Wills for Western Australians: Safeguard Your Assets with Granich Partners

At Granich Partners we understand the unique situations of farmers, businesses and individuals when it comes to planning for the future. Crafting your Will is an essential step in safeguarding your farm, business or assets and ensuring that your wishes are respected. With over 40 years of experience in agribusiness law and serving the regional and wider community, our law firm is committed to providing personalised, expert legal services tailored to your specific needs. 

What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that outlines who will manage your estate (executor) and how your assets will be distributed after your death.

You should consider updating your Will whenever you  have a change in circumstance. Such changes  include a birth or death in the family, retirement or changes in relationships and assets. An outdated or poorly drafted Will can cause unnecessary stress, legal costs, and potential inequities among beneficiaries.

Assets that are not directly held by individuals, but through entities such as family trusts, companies and superannuation funds cannot be passed on through a  Will. At Granich Partners, we help you structure your estate plan to protect these assets, ensuring they are safeguarded from taxation and legal claims, and properly distributed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.

Will challenges can arise due to questions about validity or claims under the Family Provisions Act. Beware of “cheap” or “over the counter” Wills, as these can lead to costly complications and disputes. Whilst you cannot put a clause in your Will to prevent anyone from challenging it, there are certain steps you can take to safeguard your wishes. At Granich Partners we help you structure your estate to protect these assets, ensuring they are guarded  from legal claims. We are  experienced in handling Will challenges with sensitivity and expertise.

Benefits of a Professionally Drafted Will

A professionally prepared Will offers peace of mind and financial protection for you and your family. Without a valid Will, your estate could be subject to the state’s intestacy laws, meaning your assets will be distributed by the courts. Instead of leaving important decisions to the courts, a carefully drafted Will ensures that:

• you choose your executor, ensuring someone you trust will carry out your wishes on your death;

• provisions are made for both farming and non-farming beneficiaries ;

• your estate is administered efficiently, saving time and reducing stress for your loved ones; and

• in the case of  a business, your Will works in conjunction with your succession plan, Granich Partners can help you navigate this process.

What if I am Married, Divorced or Separated

Your Will is revoked if you subsequently marry and do not make a Will in contemplation of that marriage or if you subsequently divorce your spouse and your Will is not made in contemplation of that divorce. 

Separation from your spouse (whether married or de facto) does not revoke your Will. Special provision is made by law for de facto relationships. Where a person dies without a valid Will leaving a de facto partner, the de facto partner is entitled to the deceased’s estate as if they were married.

Therefore it is imperative to have a valid Will in place and to ensure you prepare a new Will any time your relationships change.

Why Choose Granich Partners to Draft Your Will?

Our extensive experience in agribusiness means we understand the complexities involved in drafting Wills for farm and business owners. Our experience is not only limited to farming enterprises and business owners but also families and individuals. We take a holistic approach, working closely with your financial advisors, accountants, and family members to create a comprehensive Will that reflects your desires and safeguards your assets.

We go beyond just the legal documentation, our services include:

• tailored estate planning to reflect your family’s needs;

• guidance on tax implications and asset protection;

• strategic planning for farm succession and business continuity; and

• advising on family trusts, superannuation, and potential legal challenges to your Will.

Protecting Your Legacy

At Granich Partners, we understand that planning for the future of your agribusiness requires more than just drafting a Will. Our experienced team is committed to ensuring that your hard work and legacy are protected, and your family’s future is secure.

We offer expert legal services for:

• reviewing and updating existing Wills;

• Will disputes and challenges; and

• estate planning, including trusts and superannuation strategies.

Contact Granich Partners Today

Whether you’re managing a family farm, agribusiness, or commercial operation, having a solid Will in place is essential. Granich Partners has been serving the Western Australian agribusiness community for decades, offering the expertise and dedication you need to secure your future.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start protecting your legacy.

About Granich Partners

Granich Partners is Western Australia’s premier law firm specialising in agribusiness and succession planning. With over 40 years of experience, we are dedicated to delivering expert advice and personalised service to protect your family's future.