At Snow Law, our Surf Coast and Bellarine based solicitors and colleagues provide clear, considered advice on Wills, estates, and Powers of Attorney. We guide you through each decision with sensitivity and compassion, ensuring your wishes are documented correctly and your interests are protected.
Seeking professional advice when making or updating a Will, or appointing Powers of Attorney, gives you peace of mind — allowing you to get on with living your life, knowing the right structures are in place.
Drafting and updating Wills, including Wills incorporating trusts
Appointing a financial attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney
Appointing a personal attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney
Appointing a Medical Treatment Decision Maker
Deceased Estate litigation / Family Provision claims
A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want your estate managed and distributed after your death. It allows you to nominate beneficiaries, appoint an executor, and provide instructions for the administration of your estate.
Having a valid, up-to-date Will gives certainty to your loved ones and helps ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
If you pass away without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to strict legal rules under the laws of intestacy. This may result in outcomes that do not reflect your wishes.
In these circumstances, the court appoints an administrator to manage your estate. Assets are distributed to eligible relatives in a prescribed order — such as a spouse or partner, children, parents, or more distant relatives. If no eligible relatives exist, your estate may pass to the State.
Yes. An executor is the person or trustee company responsible for administering your estate in accordance with your Will. This includes managing assets, paying liabilities, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
An executor may be a family member, friend, lawyer, accountant, or trustee company. When choosing an executor, it’s important to consider their availability, organisational skills, and ability to manage legal and financial responsibilities.
While you are free to decide how your estate is distributed, the law expects you to adequately provide for certain dependants if they rely on you and you have the means to do so.
Dependants may include a spouse or partner, children (including adult children), or others who were financially dependent on you. If adequate provision is not made, eligible persons may challenge your Will through a court application.
Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial)
Allows your appointed attorney to make decisions about your finances, property, and legal affairs if you lose capacity or at a time you nominate.
Enduring Power of Attorney (Medical / Personal)
Authorises your attorney to make medical treatment and personal care decisions on your behalf, subject to legal limitations.
General (non-enduring) Power of Attorney
Usually used for specific purposes or a limited timeframe, commonly in commercial or transactional matters. This authority ceases if you lose capacity.
Most people appoint a trusted spouse, partner, family member, or close friend. Whoever you choose must be willing and able to:
You may limit the powers granted, appoint more than one attorney, or require joint or majority decision-making.
Take control of your future with confidence. If you’re looking to make or update a Will, appoint Powers of Attorney, or obtain advice on estate planning, the team at Snow Law is here to help.
