At Regent Law, we understand that legal matters can often feel overwhelming, especially when planning for the future. Our goal is to provide clarity, guidance, and peace of mind so our clients can focus on what truly matters. In this case study, we share a real-life example of how we helped a client ensure her affairs were in order, easing her worries during a difficult time.
A Client’s Concern: Updating Her Will for Simplicity and Security
A client recently booked an appointment with us to update her will. She had an existing will from the 1990s, but both of her named executors—her husband and a close friend—had since passed away. Her will originally left everything to her husband, and in his absence, to her only child. Now, facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, she wanted to ensure her daughter was appointed as her executor and that she received everything without unnecessary legal complications.
Beyond legal updates, she was also highly organised—she had pre-paid her funeral and secured a burial plot. Updating her will was another critical step in reducing stress for her son and giving her peace of mind in her final months.
How Regent Law Provided a Seamless Solution
Confirming Her Most Up-to-Date Will
The client had a vague memory of possibly having done a new will in recent years. To remove any uncertainty, we checked our system and confirmed that no later will existed. Because all our files and deeds are electronic, we were able to search and access them on the spot for immediate answers. This saved her and her daughter from unnecessary stress or potential legal complications after her passing, ensuring there was no confusion about which document governed her estate.
Making the Process Easy and Efficient
We met at our co-working space, which was easily accessible for her walking frame. Understanding her desire for efficiency, we avoided unnecessary delays. Instead of retyping an entirely new will and scheduling another appointment, we quickly assessed that most of her existing will was still valid.
Since her daughter would inherit everything regardless, the most important update was appointing her as executor. This would significantly simplify estate administration, reducing the cost and effort required to obtain probate.
By leveraging our in-house codicil template, we were able to generate the necessary update within seconds, allowing her to sign the amendment on the spot. Additionally, she noted that a specific gift of an antique tea set in her will was no longer relevant, so we removed that provision as well—eliminating any potential confusion or unnecessary searching in the future.
Providing Additional Guidance for a Smooth Transition
Beyond updating her will, we also provided practical advice to help her daughter manage her affairs after her passing. We discussed key information she should share with her, such as where her bank accounts were held and her IRD number—details that often cause delays in estate administration.
Additionally, she brainstormed with us about adding her daughter to her bank accounts now, as she was also her Enduring Power of Attorney. This proactive step would ensure that upon her passing, her accounts would not be frozen, avoiding disruptions to automatic payments and direct debits.
Peace of Mind for the Client and Her Family
By the end of the appointment, the client felt a huge sense of relief. She was grateful that we had been able to update her will on the spot, removing an extra visit and further hassle. Knowing her affairs were in order and that her daughter would have an easier time handling her estate gave her a sense of control and reassurance.
At Regent Law, we pride ourselves on making legal processes straightforward and stress-free. Whether it’s updating a will, providing estate planning advice, or ensuring smooth transitions for loved ones, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Need to Update Your Will? We Can Help
If you have an outdated will or need guidance on estate planning, get in touch with Regent Law today. We offer fixed-price legal services, remote consultations, and practical solutions to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
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