In the state of Victoria, if somebody dies without a will, their assets will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which are outlined in the Administration and Probate Act 1958.
The rules of intestacy prioritise the deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, followed by their children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and other blood relatives. If there are no surviving blood relatives, the assets will be passed to the state government.
The distribution of assets under intestacy may not align with the deceased’s wishes and can lead to legal disputes among family members. In addition, the process of distributing the assets may be complicated and time consuming, leading to additional costs and delays.
It is crucial for individuals to make a will to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and to avoid potential legal disputes and delays.
Making a will with a law firm is important since they can offer legal advice and guidance to help you articulate your wishes unambiguously, ensuring your will is legally binding and enforceable.
By leveraging the expertise and knowledge of the team of Geelong wills and estate lawyers at Geelong Legal, you can avoid potential errors or discrepancies that may invalidate your will, safeguarding both your legacy and beneficiaries from potential legal disputes or challenges.
