Wills in Murwillumbah
Legal Services across Various Matters
Home & Hospital Visits (for eligible clients)
Two Office Locations
Legal Services for Wills & Estates
Hynes & McCormack assists clients in Murwillumbah and Cabarita Beach with wills and estates. Our Tweed Coast solicitor, Peter McCormack, drafts wills, provides guidance for executors managing estate administration and assists with probate or letters of administration applications.
Our services include reviewing existing wills to reflect changing circumstances, providing general guidance on estate tax considerations and assisting executors with legal processes.
You can access our legal services if you’re seeking guidance on testamentary trusts, power of attorney or appointing an enduring guardian.
For more information about our wills and estate services, or to schedule an appointment at our office, contact us at (02) 6672 1333.
Understanding Wills & Estate Administration
Planning for the future involves several legal considerations, from preparing a will to ensuring estate administration complies with legal requirements. Hynes & McCormack assists individuals with various aspects of wills and estates, such as:
- Will Preparation & Review – Our firm assists with creating new wills and updating existing ones to reflect financial changes, family circumstances or legal requirements. Wills must comply with relevant regulations.
- Executor Assistance – Executors carry legal responsibilities in administering an estate. We provide guidance on probate, legal deadlines and the execution of wills.
- Probate & Letters of Administration – We assist clients in applying for probate. If no will exists, we provide guidance on the process of obtaining letters of administration.
- Estate Disputes & Mediation – Legal disagreements may arise over estate distribution, will validity or family provision claims. We assist with mediation and court representation, depending on the circumstances.
- Power of Attorney & Guardianship – Assigning power of attorney allows an appointed individual to manage financial or legal matters on behalf of another person if they become unable to do so. Our firm assists in drafting and lodging documents for clients seeking power of attorney or guardianship arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone dies without a will?
If a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to intestacy laws, which vary by state. These laws determine who inherits the assets, typically prioritising spouses, children and other close relatives. If no eligible relatives can be found, the estate may be passed to the government. This process can be lengthy and may not align with what the deceased person would have wanted.
Can a will be changed or updated?
Yes, a will can be updated or changed at any time while the person creating it is mentally competent. This can be done by drafting a new will or by adding a legal amendment known as a codicil. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or significant financial changes often prompt updates to a will.
Are there any legal requirements for writing a valid will?
Yes, each state has specific legal requirements for a will to be considered valid. Generally, a will must be written by a person of sound mind, signed in the presence of witnesses and properly executed following state laws. Handwritten or oral wills may not be accepted unless they meet strict legal standards.
How can a will be stored safely?
A will should be stored in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe, a lawyer’s office or a bank’s safety deposit box. Executors and trusted family members should be informed of its location. Some jurisdictions also allow wills to be registered with official legal bodies for added security.
