- DO inform the person that you have appointed as the Executor in your Will, or donee of your enduring power of attorney (EPA) (i.e. your Attorney).
- DO tell your Attorney and Executor where your documents are kept and make sure they can access them (do they need access to a safe? DO they need a key or a code etc?)
- DO keep your documents unmarked and in good condition.
- DO keep your documents in your control and possession, particularly EPAs as they are very powerful documents giving power to access your bank account, even sell property. Be careful!
- DO review your documents at least every 3 to 5 years or at major life events. You can revoke, amend or make a Will and EPA at any time, provided you have capacity to do so.
- DO be aware, both marriage and divorce void a Will. But separation or a Family Court property settlement do not.
- DON’T write on or mark your documents in any way; doing so may void the documents.
- DON’T attach anything to your Will (no paperclips, staples, pins etc) as the mark left on the document may suggest that a codicil (amendment) to the Will has been removed, it may then be rejected by the Probate Registry.
- DON’T lodge enduring powers of attorney in safe storage at the bank as your donee will need an EPA in their hands to get it from the bank!
If you would like further advice please don’t hesitate to contact us on 08 6141 1513 to make an appointment.