Dave Kaplan

Picture of Dave Kaplan

Dave has been building bricks and mortar businesses and start-ups for over 20 years. Until 2004, Dave had thought planning for death was morbid and uncomfortable. Then, his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Dave quickly realised that planning for end of life can actually be one of the most important and valuable gifts to loved ones.

Articles by Dave Kaplan

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4 MIN READ
Why Should you Have an Enduring Power of Attorney in Australia (2025)

An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial and health affairs if you lose mental capacity.

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3 MIN READ
Medical Treatment Decision Maker Explained (2025)

A medical treatment decision maker makes decision on your behalf when you lose the capacity to do so yourself.

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3 MIN READ
Letters of Administration in Australia: The Beginners Guide 2025

The complete guide to Letters of Administration will cover who can apply, when to apply and when you need a lawyer.

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5 MIN READ
Estate Planning Checklist in Australia (2025)

Here is a complete estate planning checklist in Australia for 2021. To learn more about estate planning, read more.

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3 MIN READ
Why More People Are Preplanning Their Funerals

From securing a good price to relieving the burden on loved ones, here are 4 reasons why preplanning your funeral is the best choice for your loved ones.

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3 MIN READ
Power of Attorney Explained (2024 Update)

Power of Attorney is an important document that gives a trusted person the power to make decisions on your behalf.

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3 MIN READ
Circumstances that Complicate the Grief Journey

Grief in itself is an inherently complicated beast, but certain circumstances surrounding death and loss can make the grief journey a bit more difficult to navigate.

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2 MIN READ
Catering Ideas for Funerals, Memorials and Wakes

Organising a funeral, memorial or wake and not sure what to offer guests to eat and drink? Here are some tips on what to serve up.

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3 MIN READ
7 Fun Facts About Wills in Australia

Looking for some juicy details to do with all things Wills? Welcome to the fun house.

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3 MIN READ
5 Tips for Visiting Your Loved One’s House While Grieving

From hiring professional declutterers to taking regular breaks, here are 5 tips to help you visit your loved one’s house after they have passed.

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3 MIN READ
All About Complicated Grief

Grief. In some cases – just like everyone’s favourite relationship status drop-down option on Facebook – it’s complicated.

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2 MIN READ
Why Do People in Blue Zones Live Longer?

Discover the lifestyle changes that may just help you live to 90, or even 100!

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7 MIN READ
Statistics: Wills by the numbers in Australia

Our research covers Wills, inheritance trends, contested estates, and some unusual bequests, highlighting the importance of affordable estate planning with Willed's online service.

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3 MIN READ
What is a Death Doula? The Complete Guide to Non-Medical End of Life Carers

What is a death doula? Death doulas provide support for the dying and their families as they approach the end of life.

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2 MIN READ
Willed secures strategic investment from Seven West Media

Today we announce the strategic investment in Willed by one of Australia’s leading media companies, Seven West Media (ASX: SWM), to further accelerate growth over the next 12 to 24 months.

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3 MIN READ
5 Reasons to Choose a Professional Executor Service

Estate administration can be a long, time-consuming and draining process, which is why it’s often better to leave it up to the professionals.

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4 MIN READ
Things you might not know about prepaid funerals

Want to know how prepaid funerals work? Do you need help finding the best option for you? Here are a few things you need to know before deciding if prepaid funerals are best for you.

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4 MIN READ
Top Myths About Direct Cremation

When it comes to direct cremation, we realise there are a lot of myths floating around. However, we want you and your family to have the facts during this sensitive time in your lives.

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3 MIN READ
When Should Children Receive Their Inheritance?

Are your children mature enough to handle an inheritance? Here, we consider the possibilities and different ways of leaving an inheritance, even if they are of age.

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2 MIN READ
Messages of Sympathy to Accompany Funeral Flowers

Knowing what to say when someone passes can be difficult. Here are some different suggestions for what to write in a sympathy card sent with funeral flowers.

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2 MIN READ
10 Most Played Funeral Songs

When it comes to funeral songs, themes of love, loss and sadness are universal. Here are 10 musical tributes that have stood the test of time.

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3 MIN READ
Sikh Funeral Traditions and Etiquette

Sikh funerals are based on the belief that upon death, the soul returns to God. Learn more about the traditions and proper etiquette in this guide.

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3 MIN READ
What is an Executor of a Will?

The executor of a Will is an important piece when going through the estate planning process. Keep reading to learn more.

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3 MIN READ
Types of Wills: The Guide to Wills in Australia

Learn about the different types of wills available in Australia and find the best option for you and your estate.

