26/10/2025
Excerpts of the Speech given by Our Principal Solicitor Jing Lu Law Plus Australia at the Event Organised by GOPIO Cairns Inc.
How to protect your family and your wishes with a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney.
I know these topics Wills, Powers of Attorney, end-of-life planning aren’t easy to talk about. But they matter. Because when someone passes away or suddenly loses the ability to make decisions their loved ones shouldn’t have to face a maze of legal confusion or carry the weight of extra stress and heartache that could have been avoided.
📜 Why a Will Matters
First, Let’s start with the Will.
A Will is more than just a legal document. It’s your voice when you’re no longer here to speak. It says:
“This is who I love. This is what I’ve built. And this is how I want it cared for.”
Without a Will, you die intestacy, your estate is divided according to a legal formula—not based on your values, your relationships, or your intentions but according to the succession act.
We’ve seen:
• Siblings fight over who gets what and hated each other
• Children left out because their parents never formalized their wishes
• Long-term partners left with nothing because they weren’t legally married
• Grieving families forced into courtrooms while still in shock
It’s heartbreaking and it’s preventable.
🧾 What a Will Covers and What It Doesn’t
A Will can cover:
• Your home and other real estate
• Bank accounts in your name
• Vehicles, jewellery, and personal belongings
• Shares and investments
• Business interests
• Digital assets—like photos, social media, and email accounts
But here’s what it doesn’t automatically include:
• Superannuation: Your fund decides unless you’ve made a binding nomination
• Life insurance: Depends on the policy and who you’ve nominated
• Trust assets: Governed by the trust deed
• Jointly owned property: Usually passes to the surviving owner
That’s why it’s so important to get proper legal advice. A DIY Will might seem simple but it can leave gaps, spark disputes, or even be ruled invalid.
What If You’re Still Here but Can’t Decide?
Now let’s talk about the Enduring Power of Attorney, or EPOA.
This document allows someone you trust to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.
And no—it’s not just for the elderly.
Imagine this: You’re in a coma after a car accident. Your partner rushes to the hospital, desperate to help. But without an EPOA:
• Doctors might not be able to discuss your treatment
• Your partner could be locked out of your bank accounts
• They might not be able to pay the mortgage or access funds
• They may have to apply to a tribunal just to act on your behalf—a process that can take weeks, cost thousands, and add stress to an already traumatic time
We’ve seen families frozen in limbo unable to act, unable to decide because no EPOA was in place.
These documents give clarity. They give control. They give peace of mind.
At Law Plus Australia, we believe legal support should be personal, affordable, and grounded in care.
We sit down with you. We listen. We explain things in plain English. And we make sure your wishes are protected clearly, legally, and compassionately.
If you’ve been putting this off, you’re not alone. But today is a chance to change that.
We offer free initial consultations, and we’d be honoured to help you take that first step. Because planning ahead isn’t just about protecting assets, it’s about protecting people.
Let’s make sure your legacy is one of love, not confusion.
Call now to connect with business.
