Some grandparents like to leave something to their grandchildren in their will. If they have step-grandchildren as well, as is increasingly likely these days, are they to be included in the will too?
If grandparents intend step-grandchildren in their extended family to benefit under their will, then to assist their executors for the efficient administration of their estate, it would be helpful if they could make that clear in their will, as a recent New South Wales case has highlighted.
Who will look after me?
Cats, dogs and other pets are really family. So making arrangements for their welfare when their owner dies is worth doing to help relieve others of difficult decision making at a stressful time.
While the matter can be discussed and arranged informally among family or friends, this approach may not be for everyone. Alternatively a will is a useful and practical way to leave instructions for what you would like done with your much loved pets.
By B Stead
Updating a will might seem a troublesome chore, but circumstances can change from the time it was made. The changes might produce unintended and unwanted outcomes in the event of death. Therefore reviewing a will is important to keep its contents in line with intentions.
Regularly reviewing your will every few years or so, in light of changes in your life, is worth doing, as life events and matters such as those outlined below can affect a will. Everyone’s situation is different so in all cases seek professional legal advice from a solicitor providing services in this area.