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration WA: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration WA (Western Australia) can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration ACT: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration ACT (Australian Capital Territory) can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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4 MIN READ
Letters of Administration VIC: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration in Victoria can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration NT: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration NT (Northern Territory) can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration SA: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration in SA can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration Tasmania: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration in Tasmania can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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4 MIN READ
Letters of Administration QLD: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration in Queensland can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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4 MIN READ
Letters of Administration NSW: The Process Explained

Applying for letters of administration NSW can be a challenge, but our guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

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3 MIN READ
Letters of Administration: The Complete Guide

Letters of administration is important when distributing an estate of someone who died without a valid will or a will that is annexed. Keep reading to learn more.

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4 MIN READ
7 Steps to Apply for a Letter of Administration

Here are 7 steps to apply for a letter of administration in Australia, including links to each relevant registry for states and territories. Click to learn more.

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2 MIN READ
Deed of Family Arrangement: Everything You Need to Know

A deed of family arrangement is a legal document that helps you make decisions about your estate and lets others know how they can access the money you leave. Here's what it involves.

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2 MIN READ
What to Do When the Executors of a Will Fail to Fulfil Their Duties

If the executors of a will fail to do their job, there are steps you can take to ensure your loved ones are taken care of.

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2 MIN READ
How to Claim a Deceased Person's Superannuation in Australia

This article is about how anyone can find and claim a deceased person's superannuation. Keep reading to learn more.

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What Happens to a Deceased’s Vehicle

We’ve put together a guide on what happens to a deceased’s vehicle after they pass away. Keep reading to learn more.

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2 MIN READ
Bank Accounts After Death: Where Does the Money Go

Bank accounts after death is an important topic when planning your estate. To learn what happens to bank accounts after someone dies, keep reading.

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3 MIN READ
Property Transfer Following a Deceased Estate

Property transfer following a deceased estate is a detailed process with many variables. Keep reading to learn more.

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2 MIN READ
After Probate is Granted: What’s Next for the Executor?

After probate is granted, the executor has several responsibilities that they need to complete to distribute the estate.

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2 MIN READ
Executor Commission in Australia: What is it and How Does it Work

An Executor Commission compensates an Executor for the tasks they do in their role administering an estate.

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2 MIN READ
Generational Wealth: How to start building wealth for your family

Generational wealth may seem like a foreign concept when you don’t have a family of your own yet. With that said, the time to start building future family wealth is now.

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2 MIN READ
Traditional Funerals in Australia

Traditional funerals are a common funeral type in Australia. To learn if it’s the right fit for you.

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3 MIN READ
Who Can See a Will After Someone Dies

Only a select group of people are eligible to see a Will after someone dies. Keep reading to learn who’s qualified.

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2 MIN READ
How Long Does Probate Take in Australia (and What Delays the Process)

How long does probate take in Australia? The amount of time can vary, but some factors can contribute to a delay.

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2 MIN READ
How to get a Death Certificate in Australia

Learn how to get a death certificate in Australia and register a death with a helpful guide from the experts in writing your Will online, Willed.

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2 MIN READ
Discretionary Trust in Australia: Do You Need One?

A discretionary trust is a way to manage the assets of your estate or structure a business that has many benefits.

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2 MIN READ
Residuary Estate: How do they work in a Will?

The residuary estate clause is an important component of your Will to ensure your possessions go to the right beneficiaries.

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4 MIN READ
The Complete Guide to Cremation (updated)

Cremation after death is an option that more and more Australians are choosing. Many people wonder about the cremation process. In this guide, we answer all your questions and more.

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2 MIN READ
Inheritance Tax in Australia: Does it exist in Australia?

Inheritance Tax in Australia doesn't exist, but your estate's beneficiaries could still have tax obligations on their inheritance.

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2 MIN READ
How to choose a coffin for you or a loved one

In this article, we go through how to choose a coffin, the major differences between a coffin and a casket and more.

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2 MIN READ
Funeral Bonds in Australia: The Complete Guide

Funeral bonds in Australia are an effective way to save for your funeral expenses in the event of your death.

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2 MIN READ
Embalming in Australia

Embalming in Australia is a popular way to preserve a body for a funeral with an open casket.

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3 MIN READ
Probate Application Explained

Probate application in Australia will depend on your local Probate court and legislation.

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3 MIN READ
Digital Will: How to Protect your Online Presence

Writing a digital will is a great way to protect your online presence, including social media accounts and email.

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2 MIN READ
Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy in Common: Property Ownership in Australia

Joint tenancy vs tenancy in common are two different types of property ownership in Australia.

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3 MIN READ
How to Handle Social Media Accounts After Someone Dies: The Complete Guide (2021)

The complete guide on how to handle social media account after someone dies including Facebook, Instagram and Google.

