Wills, powers of attorney, and enduring guardianship to protect your family and your wishes.
Having the right documents in place gives you peace of mind and protects the people who matter most. It is one of the most important things you can do for your family, and it does not have to be complicated.
At Beneke Legal, we make estate planning straightforward. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain language, and make sure your documents reflect exactly what you want. We assist clients across Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Maclean, Yamba, and the broader Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast.
A properly prepared will ensures your assets go where you want them to and that the people you trust are in charge of carrying out your wishes. We prepare simple wills for individuals and mirror wills for couples, and make sure they are correctly executed and legally valid in New South Wales.
Appointing a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so. We explain the different types of powers of attorney and help you choose the right arrangement for your circumstances.
Appointing someone to make lifestyle, health, and medical decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. This works alongside a power of attorney to make sure all areas are covered.
We understand that getting to our office is not always easy, particularly for elderly clients or those in hospital or care facilities. We are able to travel to you when needed, whether that is your home, a hospital, or an aged care facility in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast area. Estate planning documents must be signed in person due to witnessing requirements, but we handle everything else as flexibly as possible.
Preparing a will or power of attorney is usually a two-appointment process. At the first appointment, we take your instructions and discuss your wishes. We then prepare the documents and send them to you for review. At the second appointment, we go through the documents together and you sign them with the required witnesses present.
We offer fixed fees for simple wills, mirror wills, and powers of attorney. We always discuss costs in your first conversation and formalise everything in a costs agreement before any work begins. No surprises.
Looking for help with probate and estate administration or estate disputes?
If you own any assets, have dependants, or have specific wishes about what happens after you pass away, then yes. Without a valid will, your estate is distributed according to a formula set out in NSW legislation, which may not reflect your wishes. A will also lets you choose who administers your estate, which can make a significant difference to how smoothly the process runs for your family.
We offer fixed fees for simple wills and mirror wills. The exact amount depends on the complexity of your situation. We will give you a clear quote before any work begins.
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. If you were to lose capacity through illness or injury without one in place, your family may need to apply to a tribunal to manage your affairs, which is a lengthy and expensive process. Having a power of attorney in place avoids this.
Yes. We are able to visit you at your home, a hospital, or an aged care facility in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast area. The documents must be signed in person due to witnessing requirements, but we make the process as convenient as possible.
You should review your will whenever your circumstances change significantly. This includes marriage, separation or divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying or selling major assets, or if someone named in your will passes away. As a general guide, it is worth reviewing your will every few years even if nothing obvious has changed.
This is called dying "intestate." Your estate is distributed according to the rules in the Succession Act 2006 (NSW). The formula prioritises your spouse and children, but it may not match what you would have wanted. It can also make the administration process slower and more expensive for your family.
Estate planning does not have to be complicated. Call us for a free initial chat and we will help you work out what you need.