Wills and Estates Lawyer in Canberra

Clear legal advice for wills, enduring powers of attorney and estate planning

Planning ahead can bring peace of mind. We help individuals and families put the right documents in place to protect their wishes, their assets and the people who matter most.

Plan ahead with clarity and confidence

It is easy to put off planning for the future, especially when life is busy. But having the right legal documents in place can make an important difference for you and the people around you.

At Rachel Bird & Co, we assist clients in the ACT with making a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney so their affairs are in order. We can explain what assets form part of your estate and help you structure your testamentary intentions in a clear and practical way.

Practical support for wills, powers of attorney and estate planning

Drafting and executing a Will

A properly prepared Will helps set out your wishes clearly and can give certainty about how your estate should be dealt with after your death.

Drafting and executing an Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make certain decisions on your behalf if needed. We can guide you through the process and explain what this document is designed to do.

Probate and estate administration

We can also assist with probate and estate-related matters, including helping clients understand the next steps when someone has passed away.

Contesting a Will

If you have concerns about a Will or believe you have not been properly provided for, we can advise on your options and whether you may have grounds to challenge the estate.

When should you speak with a wills and estates lawyer?

We all need to plan for the future. You may need advice if:

You want to protect your assets for your family
You do not have a Will
Your personal or family circumstances have changed
You want to appoint someone you trust under an Enduring Power of Attorney
You want to make your intentions clear
You need help with probate or estate administration
You want advice about contesting a Will

Clear, personal advice for important future decisions

Wills and estate planning are personal matters. It is important to protect your wishes, look after the people important to you and make sure the right arrangements are in place.

Clients choose Rachel Bird & Co because we provide:

Common questions about wills and estate planning

Do I need both a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney?

They do different things. A Will deals with what happens to your estate after you die. An Enduring Power of Attorney allows a person you appoint to make certain decisions on your behalf while you are alive if needed.

When should I update my Will?

It is worth reviewing your Will whenever your personal circumstances change, such as marriage, separation, having children, changes in assets or changes in who you want to benefit.

What happens if I do not have a Will?

If someone dies without a Will, they are said to have died intestate. In the ACT, if there is no Will, an application may be made for letters of administration rather than probate. The ACT Supreme Court explains that letters of administration may also be needed where there is a Will but no executor is able to apply.

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf in certain circumstances. It is designed to continue operating even if you lose capacity, depending on the terms of the document.

Can I put my Will and Enduring Power of Attorney in place at the same time?

Yes. Many people choose to put both documents in place together as part of planning ahead.

Plan ahead with confidence

Whether you are planning ahead, preparing a Will or putting an Enduring Power of Attorney in place, we are here to help.

We provide clear legal guidance to help you make informed decisions and put the right arrangements in place.