Step-by-step guide on how to make an online will in Australia

Hello there! Have you heard about an online will? In Australia today, people are done with the old style of writing a will. Remember, you must visit a lawyer if you want to write a will. Of course, people still use that style.

Do you want to move with the trend? Do you want to join the league of people enjoying the benefits of making online wills? Yes! This article is for you. In this write-up, I will discuss in detail the step-by-step guide on how to make online wills in Australia.

But then, it is essential to create background knowledge. In other words, you need to know the meaning of online wills. Thus, please pay attention and shun all interruptions. Are you ready for the ride? Let’s ride? 

What are online wills? 

online wills

Man in this age; wants his assets to be cared for even after his death. So, man tends to look carefully and consider how to distribute his property. 

Firstly, let’s discuss the meaning of the will. What is a will? A will is a legal document that contains how a man or a woman wants his properties to be shared. It is a document with legal backing about people’s property after death. 

I already explained how wills were made in the olden days. So, in this new era, one can write one’s will online. In other words, the online will is a legal document about sharing one’s property after one’s lifetime. 

 At this age, you don’t need to sit in front of a lawyer before you can write your will. You can get a template online and write your will yourself. Isn’t that amazing? Oh! Please permit me to chip in with something essential. You will need two witnesses to sign the document. Of course, the online template already has a special place for signatories. 

 Also, you need to create a to-do list. Then, creating a will is easy. Online will is a straightforward process. So, one can also do a joint best online wills. Mind you; you can add your funeral service to the plan. I mean, you can list how you want your funeral service should be. 

The legal documents you want to create online will include all your properties and assets. Yes! It would help if you listed out all your assets. Like, your bank accounts, cars, houses, and other assets. Thus, this easy process is a legally valid document. 

What makes online will a legally valid document? An attorney will sign it. Remember, it’s an online form. Of course, you need a sound lawyer. So, with an online will, you will have peace of mind. I want to give your clear instructions. 

Furthermore, you can use your property as unique gifts for charity. Who can benefit from your property? Your family members, children, and other people can be your beneficiaries. Yes! You can create a lasting legacy. 

Please decide on what to do with your life today. Yes! You need to decide. Hence, your executor will do it as your wish. 

In addition, please ensure you strike a deal with affordable online templates. There are online willmakers with fixed prices. Your future is secure with an online will. 

Hence, your loved ones, partner, and others can benefit from what you’ve achieved. Also, there are free online willmakers too. Just prepare your mind and do it without stress. 

Also, an online will is otherwise known as the Last Will or the Testament. Furthermore, a will is one of the essential documents one can have.  

Online will in Australia.

There’s a need for me to explain online well as a concept in Australia. Honestly, you don’t need to worry about it online will is acceptable in Australia. Anyone in Australia who is over the age of 18 can prepare a will. 

So, you don’t need to ask if the online will is legal in Australia. In fact, Australia is one of the countries that embrace writing a will online. There are countless online will makers in Australia. Some of them are;

  • Your wills  
  • Willed
  • My Will Online Australia
  • Legal Will
  • Battle of Wills and lots more. 

Some facts about online will in Australia

It is essential to note some things about getting a will online in Australia. Therefore, a will must be;

  1. In writing: You must remember that a will must be in writing. Of course, some make an audio-visual recording of their will. But the online will I am talking about here must be in writing. Remember, a will is a legal document. 
  2. Signed by the will-maker: You need to know that your signature is essential. There’s no cause for alarm. If you get one of the best online will makers in Australia, you will see a special space to sign. 
  3. Witnessed by two people: Also, you must think about those who will witness what you’ve written. Hence, the two witnesses will sign the document. Of course, the two witnesses must not be a beneficiary. In other words, a man cannot use his wife as a witness or anyone that’ll benefit from the outcome. 

Therefore, your witnesses must be someone that won’t benefit from the outcome of the will. 

  1. Also, you must have a testamentary capacity when writing your will. In other words, you must understand the legal effect of your will. 

Step-by-step guide on making your will

making your will
  • Firstly, you need to do your research. Search online for samples so that you will know what you might add to your own. 
  • Secondly, find a template online. There are several templates online you can choose from. For instance, you can use Fabrics or LegalZoom. Honestly, there are countless of them. 
  • Then, the next step is to make a list of your assets. Remember, you want to distribute your properties. So, no property should be left out. That is why it is expedient to list all your properties before writing your will. 

You can start by listing out your cars, jewelry, real estate, and lands and your investment. One should also list one’s bank account. 

  • You also need to be specific about who gets what. Of course, you can do the paperwork before filing the form. For instance, if you have three cars and want to share them with your children. You need to be specific. In fact, you should attach your child’s legal name with the vehicle you want to give him. 
  • Now, it is time to start filling out the form. Your form can be online. On the other hand, your form can be a downloadable one. Please ensure you fill in the correct information. 
  • Print the will and get it signed. After you complete the form, you need to print it out. Then, invite your witness to sign it. 
  • Finally, please keep it in a safe place. You can keep your will with a trusted relative. Some people keep their will with a relative. Just make sure you keep it in a safe place. On the other hand, some people keep their will with their lawyers. 

