National Wills Week 2023
During National Wills Week 2023, the ACT Public Trustee and Guardian (PTG) is spreading the message – if you’re over 18 – you need a Will.
Running from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 September 2023, the week has one key goal in mind: to bust the myth that advance life planning can wait until retirement.
To start your Will-making process, contact your local solicitor or succession law practitioner, or contact the Public Trustee office and book an appointment. https://www.ptg.act.gov.au/wills
The Public Trustee of the ACT Aaron Hughes says National Wills Week offers a unique opportunity to normalise the conversation around advance life planning for those Australians who have a young adult in their life, or if you are a young adult yourself.
“Everyone who is 18 years and over needs a Will,” Mr Hughes said.
“Gen Z might even be surprised at how much is covered in a Will – it’s not only about belongings, but can also encompass the care of pets, insurance payouts, funeral arrangements, and even instructions for closing or memorialising online accounts.
“Young adults know to consider tax returns, superannuation and voting when they turn 18 – so the more we encourage advance life planning discussions, the greater we’ll be able to safeguard our young adults and their loved ones in the future,” Mr Hughes said.
Second to making a Will, the ACT Public Trustee is also urging young Australians to understand the importance of, and to make, an Enduring Power of Attorney, or an EPA.
The ACT Public Trustee said, “An EPA is a legal document, which can be completed at the time of writing a Will, that sets out who you would like to manage your financial and personal affairs if you are no longer able to make decisions yourself.
“This may be necessary if, for example, you sustain an acquired head injury due to a significant car accident or sporting injury or experience an intellectual or psychiatric disability”.
“By planning ahead and having an EPA in place, you can save for your loved ones time and stress in the instance something unexpected or unfavourable occurs.”
All Australians are encouraged to start conversations about advance life planning during National Wills Week 2023.
