Will & Estate Planning

A well-structured estate plan gives you peace of mind, knowing your wishes are clear and your family is protected. At Akello Legal, we help put all the right pieces in place, from Wills and trusts to powers of attorney, medical appointments, and super nominations.

Planning for the future isn’t always easy to think about — but it’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to the people you love. A well-prepared estate plan can protect your assets, ensure your wishes are respected, and make things simpler for your family when the time comes.

We appreciate that estate matters can be deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming — our role is to bring clarity, structure and support to every stage of the process.

We help clients plan wisely, act responsibly and navigate estate-related challenges with confidence.

What is Estate planning?

Creating a comprehensive estate plan means more than just writing a Will. A well-structured estate plan may include:

A Will (including guardianship nominations for minor or dependent children)
Enduring Power of Attorney (for financial and personal decisions)
Advanced Care Directive
Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker
Special Disability Trusts
Binding Death Benefit Nominations on Superannuation
Life Insurance Policies coordinated with your plan

A comprehensive estate plan ensures your wishes are respected and your financial and personal affairs are managed according to your instructions. It can sound like a lot but with the right support, it’s manageable and reassuring.

A Will (including guardianship nominations)

A Will sets out how your assets — property, money, investments, and personal belongings — will be distributed after your death. A will can also appoint an executor to carry out your wishes, nominate guardians for minor children or dependents and provide instructions for gifts, charitable donations, or funeral arrangements.

Without a will, your estate is distributed according to intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes. Also, most people don’t realise this — if you pass away without a valid will and no eligible relatives, the State inherits your entire estate. Not the people you love. Not the causes you care about. The State.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA)

An EPOA lets you appoint someone you trust to make financial and personal decisions if you lose the capacity to do so yourself. This can include managing bank accounts, paying bills, dealing with property and making lifestyle decisions, such as where you live and what services you receive.

Having an EPOA ensures your affairs are handled smoothly without needing a court-appointed administrator.

Advanced Care Directive

An advanced care directive is a legally recognised document that allows an adult to provide their preferences and instructions for future medical treatment, to be followed if they lose the ability to make or communicate treatment decisions.

Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker

This appointment allows a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot. They can consent to or refuse medical treatment and make decisions about end-of-life care.

Without this, the legal framework determines who makes medical decisions, which may not align with your wishes.

Special Disability Trusts

Trusts are legal structures to hold and manage assets for others. A Special Disability Trusts (SDTs) supports a person with a severe disability and offers Centrelink and tax benefits.

Binding Death Benefit Nominations (Superannuation)

Your superannuation does not automatically get paid into your will. A binding death benefit nomination lets you direct your super fund to pay your benefits to your dependents (spouse, children, financial dependents), or your estate, to be distributed under your will.

Without a valid nomination, the fund trustee decides, which may not align with what you want.

Life Insurance Policies coordinated with your estate plan

Life insurance provides a lump sum to your nominated beneficiaries or your estate if you pass away. When coordinated with your will, trusts, and superannuation nominations, it can provide financial security for dependents, cover debts such as mortgages and help equalise inheritances among beneficiaries.

Already dealing with a loved one’s estate?

If you have been named executor or need help managing the probate process, visit our Probate & Estate Administration page for clear guidance.