On a final note

You need to make things work for yourself. Then, you need to get the information that’ll push you ahead. But the ball is in your court if you get the correct information and refuse to act on it. 

Dear reader, with the above-listed steps and information about online will, you can make things work for yourself. Hence, your opinion counts. Therefore, please share your thoughts regarding this topic with me. And if you have a question, please ask. What would you have me discuss?  

5 Warning Signs to Prevent You from Hiring A Wrong Commercial Lawyer

5 Warning Signs to Prevent You from Hiring A Wrong Corporate Lawyer

It is a fact that every successful business needs the expertise of a competent corporate lawyer to realize its long-term goals and objectives. And, you must be ready to pay if you want to hire a prolific one. 

From a professional point of view in commercial law, hiring a commercial lawyer is among the earliest steps you need to take when starting up your business. It is the best way to avoid unnecessary lawsuit expenses that may affect your company’s growth. 

Corporate lawyers can help you create a solid and functional structure that will bring you consistent profits for several decades or centuries. But you need to hire the right one for your business if you want your hard-earned money to yield long-term gains.

Related: 5 Simple Steps to Become a Commercial Lawyer

Aside from the waste of money, hiring the wrong corporate lawyer will put your business at massive risk of lawsuits and unplanned recurrent conflicts among your co-partners and employees. From experience, a wrong corporate lawyer can cause more significant harm to your business than you can ever imagine. Hence, you must do everything in your care to avoid committing your business to the wrong hands. 

However, several corporate lawyers are out there with promises to deliver the best. As a result, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. Suppose you are wondering how to make the hire right amidst the pool of multiple options available. In that case, you don’t have to worry. Here are five warning signs that a corporate lawyer is unsuitable for your business.

5 Red Flags to Prevent You from Hiring a Wrong Corporate Lawyer

1. Poor communication 

Ideally, the corporate lawyer you are hiring needs to be a loyal team member. He must be working with a mindset of an employee in your corporation. Your corporate lawyer should work closely with you at every stage of your business. That’s how to achieve your business goals together. 

Any corporate lawyer that lacks good communication is not suitable for your business. Especially at the formation, business owners and corporate lawyers need to engage in unending discussions to trash out every critical issue that may arise. 

For instance, if your corporate lawyer does not return calls or reply to emails on time, it is a warning sign that you are in business with the wrong person. Instant replies to calls, messages or emails will enhance smooth communication and productivity. 

Of course, everyone knows lawyers are busy. Notwithstanding, they shouldn’t be too busy to send replies within 24 hours. It is ideal for taking some time out of their busy schedule and writing short messages notifying them of when they would be ready for a more extended conversation. Anything other than that, you need to reconsider your business relationship. 

2. Not knowledgeable about procedures and outcomes

It doesn’t make sense to hire a legal practitioner that barely understands the core of the practice. That’s not an excellent way to start your business. The service of a corporate lawyer isn’t always cheap. So, it is essential that you get value for your money if you are paying that much. 

The beauty of the whole thing is to get an expert with commendable experience to set up a solid structure and get the promised result. A corporate lawyer that knows nothing about the best way to get things done and gauge the impact from the start is not worthy of answering that name. But they will claim to be a professional. It’s only left to you to watch out for red flags and make an informed decision. 

Though your desired outcome might not be guaranteed yet, best corporate lawyers must be able to give you an estimate of what to expect. He will also show a detailed breakdown of the procedures to hit the target. If the corporate lawyer you are planning to hire cannot do that, it’s a sign that you have not reached your destination; you may have to find another one.

3. Harsh personality

Commercial lawyers are humans too. They are amiable with different types of personalities. While some may be warm and friendly, others may be abrasive in dealings. Meanwhile, an excellent commercial lawyer should be able to keep a cordial relationship with you and your business partners and staff members. 

That’s why you need to look beyond expertise. Of course, what your lawyer wants to deliver is pretty much essential. Yet, how he provides also contributes to the success of your business. A commercial lawyer with good listening skills will make a good team member and exceed expectations. In a nutshell, your commercial lawyer must be a personable professional who is always accommodating no matter the tense of the situation at hand.

4. Not trustworthy

Your hired commercial lawyer should always work in your best interest. He should negotiate contracts and make deals that benefit your business in the long term. However, he will be a disaster if he is not truthful enough. 

When interviewing a commercial lawyer before hiring, it is essential that you watch out for a misleading statement. Suppose you discover some fabrications or half-truths in his dealings. In that case, it is better to leave and never return to patronize. From experience, when a lawyer like to bend the truth, he can cause more harm than good to any business. Truth is a virtue to look for in whomever you would hire to handle your business.

5. Lateness 

As you might have also known, punctuality d the sole of a business. Suppose your commercial lawyer keeps coming late to meetings or gives excuses to delay his deliverables. In that case, you don’t need him in your team. 

Don’t forget that he will also be representing you in court. That can bring damages to the business beyond repair. So, suppose you notice that the commercial lawyer you are about to hire keeps coming late to appointments. In that case, that shows he won’t represent your business well in front of clients and even courts.

