Agency helps prepare wills and powers of attorney

The NSW Trustee and Guardian is holding a Plan Ahead Day in Woy Woy on March 13.

The day aims to enable people to make or update their will or power of attorney documents with help from the NSW government agency.

"We really have seen many different situations and people in a range of family circumstances, so we are well experienced to help and offer advice on estate planning," said Mr Brett Bennie, from the agency's Newcastle branch.

"NSW Trustee and Guardian can be appointed as the executor of your will and as your attorney, under a power of attorney," he said.

"By appointing NSW Trustee and Guardian as your independent executor and attorney you can be assured someone independent and impartial is acting on your behalf and it is an easy way of reducing the burden on family members," he said.

"Without a will, items of monetary and sentimental value may not be distributed as you may have wanted.

"It is also important your will is kept up-to-date as your life circumstances change, for example, when you get married, purchase a business or property, get divorced, or have children.

"A power of attorney should also go 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 in the future."

Planning ahead is not just for older people.

"Every adult aged 18 years and over needs to set time aside to get these documents in place because no one knows what is around the corner," Mr Bennie said.

"The good thing is that, once you have planned ahead, you can get on with enjoying life, knowing that your assets and finances will be protected in the future."

Bookings are essential and fees apply.

For more information visit http://www.tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead

SOURCE:

Media release, 5 Mar 2018

Gail D'Arcy, The D'Arcy Partnership