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WILLS
Approximately half of all Australians who die, die intestate. That is, they die without leaving a valid legal Will. To ensure you do not burden your grieving relatives after your death with the onerous task of administering your estate with no knowledge of your final wishes, and assets are distributed in accordance with these wishes, it is vital to have in place a legally binding Will. Ferguson Cannon can help you make a Will ensuring that your estate is administered and distributed in accordance with your final wishes, thus giving you peace of mind in the event of your passing. ESTATE PLANNING
Ferguson Cannon Lawyers apply 7 key steps to ensure your estate plan provides maximum benefit to your beneficiaries: Your key financial, taxation and personal objectives are identified; Consideration of your personal circumstances, and those of your beneficiaries, both now and in the future; Ensuring there is adequate funding for your estate plan to be achieved; Identifying any legal options and impediments (i.e. taxation or legal obligations) in the administration of your estate Formulation a strategy to achieve your objectives; Implementing your estate plan (i.e. Wills, Powers of Attorney, transfer of certain assets etc); and Continual review of your estate plan to recognize and adapt to changing circumstances.
Estate Administration
Having to deal with financial institutions, selling property, administering companies and disgruntled beneficiaries can be onerous and stressful for grieving friends and relatives. At Ferguson Cannon Lawyers we have in place procedures to assist executors in the complete administration of an estate, which provides peace of mind and ensures the executor’s rights and obligations towards the estate and the beneficiaries are maintained. Enduring Power of Attorney
Often referred to as a ‘Living Will’ an Enduring Power Of Attorney gives the power to another person to make personal and financial decisions of your behalf, which may continue if you lose the capacity to make decisions yourself. An Enduring Power of Attorney is a very important document and careful consideration needs to be given as to whom to appoint as your attorney, and the specific responsibilities that you give your attorney. Estate Disputes
Ferguson Cannon Lawyers have experience in this area of litigation. We also encourage the cost effective process of alternative dispute resolution. We will ensure your interests are protected. Whatever the dispute, it is important for you to seek legal advice as quickly as possible as strict time limits apply for many claims. Guidelines for the Guardians of your Children
This is a written record prepared by you which details what you want for your children if you are unable to perform the role of parent or guardian. The document contains a set of guidelines or instructions for those whom you appoint as guardians of your children. It ensures that those who have responsibility for the care and nurturing of your children to adulthood will know what you want for your children – if you are not there for them yourself. It covers a full range of life and lifestyle issues. These issues range from naming those people you would like to be involved in your children’s lives through to their living environment, schooling, their upbringing generally and all other matters that are important to you as a parent. Advance Health Directive
An Advance Health Directive is a way for you to communicate your wishes about medical treatment should you be able to unable to make these decisions in the future. An Advance Health Directive takes the worry about making critical decisions relating to your health from those close to you. An Advance Health Directive can be as general or as specific as you want. It may be that there are certain medical procedures that you do not wish performed under any circumstances, for example, because of religious beliefs. You may also want to give instructions about whether you want intervention to keep you alive, or any treatment you want or do not want should your condition be incurable, terminal, irreversible or you are permanently unconscious. An Advance Health Directive is a way of ensuring these decisions are communicated at the critical time. Because as Advance Health Directive is in preparation for the unexpected, the best time to make one is now. Certainly, it is a good idea to ensure you have an Advance Health Directive if you are about to be admitted to hospital of have a medical condition that may deteriorate. Ferguson Cannon Lawyers has extensive experience in this area and can assist you in the preparation of this document. Contact Byron Cannon on (07) 5443 6600 to assist you in all areas of Wills and Estate Planning.
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