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4 MIN READ
What is a Will?

What is a Will? This complete guide goes through what is a Will, what they should include, how to make changes and more.

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2 MIN READ
The Role of Attorney under Enduring Power of Attorney in Australia

The role of attorney under an enduring power of attorney comes with significant responsibility and care.

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2 MIN READ
Professional Executor Services: What you Need to Know

Executor services are a great alternative to choosing someone you know to manage your estate.

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3 MIN READ
Intestate Succession: Who inherits if there is no beneficiary?

In this guide, you’ll know what to do in the event you’re managing an estate without a Will.

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4 MIN READ
When is ‘Probate’ Unnecessary in Australia?

Learning when is probate unnecessary will allow you to better plan your Will and manage the assets of an estate.

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3 MIN READ
Estate Planning SA: Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive

The complete guide to estate planning in SA; making an Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive.

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3 MIN READ
How to Contest a Will after Probate in Australia

How to contest a Will after probate in Australia depends on a few factors including the state or territory and timing.

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3 MIN READ
What Happens to your Cryptocurrency When you Die?

The transferring of digital assets isn’t well known and can cause complications if you don’t properly prepare.

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3 MIN READ
Paperwork You Need to do After Buying a House in Australia

In Australia, there’s important paperwork you need to do after buying a house, such as creating or updating your Will.

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4 MIN READ
Donate Your Body to Science: The Complete Guide

When you choose to donate your body to science, you can help to discover new medicine and science in Australia.

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3 MIN READ
Testamentary Trust: Getting Started with Organising Your Assets

When creating your Will, considering building in a Testamentary Trust to protect your assets after you pass away.

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2 MIN READ
Is your Will legally valid? Three things to look out for

Making sure your Will is legally binding is critical to ensure your loved ones are protected

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4 MIN READ
What Does ‘Probate’ Mean in Australia?

In this guide, we cover who applies for probate, when it’s necessary and how to apply for probate in Australia.

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2 MIN READ
Renouncing or resigning an executor role – what happens when you do not want to be an Executor?

Being appointed an Executor can be overwhelming and time-consuming

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2 MIN READ
Letters of Administration Explained

What happens if you die without a Will?

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3 MIN READ
What to do When Someone Dies: Step-By-Step

We look at what to do when someone dies, including registering the death and taking care of the Will.

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2 MIN READ
Living Wills: What are they, and why are they important?

Learn about what a living Will is, why they are important and how you can build one.

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3 MIN READ
Online Will Kit: What is it and what do they include?

An online Will kit is a cost-effective and straightforward way to plan your Will.

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2 MIN READ
What are the costs for filing for Probate in QLD 2023?

What are the costs associated with filing for Probate in QLD and who pays for it?

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3 MIN READ
DIY Will Kit: What is it and what do they include?

What is DIY Will kit, and what do they include?

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2 MIN READ
What are the fees for filing Probate in Victoria 2023?

The application process for Probate can involve a range of costs- but, they can be reimbursed!

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2 MIN READ
What is the difference between a Will and a Trust

When it comes to estate planning, there’s a range of options...

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2 MIN READ
When do you need Probate or a Letter of Administration?

When someone passes, the executor or next of kin may need to apply for probate or a letter of administration.

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3 MIN READ
Can my Will be contested? What you need to know

There are some circumstances in which a Will may be contested in court - but having a Will is still vitally important!

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2 MIN READ
Witnessing a Will: Can a family member witness my Will?

Australian law states that you need two people to witness a Will, so who can sign it?

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3 MIN READ
What happens to your property when you pass away?

It's important to make sure your property is taken care of should you pass away

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3 MIN READ
What Happens When You Leave Debt in Your Will?

When planning your estate, you should consider the debt you might leave behind.

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2 MIN READ
Reseal of Probate: Everything You Need to Know

If a person's assets are spread across states, you may need to apply for a 'reseal of probate' before distributing them

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2 MIN READ
What Does ‘Next of Kin’ Mean in Australia? The Ultimate Guide

While it’s not a legally defined term in Australia, next of kin is a person’s closest living relative or spouse.

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3 MIN READ
The top 5 questions to ask yourself when writing your legal Will

Writing a Will can be overwhelming, here are some key questions to ask before you start!

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3 MIN READ
Estate Planning: Preparing for Your Future Medical Needs

Planning for potential future medical needs is crucial in preparing your estate

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2 MIN READ
3 Reasons to Gift a Will this holiday season

Gifting a Will is a unique and meaningful present for your loved ones

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3 MIN READ
What Assets Can Be Included in A Will?

