Clear advice to help your parent plan ahead, so the right people can help when it matters.
As parents get older, families often start to worry about who can help with money, health and living decisions if a parent can no longer manage on their own. Conversations about Wills, attorneys and guardians can feel uncomfortable, and it can be hard to know where to begin.
At ALA Law, we help families put the right documents in place while a parent can still make their own decisions. We’ll explain the options in plain language, speak with your parent directly, and make sure their wishes are respected.
You don’t need to have the answers today. You just need a clear first step.
Helping a parent plan ahead usually involves a few different documents. We’ll help you see which ones apply. You don’t need to work out which of these applies – that’s our job. One conversation and we’ll map it out for you.
An enduring power of attorney lets your parent choose someone to manage their financial and legal affairs, and it continues if they lose capacity.
An enduring guardian can make health, medical and lifestyle decisions, such as where your parent lives, if your parent can no longer make those decisions.
Reviewing your parent’s Will to make sure it is valid, up to date and reflects their current wishes.
These documents must be signed while your parent has the mental capacity to understand them, so it is best not to wait.
If documents were not put in place in time, an application may need to be made to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a guardian or financial manager to be appointed.
Checking super nominations and how assets are owned, so your parent’s estate passes the way they intend.
We work with your parent, at their pace, and keep the family informed where your parent wants us to. Our aim is to put clear plans in place early, so decisions are easier and disagreements are less likely later.
We listen to your family’s situation and explain the options in plain language.
We speak with your parent to understand their wishes and make sure they are comfortable with the plan.
We prepare the Will, power of attorney and enduring guardianship documents and arrange signing.
We’re here if circumstances change, or when the documents need to be used.
Thinking about your own plans too?
Talk confidentially with an estate planning lawyer about how to help your parent plan ahead, while they can still make their own decisions.