Wills and Powers of Attorney in Bendigo

A properly prepared will gives you control over what happens to your assets after your death. It can also make the administration of your estate simpler and less stressful for your family.

O’Haire Legal provides practical advice and professionally prepared wills and powers of attorney for individuals and couples in Bendigo and surrounding areas.

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Clear advice. Straightforward fees.

Simple wills

Individual: $330
Couple: $600

Enduring powers of attorney

Individual: $300
Couple: $500

Contact us if your circumstances involve a business, trust, blended family, overseas assets or more complex estate-planning requirements.

Why you should have a will

If you die without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to Victorian intestacy laws. This may not reflect your wishes and can create additional cost, delay and uncertainty for your family.

A properly prepared will allows you to:

  • choose who receives your property and other assets;

  • appoint an executor to administer your estate;

  • appoint a guardian for children under 18;

  • make appropriate provision for your spouse, partner and children;

  • give directions concerning particular assets or personal possessions; and

  • record your wishes clearly and reduce the risk of disputes.

When should you update your will?

You should review your will whenever there is a significant change in your personal or financial circumstances, including:

  • marriage, separation or divorce;

  • the birth of a child or grandchild;

  • entering or leaving a de facto relationship;

  • buying or selling a substantial asset;

  • starting or selling a business;

  • establishing a trust;

  • the death or incapacity of an executor or beneficiary; or

  • a substantial change in the value or structure of your estate.

Even if nothing has changed, it is sensible to review your will periodically to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Our process

1. Initial consultation

We discuss your family circumstances, assets, intended beneficiaries and choice of executor.

2. Preparation

We prepare your will and any power of attorney documents required.

3. Review and explanation

You receive an opportunity to review the documents, ask questions and request any necessary changes.

4. Signing

We arrange for the documents to be signed and witnessed correctly.

Wills for individuals and couples

We assist clients with:

  • simple wills;

  • wills for married and de facto couples;

  • wills for parents of young children;

  • testamentary trusts;

  • blended-family estate planning;

  • enduring powers of attorney;

  • appointments of medical treatment decision makers; and

  • reviews and updates of existing estate-planning documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can prepare your own will, but errors in its wording, signing or witnessing may only become apparent after your death. A solicitor can ensure the document is valid, accurately records your wishes and deals appropriately with your circumstances.

  • Marriage can revoke an existing will unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage or the executor, or beneficiary is the person you are married to at the time of your death. You should obtain advice and review your will if you marry or intend to marry.

  • Divorce can affect gifts and appointments involving a former spouse, but it does not necessarily revoke the entire will. Separation alone may not have the same effect. You should review your will promptly following separation or divorce.

  • Superannuation does not necessarily form part of your estate. Its payment may depend on the fund’s rules and any valid death-benefit nomination. Your will and superannuation arrangements should be considered together.

  • Your executor should be someone you trust who is willing and capable of administering your estate. You may appoint more than one executor and can nominate substitute executors.

  • The original should be stored securely in a place where your executor can locate it. Your executor should know that the will exists and where it is held.