Finally 

Choosing the best commercial lawyer must be a process. It is not something done as a hasty decision. Before agreeing to commit your business to the hands of a legal practitioner, make sure you watch out for the above-listed red flags. That way, you will determine whether he is a good candidate for your job or not. You can’t afford to hire a commercial lawyer who cannot deliver up to your expectations. You can’t know the best results when the wrong people are involved.

5 Simple Steps to Become a Commercial Lawyer

5 Simple Steps to Become a Commercial Lawyer

Commercial lawyers are undoubtedly getting enormous returns for the services they offer businesses at different levels. Interestingly, the advent of more business startups worldwide has increased the potential for financial success and demand for more business lawyers. Little wonder, the industry is becoming more competitive by the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a commercial lawyer is not impossible. Even if you are already a professional in a different field, you can take a turn around and follow a new and different way into the practice of commercial law and legal procedures in the business. 

Commercial lawyers play a vital role in the establishment and growth of a business. Mainly, you will have to work with your clients to make sure they make informed decisions at every stage of the beginning phase of their business. Also, your clients will need your guidance when handling contract terms, drafting paperwork and every process of transactions. 

Read also: Use these steps to write your best online wills

Does that look like tedious work? That might be true. However, you can make lots of money in the process. More interestingly, you will be dealing with top businesses daily. And that amounts massive sum of money. 

Before counting your eggs before hatching, it is good to know your responsibilities as a commercial lawyer.

What are the duties of a commercial lawyer?

As you might have noticed, commercial lawyers play an essential role from the beginning of a business and still work hand in hand as the corporation grows to become a large franchise. Majorly you are expected to help your clients handle legal issues and mitigate every possible risks that may spring out at any stage of the business. 

Still, on legal terms, you are expected to function as a constant representative of your client in the court of law to negotiate on their behalf. Meanwhile, you may choose to work as an in-house legal counsel of a business or as an independent commercial lawyer. It all depends on your interest and, of course, the offer made by the company involved. 

Overall, your responsibilities as a commercial lawyer include helping clients to:

  • Amend and draft contracts 
  • Review terms of M&A (Mergers and Acquisition) transactions 
  • Maintain and manage legal documentation 
  • Draft reports for commercial transactions 
  • Respond to legal concerns from clients 

Without further ado, let’s go to discover the efforts you can make to become a well-respected commercial lawyer. We have helped you to break down the entire road map in 7 simple steps.

7 Simple Steps to Become a Commercial Lawyer 

1. Get a degree

You can’t be a recognized commercial lawyer unless you have a reputable certificate to show for it. Unless you don’t want clients to take you seriously, you have to earn at least an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in a respectable institution. No potential client would hire a commercial lawyer unless there’s proof he’s a scholar in law. 

Typically, being a commercial lawyer mean that you have studied commercial law. Meanwhile, it is not compulsory to study commercial law or any other course that deals with legal regulations in business. Suppose your present field of study is not related to law. In that case, it may take you longer to complete a Graduate Diploma in Business Law and become an expert commercial lawyer, but it is possible. 

2. Explore a vacation scheme 

A vacation scheme is a period that allows you to work in a field of interest to have a feel or experience of what it means to work in that environment. Hence, asking to work during a vacation scheme will help you gain experience in commercial law even when you are still studying. This move will help you familiarise yourself with law firms and legal practices for up to one month. You can take advantage of a vacation scheme by using it as an internship before starting to practice as a professional commercial lawyer.

Make sure you look for reputable firms that offer vacation schemes for aspiring commercial lawyers. That way, you will learn from the best and gain valuable insight into corporate structure and culture.

3. Start networking

To be listed among the most respected commercial lawyers in your region, you must build a strong network of experienced lawyers with pedigrees to show for it. Hence, you need to start building solid connections as early as possible. 

As a matter of fact, you need to start after you enrol in law school. Your fellow law students can rise to become prolific commercial lawyers after school, and those contacts might become wealthy later. Getting familiar with your senior colleagues during the internship is also advisable, especially where you have your vacation scheme. 

4. Write a convincing CV

Potential clients want to know what you can do before entrusting the future of their business to your hands. That’s why your CV matters in selling yourself to your clients amidst the tough competition. 

Your CV must showcase your achievement and highlight your strengths and what makes you different from other regional commercial lawyers. It is also essential to tailor your CV to what your clients want. A cumbersome CV with no clarity will not help you win a client.

5. Complete your Legal Practice Course

No matter how much understanding you have gained during your vacation scheme and training contracts, you cannot become a practising commercial lawyer until you have finished your Legal Practice Course. You may take this course immediately after you finish your undergraduate studies or enrol the following year. Whichever time you prefer, LPC is your best route to understanding everything you have learned. It presents a platform where you can apply all the training and knowledge amassed during the vacation scheme. 

At times, the law firm can pay you for the training. So, it is vital that you choose where you have your LPC carefully. 

Finally

Work experience counts when it comes to choosing a competent commercial lawyer. So, you must be sure you work for about one year or more to increase your chance of becoming a favourite pick amidst the competition pool. Work experience in law related field for a long time can still count. So, make an effort to seize all the available chances if you want to stand out as a respected commercial lawyer.