What can you leave behind to your family and loved ones?

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2 MIN READ
When should I update my Will?

It's important to revisit your Will at regular intervals to make sure that it continues to reflect your situation.

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2 MIN READ
Three Reasons Why Millennials Need To Sort Out Their Will

You may have more assets than you think!

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2 MIN READ
How to write a Will online

Writing a Will has never been easier

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1 MIN READ
Probate 101: What is it?

Exploring probate and when it is required

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1 MIN READ
Joint Wills and Mirror Wills - what's the difference?

Creating a Will with your partner

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2 MIN READ
Looking after your pet in your Will

What are the key questions to consider when

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2 MIN READ
What is a medical treatment decision maker?

What happens when we cannot make our own medical decisions?

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2 MIN READ
Do I need a lawyer to make a Will?

Writing your Will doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming

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1 MIN READ
Who can sign my Will?

Witnesses are an important part of ensuring your Will is legal and valid.

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2 MIN READ
What is a ‘Gift in Will’?

Giving to causes you care about. Read on to learn how to do it and what types of gifts you can leave.

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2 MIN READ
What is the difference between a DIY will kit and an online will?

Writing a legally valid Will is a key part of planning for your future.

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2 MIN READ
What is the difference between General Power Of Attorney v Enduring Power of Attorney?

Power of Attorney is a key part of your estate planning process.

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2 MIN READ
What are the most important things to put in a Will?

It is important to consider how your passing may affect those you care about.

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2 MIN READ
Where is the best place to keep a will?

You've finalised your Will and had it signed in front of two witnesses. Now, where do you store it?

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2 MIN READ
How do you choose an Executor?

Choosing the right person to be the Executor of your Will is important.

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2 MIN READ
Are you eligible to write a Will online?

Writing a Will is something every adult should look into sooner rather than later

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The Benefits of Writing a Will Online

Why writing a Will online can be a great option

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The top 3 misconceptions about writing a Will - debunked!

Setting the record straight about your Will

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How to write a Will in the time of COVID-19

Focus on keeping your affairs in order and on building plans for the future as best you can

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What to look for in your Will

There are a range of things to look for in your Will!

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2 MIN READ
Do you need Statement of Wishes

One of the things that people often want to know about is whether or not they need a statement of wishes.

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Is a Digital Will Legal?

How to make sure your digital Will is valid

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Digital Wills Vs Traditional Wills

We're modernising Wills, to make them work for what you need, when you need it.

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3 MIN READ
Building a Will: Your checklist

We’ve put together a checklist for writing your Will. Here’s how to get started and get it sorted.

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How to think about your digital presence when you die

What will happen to your Facebook account after you die?

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How much does a will cost?

Many people know that a Will is important, but they don’t know any of the details.

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Make the right call to look after your pet

Caring for your pets is one of the most important and rewarding things you can do

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2 MIN READ
Finding Out Your Next of Kin

Essentially, this is a term that describes your closest living relative, by blood or by relationship.

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Power of attorney and your Will explained

There are key differences between your Will and assigning a Power of Attorney.

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Retirement and your Will

Retirement isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about being organised, too!

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This is what marriage and divorce could mean for your Will.

When you go through changes in your life, it’s important to recognise that they will need to be reflected in your Will

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Q&A: Your questions about Wills, answered!

Our Q&A can tell you everything you need to know about your Will.

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Why financial wellbeing includes having a Will

When you’re looking ahead at what the future looks like, financial wellbeing also means having your Will in place.

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What’s the right age to start my Will?

We recommend all adults start to think about their Will sooner rather than later!

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Why is a Will so important? Why do I need a Will?

No matter where you’re at in life, having a plan in place is always a good idea.

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How to get your Will sorted for the EOFY!

One of the areas where you can start getting things sorted out is actually in creating a legal Will.

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Who can create a legal Will online?

Everyone is entitled to make a Will - as long as they have the capacity to make the necessary determinations!

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When is it time to update your Will?

If you’ve written a Will online, it’s important to remember that you might need to update it from time to time!

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How do you choose a beneficiary for your Will?

When you're writing a Will online, the most important step is to select a beneficiary.

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Your Will and your Superannuation: What you need to know

What happens to your superannuation if you die?

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3 MIN READ
What happens to your pets in the event of your death?

Our pets are more than just cats and dogs; they’re closer to family members.

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3 MIN READ
How to appoint a legal guardian in your Will

How to appoint a legal guardian in your will

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What you need to know before writing a Will

When writing your Will it can help to be prepared and know what you need before getting started.

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3 MIN READ
What Happens If You Die Without A Will?

If you're planning for your future, you should be trying to tick off everything on your list.

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