Free Estate Planning Guide in Victoria

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning refers to the process you undergo to ensure all your assets, legal and financial affairs  are managed during your lifetime and are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. The goal is to create a legally valid documents (Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Maker) that reflect your wishes. It also provides peace of mind that you’ve arranged your affairs and everything will be in order when you have gone.

Estate Planning myths

Many people make the mistake that they either are not wealthy enough or elderly enough to start estate planning. If you are over 18 years old in Australia, it’s advised that you should have a legally valid will. You can prepare your own State Trustees’ Online Will for just $69, or you can book your Will and Power of Attorney appointment with one of our professionals. (if you hold a senior’s card, we offer a 20% discount on your appointment.)

Another common misunderstanding is that the family will simply be able to ‘sort things out’ after your passing and manage the wealth transfer without any arguments or issues. Without a will, you die intestate. This means state laws decide how your property and belongings are distributed and you don’t get a say. You also won’t be able to control who makes your final decisions. Costs can be higher and the time taken longer (typically 12 months or more).

Who the Estate Planning Guide is for

Victorian seniors

As we age, ensuring that our estate plan is up to date becomes increasingly important. Whether you’ve recently experienced significant life changes or simply want to make sure your current wishes are accurately reflected, updating your Will and Power of Attorney documents is crucial for protecting your legacy and providing peace of mind for your loved ones. 

Estate Planning documents we provide

• Professional Will Writing 
• Enduring Power of Attorney 
• Medical Treatment Decision Maker Authority 

Mistakes to avoid when preparing your Estate Plan

State Trustees has guided countless Victorians through estate planning and execution. We frequently observe these common oversights: 

• Not having a legally valid will.  

• Not keeping their estate plan updated, especially after significant life changes.  

• Believing that marriage cancels out the need for a will. 

• Not updating a will after a divorce  

• Not communicating intent and wishes with family.  

• Overlooking digital or overseas assets.  

• Using unclear language that leaves the will vulnerable to disputes.  

Understand the basics by downloading our free estate planning guide PDF, then contact us for an appointment. We’ll help get your estate planning in order.