Getting Your Affairs in Order

What does it mean to ‘Get your Affairs in Order’? Often, people think that having a Will is enough.

However, there are situations that may occur before you die, which you need to consider. For example, have you thought about what would happen if:

• you are in an accident and suffer a permanent head injury?
• you develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
• you are diagnosed with an illness and your physical or mental capacity is affected?

Any of the above circumstances give rise to the following concerns:

• who will pay your bills and deal with your mortgage/rent?
• who do you trust to look after your financial affairs?
• where will you live and who will decide that?

In our experience these situations are unfortunately not uncommon. In such circumstances, you should consider making an Enduring Power of Attorney and/or an Enduring Power of Guardianship (see more information about these important documents on our website).

Other matters you should also consider include:

• Ensuring the paperwork for your superannuation is in order ie. have you named a beneficiary of your superannuation fund, and is the nomination up to date?
• Ensuring your discretionary Family Trust Deed (if you have a Family Trust) provides for the succession of the Appointor and/or Guardian of your Trust.
• Ensuring your shares in a company are properly dealt with in your Will or you have applicable business succession arrangements in place.

If it appears that your affairs may not be in order, please contact us on (08) 9445 2686 and we will be happy to assist.