Good Will Week
10 September 2007 at 2:19 pm
This Good Will Week (14-20 October), Include a Charity is launching a simple, online ‘Will health check’, to assist and encourage all Australians to protect their legacy, ensure their most important document is up-to-date and perhaps include a bequest to the charity of their choice.
Too many people in Australia die intestate (without a legal Will). Apart from the heartache that this causes for many, it also means that millions of dollars of assets are distributed according to government intestacy rules– and the rules differ from state to state.
Spokesman, Martin Paul, says the four charities that make up Include a Charity, Australian Red Cross, Mission Australia, Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council Australia have developed the online ‘Will health check’ to raise awareness of having a legal, current Will that reflects your wishes.
Paul says this online ‘Will health check’ is a great starting point for people who may be overwhelmed by the complexities of creating a Will. It is intended to assist people to assess the ‘health’ of their Will in a simple, fast and completely private way.
He says even millionaires and celebrities struggle when it comes to a healthy Will and according to newspaper reports, Robert Holmes-a-Court died without a legal Will, even though he had had one prepared.
He spent months carrying it around in his briefcase and didn’t get round to signing it. Fortunately for his wife, his children were prepared to not claim their substantial entitlements under intestacy rules.
Include a Charity has made it easy and all you have to do is log onto www.includeacharity.com.au/goodwillweek and complete the online quiz.
The website also has information on leaving a bequest in your Will, and the amazing impact a bequest to your favourite charity can make.
Martin Paul expects that many people will be surprised by the ‘ill-health’ of their Will, an awareness now that will hopefully lead to Australians ensuring their legacy ends up in the right hands.
The Public Trustee is also providing a number of opportunities for people to get their Wills written or updated this Good Will Week. Contact your local Public Trustee for more information.
Make sure your charity is listed in the 2008 Pro Bono Australia Australian Directory of Not for Profit Organisations which goes out to 56,000 solicitors and financial advisors across Australia. The booking deadline for this new edition is SEPTEMBER 21st, 2007. Contact Celeste Fay on 03 80805650 or probono@probonoaustralia.com.au
