Wills & Estates

A well-drafted Will is one of the simplest ways to protect your family and make sure your assets are dealt with as you intend. When a Will (or estate plan) is unclear, out of date, or invalid, it can create delays, extra expense, and disputes at the worst possible time.

Trainor & Associates can help you put the right documents in place, explain your options in plain English, and structure your estate planning to suit your circumstances, whether your affairs are straightforward or more complex (for example, blended families, business interests, trusts, or significant assets).

What can we help with?

Wills, Powers of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decisions

We prepare legally effective:

  • Wills

  • Enduring Powers of Attorney (financial/personal matters)

  • Medical treatment / appointment documents (so the right person can make decisions if you can’t)

These documents are designed to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones have clear authority when it matters.

Probate and Deceased Estates

Administering an estate can be overwhelming, especially while grieving. We guide executors and families through the process, including:

  • applying for probate (where there is a Will), or

  • applying for letters of administration (where there is no Will, or the Will is not valid), and

  • assisting with asset realisation, distribution, and managing deadlines and notices.

Our aim is to make the process efficient, compliant and as stress-free as possible.

Fixed-Fee Wills

Many clients want cost certainty. We offer fixed-fee options for standard Wills (and related documents), so you know the fee upfront before we begin.

A Will matters even if you don’t consider yourself “asset rich”. Without a valid Will, your estate is generally distributed under a statutory formula, which may not reflect your relationships, intentions, or the practical needs of your family.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage financial and legal affairs if you are unavailable or unable to do so.

It’s a sensible safeguard for anyone, and particularly important when you run a business, have property, or want clear control over who can act for you.

Medical Decision-Making Documents

If you lose capacity, medical decisions may need to be made quickly. Medical appointment documents allow you to nominate who can make decisions (and communicate your preferences) if you’re unable to.

Probate and Letters of Administration

When someone passes away, there are often legal steps required so that:

  • bank accounts and investments can be accessed,

  • property can be transferred or sold, and

  • assets can be distributed properly.

Probate

Where there is a Will, probate is commonly required to confirm the executor’s authority to administer the estate.

Letters of Administration

Where there is no Will (or no valid Will), the estate is usually distributed according to statutory rules. Even then, it is often necessary to obtain letters of administration so someone has formal authority to deal with the assets and liabilities of the estate.

Superannuation Death Benefits

Superannuation is often treated differently to other estate assets. In many cases it does not automatically pass under a Will.

Payment of a super death benefit may depend on:

  • whether there is a valid binding nomination in place, and

  • who qualifies as a dependent under superannuation law.

We assist families and executors to navigate the process, make the right applications, and manage disputes where they arise.

Keeping your Will up to date

A Will should reflect your current circumstances. If your situation changes, marriage, separation, for example, children, new assets, business changes, or updated relationships, it’s usually wise to review your Will and related documents to ensure they still do what you want.

Clear Advice, Practical Outcomes

Estate planning is personal. We take the time to understand your family and priorities, identify risk areas early (including blended family issues), and give you practical options so you can choose an outcome that feels fair and workable, and that stands up legally.