Take the time to make a will

The event enables people to get their will or power of attorney documents written by the experts from NSW Trustee and Guardian.

Planning ahead for your future legal and financial decisions is an important part of life.

Getting these important documents in place should be a priority for everyone over 18 years of age.

A Plan Ahead day appointment involves talking to someone from NSW Trustee and Guardian and getting your wishes down in writing by having your will and power of attorney and enduring guardian in place. This means you are prepared for the future in the event that you are no longer able to manage your financial affairs, or for when you die.

“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 Michelle English, from NSW Trustee and Guardian’s Parramatta branch.

“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.

“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,” she said.

“A Power of Attorney should also come 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.”

To attend the Plan Ahead day at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, bookings are essential on 1300 364 103 or book online at www.tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead