Most people have very little knowledge of what to do when someone dies.  Our firm has been assisting and supporting executors and relatives of the deceased for over 40 years. We provide answers and solutions to many questions such as:

• Who is responsible for and has the right to arrange a funeral?
• Who has to pay for the funeral?
• If there is no Will, who are the deceased’s closest next of kin?  What powers and duties do they have?
• Apart from the funeral, what other urgent or important matters (if any) need to be attended to?
• How do I find out if the deceased made and left a Will?
• Who is entitled to a copy of the Will?
• What formalities and paperwork is required to have the deceased’s assets distributed?
• How much time does an executor/administrator have to distribute assets?
• Who is entitled to the deceased’s assets if there is no will?
• What is a Grant of Probate or Administration from the Court? Is it necessary?
• What happens if someone is unhappy with the terms of the Will?
• What happens if I die and do not leave a Will?
• Who are my legal beneficiaries if I do not have a Will?
• Who can challenge my Will?
• What are the grounds for someone challenging my Will?
• Can I leave a child who is estranged from me out of my Will?
• How do I protect my children’s inheritance if they have a failed marriage or relationship or become bankrupt?
• If I enter into a new relationship when does my partner acquire rights against my estate if I die?
• Who should be my executors (managers who administer my estate)?
• How do I make a Will that protects or reduces to a minimum taxation obligations including capital gains tax?
• How do I protect a child’s inheritance when that child is intellectually disabled or has a substance abuse problem or is financially irresponsible?
• Who makes my financial decisions and who makes my personal care decisions if I am unlucky enough to be mentally incompetent/disabled? Who should I appoint?
• What are the benefits of a “testamentary trust” Will?