Wills and estates
A will, EPA and EPG do different jobs.
A will principally addresses the administration and distribution of estate assets after death. An enduring power of attorney concerns financial and property decisions during life. An enduring power of guardianship concerns personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions within its lawful scope.
Conflict clearance and written engagement are required before the firm acts.Quick answer
What is the difference between a will, an EPA and an EPG in Western Australia?
They do different jobs. A will principally deals with distributing your estate after death. An enduring power of attorney (EPA) covers financial and property decisions during your life. An enduring power of guardianship (EPG) covers personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions. Most people benefit from all three, correctly signed and witnessed.
- A will deals mainly with distributing assets after death.
- An EPA covers financial and property decisions during life.
- An EPG covers personal, lifestyle and treatment decisions.
- An EPA can be arranged to start immediately or on loss of capacity.
- Correct signing and witnessing are essential to validity.
Jurisdiction: Western Australia.
What to consider
- Who should act and whether substitutes are needed.
- Whether decision-makers should act jointly or separately.
- Family, business and overseas-asset circumstances.
- Assets not automatically controlled by a will.
- Correct signing, witnessing and safe storage.
- Review after major life and asset changes.
How much does a will cost in Perth?
The cost of estate planning depends on the advice and documents required. A simple will for one person differs from a coordinated plan involving a spouse, testamentary trusts, a blended family, business interests or enduring documents.
- Simple will - appoint an executor and distribute a straightforward estate.
- Couple estate plan - coordinate two wills and related wishes.
- Will, EPA and EPG package - plan for death and loss of decision-making capacity.
- Testamentary trust will - create trust options after death for particular needs.
- Business-owner plan - coordinate personal estate and business succession.
Fees and scope
Legal Care does not publish fixed prices online. After an initial consultation we provide a written, fixed-fee quote with clear inclusions and exclusions, including GST.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Can one document cover everything?+
No. A will, an EPA and an EPG each address different situations — after death, financial decisions during life, and personal or treatment decisions. Most people benefit from all three.
When does an enduring power of attorney start?+
It can be arranged to operate immediately or on loss of capacity, depending on how it is made. This should be decided deliberately with advice.
Who should I appoint?+
Someone trustworthy, willing and able to act, with substitutes in case they cannot. Family, business and overseas circumstances all affect the choice.
What makes these documents valid?+
Correct signing and witnessing are essential, and requirements differ between documents. Errors can make them ineffective when they are most needed.
How much does a will cost in Perth?+
It depends on the documents and advice you need - a simple will differs from a couple's plan, a testamentary trust will or a business-owner plan. Legal Care does not publish fixed prices online; after an initial consultation we provide a written, fixed-fee quote with clear inclusions and exclusions.