Essential guide to wills and estates practice

When a person dies, it usually falls upon family or close friends to deal with their estate. 

Yet grief often makes it difficult for them to know where to start. Nor do they have the expertise to understand the intricacies involved.

Upskill in probate law to provide clarity and certainty during these challenging times.

This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with probate. You’ll learn how to distribute the assets of the estate according to the requirements of the will.

At the end of this course, you will be able to: 

• Advise clients on the probate process
• Source the necessary details from clients to progress an application for probate 
• Prepare the documents required for a probate application
• Follow the steps to file a probate application 

The administration of a deceased estate can be a complex and challenging time for the loved one's family and friends.

To guide them through this period, you can provide peace of mind by taking care of two important processes: 

1. The orderly payment of the liabilities of the deceased person (including tax liabilities) from the estate assets.
2. The distribution of the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the will. (Or, if there is no will, according to the statutory order applicable upon intestacy.)

This course will equip you with guidelines to follow when instructed to administer a deceased estate. You’ll know which processes to follow when the deceased person dies leaving a valid will (testate) or without leaving a valid will (intestate).

At the end of this course, you’ll know how to: 

• Order each step in the administration of estate process 
• Summarise the role and responsibilities of a personal representative
• Collate the required documents to complete the administration of estate process

Powers of attorney are becoming more prevalent in Australia. This is due to our ageing population – as well as other social trends such as increased wealth and complex family dynamics.

By drafting a power of attorney document, you’ll prepare a robust plan for your clients when they’re unable to make decisions themselves. 

This course will guide you through the processes, complexities and risks when dealing with this substitute decision-making instrument. 

You’ll provide your clients with peace of mind that someone they trust will pay their bills, manage their assets, and handle their legal and financial affairs. (Like making key decisions around banking, real estate, insurance, investments, pension and gifts.) 

You’ll learn about general and enduring powers of attorney – and the advantages of each. And you’ll help your clients ensure a trusted person is able to manage their affairs when they’re at their most vulnerable.