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Where there’s a will, there’s a way with MEJ

When it comes to disputes over a will, it’s best to get on the front foot by understanding your rights, says a partner at Maliganis Edwards Johnson, Craig Edwards.

Sometimes people don’t leave a will, or if they have, it may be invalid, or poorly prepared.  Other times, even when a will is valid, someone may not have been adequately provided for. 

“A lot of people don’t know what to do or where to start when a relative dies, and a solicitor can guide them through that,” he says.

“It can be emotional work, and if there are disputes, a solicitor is able to ‘step back’ to assess the individual’s rights.”

Craig can help people navigate wills and estate problems, when they feel that a will has not justly provided for them.

“Often there are oversights, particularly in an extended or blended family, or when a family member with illness or special needs has not been adequately provided for,” Craig says.

“It need not be a vindictive oversight, but the financial distress remains.

“Challenging a will can involve complex family and financial histories. But a proper outcome can be obtained, with the help of professional advice.

“I like speaking with my clients and guiding them to a proper result. In essence, we untangle problems caused by a bad will.” 

Maliganis Edwards Johnson, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic. Call 6257 2999 or visit mej.com.au

Estate planning: so much more than ‘just a will’

Regardless of your stage of life or family status, you should have a will and enduring power of attorney in place. But it’s something that so many people neglect or put off entirely.

However, as MV Law Partner Tanya Herbertson warns, this is an oversight that has significant consequences. “We’ve seen first-hand the distress, delay and cost caused to loved ones when estate planning has not been done or not done properly,” she says.

As the head of Canberra’s largest, most experienced wills and deceased estates legal team, Tanya says that good estate planning is so much more than just passing on your valuables.

“People don’t realise that estate planning also covers off issues such as instructions for your care if you become disabled, providing for the transfer of your business if you have one, or minimising future tax, court costs and legal fees,” she explains.

“And this should be an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Your family, financial situation and even laws will change over the course of your life, and so your plan should be reviewed and updated accordingly.”

For some people the idea of addressing all these issues can seem daunting. But this is where consulting the right experts is absolutely critical.

“It doesn’t matter if your circumstances are pretty straightforward or very complex – my team and I have the expertise and experience to make sure the process is as smooth and easy as possible, to ensure your peace of mind and to make sure your legal documents are enforceable when it counts.”

Tanya and her team can meet with clients by video, teleconference, or in-person – whichever suits you best. To ensure your future needs and wishes are taken care of, please call 6279 4444 or email [email protected]

• T: 6279 4444
• E: [email protected]

When it matters, contact Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers Canberra

Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers has been delivering high quality legal services for over 120 years and working with Canberrans for decades to protect the rights of injured workers, those involved in motor vehicle accidents, public liability, medical negligence and Comcare claims as well as wills & estates, property and commercial transactions.

“Across all areas of practice, the client is at the centre of what we do,” says Partner in Charge of the Canberra practice, Diana Farah, who is one of Australia’s most highly respected and experienced litigators.

The Canberra team includes Olivia Mailian, Partner, who has worked with both plaintiffs and defendants and has extensive experience representing clients before the ACT Supreme and Magistrate’s Court. Her previous work in the media and public relations has been a benefit in her legal career. “Effective communication is not only essential in the courts and with my legal colleagues in advocating strongly for my clients, it is critical in helping clients understand the legal process,” says Olivia.

Similarly David Tarrant, Partner, was a Clinical Nurse Specialist before being admitted to law and has been recognised as a leading lawyer in motor vehicle accident as well as medical negligence.  “Medical evidence proves critical in many compensation law cases and I am well placed to assess and explain this evidence to our clients,” he says.

The Firm’s connections with the ACT region are longstanding, successfully prosecuting some of the most historic worker’s compensation cases in Australia, including representing the widows of workmen killed in the Burrinjuck Dam Disaster in 1950 as well as workers injured on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme in 1956.

When it matters, contact Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers’ Canberra Team on free call 1800 059 278.