We’ve been bringing you a fair bit of info lately on Wills, and how this seemingly simplest of documents can end up bursting open the proverbial can of worms – especially if it’s poorly drafted and the person leaving the will doesn’t understand they have often onerous obligations, even in death.
We can’t say it enough: if you don’t have a Will, get one, and, if it’s outdated or your circumstances change, update it quickly. Remember, most lawyers charge, at most, a nominal fee to not only draft your will, but also to give you sound advice on any special circumstances you might have, and critical considerations or future-proofing that might never even have occurred to you.
It’s heartbreaking for loved ones already grieving a death to discover, on top of everything else, a Will won’t do as it was intended – efficiently enact your final wishes. Remember, too, intentions are all well and good, but unless they’re properly documented, your loved ones can face an uphill – and often expensive, lengthy – battle trying to prove what you said you wanted.
As this case shows, circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, and matters can get mighty messy.