respectful process when dealing with probate litigation and resolving disputes of all kinds.

Enduring Power of Attorney

Having an Enduring Power of Attorney provides someone you trust with the power to manage your financial and legal affairs on your behalf.
Our services include:

• Formulating legally compliant Power of Attorney documents in line with your preferences
• Assisting you in selecting the right person to represent your interests in an ethical manner
• Giving you clear, executable instructions that protect your financial future

Enduring Guardians

Your health and personal decisions matter, even if you cannot make them yourself. You need an enduring guardian to advocate on your behalf in times of crisis.
We can help you:

• Select a trusted guardian who can make decisions about your health and lifestyle and care for you
• Provide your guardian with clear instructions so they can make the best decision for you
• Protect your best interests by ensuring all documentation complies with legal standards

Additional Estate Planning Services

We also provide:

• Testamentary trusts protect your assets and manage wealth for future generations.
• Lodging caveats to protect contested estates from unauthorised actions.
• Tailored estate planning for individuals with blended families, businesses, or unique financial arrangements.

Factors to Consider When Planning Your Estate

When preparing your will or estate plan, it’s essential to think about:

• Who your beneficiaries are, and how do you protect their interests?
• Who do you appoint as your executor and guardian for your children?
• Who should you include or exclude in your will?
• Your funeral arrangements and instructions
• Contingency plans if beneficiaries predecease you
• The nature and distribution of your assets, including business shares or trust arrangements

For more complex circumstances, such as blended families or significant financial obligations, we provide tailored advice to create standard or non-standard wills that address your unique needs.