This week, 11-16 May, marks ACT Law Week. Although Law Week events have been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community’s demand for legal services is constant and law firms continue to operate to service their clients’ needs.
When you require legal advice – from conveyancing and compensation to family law, estate planning, wills and more – you want to be sure you are dealing with qualified professionals who understand how the law applies specifically in the ACT and in other jurisdictions. Look no further than this special feature to find Canberra-based lawyers and law firms who will act in your best interests.
Meyer Vandenberg
Meyer Vandenberg explains reasons you need to get expert legal advice for your Estate Planning.
Can I write my own Will?
Do it yourself Will kits may seem attractive because of the low price tag, however these documents tend to lack detail, running the risk of being declared invalid. If this happens, your estate may go to people you did not want to have it and could end up costing your loved ones a lot of pain and expense to try and challenge it in court.
Is my superannuation included in my Will?
Superannuation does not automatically form part of your estate under your Will. Instead, you need to complete a Death Benefit Nomination with your nominated superannuation fund.
However, despite the fact that many superannuation funds allow you to choose multiple beneficiaries, legally you can only nominate a very limited class of people.
What if there is no Will?
If a person dies without a Will, they die intestate. In the ACT, their assets are then distributed according to a formula set out in the Administration and Probate Act 1929 (ACT). Intestacy can also occur if there is an existing Will that is not valid because, for example, it was not signed or witnessed according to the law, or the maker of the Will was not of sound mind or was under undue influence when making the Will. Where a person dies intestate, a court decides who will administer the estate and legislation will determine how the assets are distributed.
Maliganis Edwards Johnson
specialising in birth trauma litigation. She is also the Chair of the Australasian Birth Trauma Association.
Maliganis Edwards Johnson has been protecting the rights of injured Canberrans since 1985.
MEJ are legal specialists in personal injury and understand the complexity of the laws that govern compensation in the ACT.
Being injured can have a traumatic effect on your life and on your family.
The experienced team know that without the right legal advice and representation, you can miss out on fair compensation and incur unnecessary costs.
MEJ’s philosophy is simple – if you’ve been injured through someone else’s fault then you deserve fair compensation. However, it’s important that you act quickly to achieve the best possible result. They offer a free initial consultation and work on a ‘no win – no fee’ basis.
At MEJ they know more, give more and achieve more.
- T: 02 6257 2999
- W: mej.com.au
Eastwoods Legal
At Eastwoods Legal, we love being lawyers and we love helping our clients.
As the current restrictions are slowly lifted, now would be a good time to consider updating your Will or having a new Will drafted. We also recommend that you have an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) drafted to deal with your affairs during your lifetime.
For as little as $990, we can prepare two Wills and two EPOAs – this will give you a level of comfort that your affairs in regard to your estate have been dealt with, allowing for the proper administration of your Will by your executors.
Call us today on 6100 6553 to book an appointment.
BAL Lawyers
The Estates and Estate Planning Team at BAL Lawyers boasts a wealth of experience in legal practice. With Keith Bradley AM, Jill McSpedden, Christine Harvey and Ellen Bradley at the helm, the Team continually strive to deliver an exceptional quality of service to their clients.
9th Floor, Canberra House
40 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City ACT
Conveyancing Canberra
Established in 2006, Conveyancing Canberra is an experienced law firm managing the purchase and sale of residential property in Canberra. We aim to put your interests first, provide you with top legal advice and achieve the best results for you.
Commins Hendriks Solicitors
Heather heads the team at the Canberra office of long-established law firm, Commins Hendriks Solicitors. She brings extensive experience in personal injury claims and commercial litigation. The Canberra team has access to a multitude of legal expertise and can help you with Conveyancing, Wills and Estates, Family Law, Succession Planning and whole lot more!
Level 4, 1 Hobart Place, Canberra ACT
Falcon Legal
We can assist in all areas of Law, from conveyancing, drafting your will or assisting you after a loved one has passed. Call 6188 3850 for an appointment.
5/12 Hardwick Crescent, Holt ACT
Gateway Legal
Gateway Legal has, for over 20 years, provided professional and personalised service in several areas of general law practice. Our fees are competitive and affordable.
This feature was created in partnership with these law firms. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
