Wills and Executor Services
Why do you need a Will?
Your Will is an important legal document. It is the best way to protect your assets and have them distributed according to your wishes when you pass away.
At State Trustees we help you prepare your Will ensuring it is clear, legally sound and up-to-date.
What if you die without a Will?
If you don’t have a Will your assets will be distributed amongst your closest relations, according to a fixed legal formula. Your close family members might end up with less than you intended. Your assets could even go to someone you didn’t plan to leave anything to.
Keeping your Will up-to-date
Families constantly change. There are marriages, separations, births and deaths. It is important to make sure your Will is updated to reflect the changes in your family, and your wishes. We can help you review your Will so it reflects your current circumstances and avoids leaving part of your estate to unintended beneficiaries.
Choosing the right Executor
When you prepare your Will, one of the most important decisions to make is who the Executor is going to be. The person or organisation you choose will be responsible for managing your estate after you die and distributing your assets according to your wishes. It can be stressful and daunting, especially if they are grieving, so you need to be very careful about who you ask.
The Executor’s responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the funeral, including your loved one’s special wishes
- Identifying the estates assets and having them valued
- Applying for a Grant at the Probate Office
- Paying debts and ongoing bills
- Locating all cash, super, life insurance and investments
- Maintaining or winding up any businesses
- Lodging tax returns including a final one for the estate
- Finalising the estate by selling assets or transferring them to beneficiaries
State Trustees as your expert Executor
At State Trustees we administer more deceased estates than any other organisation in Victoria.
If you nominate State Trustees as your Executor we can help make sure your assets are distributed the way you intended, without burdening a loved one with the responsibility.
If you have been nominated Executor of a Will, State Trustees can also help. If you appoint us before applying for probate and before doing anything to administer the Estate, we can take care of everything.
Very good reasons for appointing State Trustees:
- We are State owned
- We are impartial and steadfast
- We have been looking after Victorians for over 70 years and have extensive experience in Will preparation
- By investing the financial assets of the estate during our administration, we can add value for the beneficiaries
- We are experienced professionals who have only the interests of you and your beneficiaries in mind when carrying out your wishes
- We have financial, legal, taxation and business expertise all under one roof.
For more information, to book an appointment or to talk about your specific needs
