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Here’s everything you need to know about will and estate planning, from what a will is to grounds for contesting a will.

Not sure how to prepare a will so that your wishes are carried out after your passing? It all comes down to knowing how to make a will with a lawyer, which is why we’ve written this guide so you know exactly what to expect when you see one of the will preparation and estate planning specialists at Johnston Withers Lawyers.

What you should know about DIY will kits in Australia

In Australia, DIY will kits might seem like a cheap, fast and approachable way to draft your own will – but they can cost your loved ones big in expensive proceedings.

Contracts for Wills are complex and are not suitable for all blended families and specialist legal advice should be sort before entering into such Contract

In circumstances where someone passes away without a valid Will they are said to have died intestate. The manner in which the Estate is administrated and distributed is set out in the Administration and Probate Act 1919 (SA).

Many people don’t stop to think about the effect marriage, registration of a defacto relationship, divorce or deregistration of a defacto relationship will have on their will.

The need to have a valid will can be highlighted when contrasting what will happen to your estate if you die intestate (i.e. without a will).

The new Advanced Care Directive (ACD), introduced on 1 July 2014, enables you (if you’re over 18 and of sound mind) to appoint one or more substitute decision-makers to make decisions regarding your future care, including your health care.

One popular question asked of clients when preparing their wills is whether or not they can leave some or all of their estate to their beloved cat or dog.