Well done on taking the first step to creating your Will – it’s an important piece of life admin that too many of us put off.
We offer free standard wills to union members and their spouses via our partnership with Safewill.
If your circumstances are not ‘standard’, we can still assist you.
If you need a ‘complex’ will, we are happy to refer you to one of our partner firms that specialises in Wills & Estates planning. After you submit a referral request, they will be in touch and you can book an obligation-free consultation to discuss your needs. Your lawyer will explain all the costs involved so you know what to expect, and if you decide not to continue after your first appointment, there is no fee.
Find out below which type of Will suits your needs.
Standard Will | Complex Will |
---|---|
If all of the following apply to you, you are eligible for a free standard will. | If any of the following apply to you, you’ll need tailored legal advice so a complex will is more suited to your needs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Safewill is the leading provider of Will-writing services in Australia, with a focus on bringing Wills into the 21st century through the leading use of digital technology.
For decades we have provided free standard Wills to union members, but we have also recognised some limitations with our current offering. Our partnership with Safewill allows us to provide an easier, quicker Will-service with significant benefits to members.
Using the information in the table above, you can determine whether you’re best suited for a standard Will or a complex Will. If your situation is suitable for a standard Will, follow the link to the Safewill website to complete your Will application.
You will be asked to enter your union $0 voucher code, which will set the cost to $0. You will also need to enter your union member number and your credit/debit card details – this is just for identification, you will not be charged.
All union members and their spouses are entitled to the free standard Will service via Safewill.
Standard Wills are suitable for people that do not have ‘complex’ needs and do not require direct legal advice. They are best suited to members whose family and asset circumstances are straightforward, for example, if all your children are from your current relationship or if you do not have children.
Complex Wills are best suited to members that have blended family situations or hold complex assets such as SMSF, a business or family trusts. Often, they will need the direct advice and guidance of a lawyer to ensure their Will appropriately meets their instructions.
During the application process, Safewill might identify that you’re best suited to get direct legal advice. In this situation, they will notify you and propose that you are referred to us. With your consent, your information will be forwarded to us, and we will engage you to discuss your options.
Yes, Safewill legally reviews every Will generated on their platform before providing it to the client for signing.
Once a member’s Will has been legally reviewed, it will be provided electronically with instructions on how to print and properly execute the Will by obtaining the required signatures.
Safewill does not directly store Wills, however, they will retain the information that a member has provided in completing their Will application. Safewill offers unlimited amendments to a Will for the first 12 months, and thereafter at $15 per annum.
Yes, we can store a copy of the member’s Will in our secure Deeds Room. You just need to send your documents via registered post to the Deeds Department at our Melbourne office address:
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Level 21
380 La Trobe St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Yes, for states where this is available, a POA can be produced in the Safewill platform for $99 per member (paid for by the member). If the member’s spouse also requires a POA this will also be charged at $99.
In these situations, the member will continue to have a direct engagement with us. Where there is a need for a complete re-write of their Will, they can do so using the Safewill platform, unless they require a 'complex' Will.
We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.
We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.