De Maria & Associates
Wills and Estates Lawyers Smiths Gully
De Maria & Associates offer Wills & Power of Attorney services in Northern Suburbs including Doreen, Mill Park, Whittlesea, Bundoora, Diamond Creek, Wollert, Hurstbridge, South Morang and Epping.
Wills are a crucial part of your personal and business assets and require careful planning and consideration. With blended families, children suffering from disabilities and life changes our team will provide advice and assistance in the preparation of your Will in determining who is responsible for your Estate (Executor) and who will receive your assets (Beneficiaries).
The formulation of a Will is significant to guarantee that all your loved ones are considered, and your assets are allocated as per your wishes when you pass away.
Though the process of making a Will may seem daunting, our team is here to guide you at each step to minimize the likelihood of someone contesting your Will. Wills are typically contested if a family member is excluded or inadequately provided for. Other claims may stem from issues such as lack of capacity, undue influence, and breach of trust.
Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial)
Is a legal document by which you appoint a trusted person (referred to as “the attorney”) to make personal, financial, legal and property decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity to do so yourself.
You assign an Enduring Power of Attorney to a trusted person to make appropriate financial and personal decisions for you.
Some of the duties that an attorney can make on your behalf are; paying your bills, signing documents, purchasing or selling property, managing shares or bank accounts.
Medical Treatment Decision
Each person has the right to make their own medical treatment choices. Yet, if you are incapacitated and unable to make decisions, whether temporarily or permanently, you can designate a medical proxy who can make medical decisions for you. Selecting someone to make these decisions can be challenging, but our team can provide guidance and support in determining who and when to appoint a trusted individual to handle your medical decisions.
Advanced Care Directive
This document is legally binding and authorizes you to make definite preparations for your future health, care, and end of life circumstances. It documents your decisions and aspirations regarding medical treatment and details what medical treatment you do and don’t want in emergencies. When completing an Advance Care Directive document, it is important to consult with your doctor.
We offer the following expertise:
- Wills
- Codicils
- Testamentary Trusts
- Estate Planning
- Enduring Powers of Attorney (Financial)
- Enduring Powers of Attorney (Medical)
- Binding Death Nominations