I was recently asked by a client if it was OK to use the “home made” wills from newsagents, and that prompted me to think of the numerous times that I have read cases where people made a will without a lawyer, and there was costly litigation as a result. We have reported on those cases on several occasions over the past few years, and it does made for good reading, the links are below. https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/yet-another-will-kit-disaster

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/yet-another-home-made-will-disaster-2

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/will-kit-disaster-again

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/yet-another-home-made-will-disaster

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/do-you-need-a-lawyer-to-prepare-your-will

https://www.qbmlawyers.com.au/is-your-will-valid

Another decision which is worth reading is that of In the Will of Fernando Masci https://archive.sclqld.org.au/qjudgment/2014/QSC14-281.pdf which is worth reading as it demonstrates how a badly drawn will can devastate an estate – in that matter the dispute continued for well over 2 years after the will maker died, resulting in 3 days of hearing in the Supreme Court before the judgment was delivered.

For advice on estate planning and Wills, please contact Peter Muller at peterm@qbmlaw.com.au, or Jessica Murray at jessicam@qbmlaw.com.au