Page 35 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

OUR FREE WILL SERVICE MAKES IT EASY
Contemplating your own death is never pleasant. However, in fairness to those who love and rely on us, preparing a will is something we should all take the time to do. Slater and Gordon make this as easy as possible with an online service that’s free
Hfor ETU members. aving a properly
prepared will is the only way to ensure loved ones are appropriately
provided for in the event of your death.
Dying without a will can result in dire consequences because your estate will be distributed in accordance with a fixed formula determined by the government, regardless of your wishes.
For ETU members the risks extend to the death benefits payable through Protect and your superannuation. As ETU State Secretary Troy Gray says:
‘When a member passes away without a will it can take the family a lot longer to access payments they are entitled to through Protect and their super. For the sake of those left
behind, and for your own peace of mind, it really is imperative that we all have a properly prepared will.’
Surprisingly, after years of hard work and the accumulation of assets, the majority of Australians do not have a current will. Those who do rarely review them.
Having a will is not compulsory; however, it offers many benefits and will ensure:
• your estate is distributed as you wish
• your preferred executor is appointed
• you choose the guardian for your children
• vulnerable beneficiaries are protected.
Free standard wills for members
At Slater and Gordon, their lawyers can advise you on completing a will, preparing powers of attorney and enduring powers of guardianship, and administering a deceased estate.
ETU members are entitled to a Free Online Standard Will,* which normally costs $199 for the general public.
Sometimes a standard will is not suitable, and ETU members are entitled a 10% discount on complex wills. ETU members also receive a 10% discount on powers of attorney and probate, and other estate matters.
To access this service or to find out more about the online will service, please contact the ETU for a referral or visit online.slatergordon.com.au/sgo (make sure you get your unique
code from the ETU to receive your free Online Standard Will*). n
* Online wills are not suitable for complex estates.
MEMBER BENEFIT > FREE WILL
A PROFESSIONALLY DRAWN STANDARD WILL ENABLES YOU TO:
• leave a sum of money or particular goods to a relative, friend or charity
• provide for everything else you have to go to your ‘main beneficiaries’, normally your closest living family members
• provide for grandchildren should one of your children die, leaving children of their own
• nominate ‘back-up beneficiaries’ just in case your main beneficiaries don’t inherit
• provide for a gift to a child that is conditional on them attaining a particular age (usually 18, 21 or 25)
• appoint an executor to administer the Will and give the executor broad powers to do so
• appoint a guardian to look after children under 18
• include a statement of your funeral or burial wishes
• include medical instructions, e.g. whether you want to donate your body for research or your organs for transplant.
www.etuvic.com.au
THE ETU > AUTUMN 2017
35
ETU MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO A FREE ONLINE STANDARD WILL, WHICH NORMALLY COSTS $199.