![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Wills3-1-scaled-e1756864175892.jpeg\")
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National Wills Week\u2019s theme this year is, \u2018Life changes, so should your will\u2019. It encourages people to either prepare a will for the first time or revisit one that may no longer reflect their current situation.<\/p>\n
Unsure what will happen to your possessions, pets or digital legacy after you\u2019re gone? National Wills Week is a reminder to take control by creating a will.<\/p>\n
Running until September 7, this year\u2019s theme of \u201cLife changes, so should your will\u201d encourages people to either prepare a will for the first time or revisit one that may no longer reflect their current situation.<\/p>\n
ACT Public Trustee and Guardian CEO Robyn Hakelis said while many senior Canberrans have made a will, it may have been many years since they last reviewed it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour legacy is more than your assets; it\u2019s about making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are supported,\u201d Ms Hakelis said.<\/p>\n
Canberrans are encouraged to speak with a lawyer to begin or revisit their estate planning.<\/p>\n
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Lorraine White, principal director at BDN Lawyers
\nWhen there\u2019s a will, Lorraine says there\u2019s a way<\/p>\n
Having a will ensures your wishes are clear and helps your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress, says BDN Lawyers principal director Lorraine White.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout a will, the law decides how your estate is divided, which might not reflect your true wishes,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA well-prepared will allows you to choose exactly who will receive your assets and how much they will get.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Providing trusted legal services in estate planning, drafting wills and estate administration, Lorraine says BDN Lawyers can provide friendly and professional advice to help you create a will that meets your needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA will isn\u2019t set and forget, updating your estate plan ensures your wishes reflect your life as it changes,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany accountants also recommend considering a testamentary trust when making your will.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese trusts can protect your assets and offer tax advantages for your beneficiaries.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, trusts aren\u2019t right for everyone, so it\u2019s best to discuss your personal situation with us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With the rise of property values and the evolution of blended families, Lorraine says estate disputes are also a common occurrence.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, disagreements arise after a loved one passes away, especially with increasing house values and superannuation balances,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile many estate disputes go to court, not all do.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAt BDN Lawyers, we work hard to resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively, minimising stress for everyone involved.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
BDN Lawyers, Level 1, 1 Farrell Place, Civic (call 6130 1999) and 260 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan (call 6299 3999). Visit bdn.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n With a focus on estate planning, business and commercial law, property transactions and notarial services, Signus Legal director Brendan Goodger says the firm\u2019s holistic approach ensures they look after clients\u2019 family and businesses needs from start to finish.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe pride ourselves on building genuine, long-term relationships with our clients,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs a boutique law firm, we are dedicated to supporting\u00a0 families and small business owners with practical, tailored legal solutions.<\/p>\n \u201cI love the variety and the chance to make a tangible difference in people\u2019s lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s solving a complex issue or helping a family secure their future, every day is meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n Practising law is about problem solving, says Brendan.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about empowering people through problem solving,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although relatively new to Woden, Brendan has been assisting clients in the area for more than a decade.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSignus Legal offers fresh energy alongside proven expertise,\u201d says Brendan and having a client-focused mindset is important in law.<\/p>\n \u201cOur focus is entirely on our clients,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe take the time to understand their unique needs and goals, offering a personalised, accessible approach that\u2019s all about delivering results, not just advice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Signus Legal, Gadal Chambers, Ground Floor\/48 Corinna Street, Phillip. Call 5133 5664 or visit signus.legal<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Who can be trusted?<\/p>\n In a world of spin and confusion, there\u2019s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.<\/p>\n If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.<\/p>\n Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Signus-Legal-director-Brendan-Goodger-1-e1756864033466.png\")
Signus Legal direcotr, Brendan Goodger
\nFirm with a focus on estate planning<\/p>\n