Ward Legal Queensland

08/06/2026

Why Every Adult (with capacity) Needs a Will

Many people think Wills are only for older adults, parents or homeowners — but in Queensland, every adult benefits from having a valid, up to date Will.

You may have more to your estate than you realise. It can include: • bank accounts • your car • unpaid employee entitlements (annual or long service leave) • superannuation • insurance • personal items.

But a Will isn’t just about how much you own. It’s about clarity, protection and making things easier for the people you care about.
1. A Will puts you in control
Without a Will, the Succession Act 1981 (Qld) decides who receives your estate. The outcome can be very different from what you would have chosen — especially for unmarried couples, blended families or families with children.

2. It protects the people who rely on you
A Will lets you: • choose who manages your estate • provide for children or dependants • leave specific gifts or personal items • record your wishes clearly. It removes uncertainty at a time when your family is already dealing with loss.

3. It reduces stress and conflict
Clear instructions help avoid: • family disagreements • delays in administering the estate • confusion about your wishes
A well drafted Will is one of the simplest ways to protect family relationships.

4. It helps your Executor act confidently
Your Executor needs clear authority to: • access accounts • deal with property • pay debts • distribute your estate
A valid Will gives them the legal framework to do this properly.

5. It can prevent extra expense later
If you pass away without a valid Will, you are considered to have died intestate. The Public Trustee may administer your estate and can charge fees. An eligible person can apply for Letters of Administration, but this is a cost and process that could have been avoided with a valid Will.

6. Life changes — your Will should too
Major life events often mean your Will needs updating: • buying property • marriage or separation • having children • new relationships

7. Capacity matters
You must have capacity to make a Will. If capacity is lost, it may be too late to make or change one.

In some cases, the Supreme Court can make a Statutory Will, but only if strict requirements are met. It can be an expensive process — and one that is usually avoidable if a Will is made while you still have capacity.

Contact Ward Legal Queensland to see how we can assist with your matter.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07 3134 2796
Mobile: 0424 839 273 or 0481 819 273

06/06/2026

Sharing this post from Redlands Injury Law:
🚦🛴Queensland is introducing significant changes to e-scooter, e-skateboards and e-unicycles from 1 July 2026 aimed at improving safety for riders, pedestrians and the wider community. From 1 July 2026, Personal Mobility Device (PMD) riders must follow updated rules. Here’s what you need to know.🚦🛴
Please share to help others understand the new rules coming in from 1 July.

10/05/2026

Contact Ward Legal to see how we can assist with your matter.
Ward Legal Qld is based at Alexandra Hills on the Redlands Coast, SE Queensland but practises throughout Queensland.
Website: www.wardlegal.au
Phone: Tel: 07 3134 2796
Les Ward - 0424 839 273
Email: [email protected]

06/05/2026

A quick reminder this World Password Day:
Strong passphrases are one of the simplest ways to protect your accounts. A small update today can make a big difference to your cyber safety. Please see the post for more information

05/05/2026

Will-Making Tip: Who Should Look After Your Kids?

Making a will isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s about protecting your loved ones, especially your children. Parents often tell us the hardest part of making a Will is choosing who would care for their children if the unexpected happened.

What the law allows in Queensland
Under Queensland law, a parent or legal guardian may appoint a Guardian for a child under 18 through their Will.
➡️The appointment only takes effect on the death of the last surviving parent.
➡️It automatically ends when the child turns 18.

A Testamentary Guardian has the same powers, rights and responsibilities for making decisions about a child’s long term care, welfare and development as a parent or legal guardian. They also become responsible for the child’s day to day care if there is no surviving parent and no existing court order giving someone else that authority.

Tips for choosing the right person
Who you appoint — and why — is a deeply personal decision. What matters most will differ from family to family. Some factors you may wish to consider include:
✅Your child’s relationship with the proposed Guardian: How close they are, how well they know each other, and whether your child feels safe and supported by them.
✅Where the Guardian lives: Your child would usually live with their Guardian. Consider the impact of relocating — new school, new friends, and major change at an already traumatic time.
✅Shared values and parenting style: Who is most like you? Whether your Guardian’s lifestyle, values, routines and beliefs align with how you would want your child raised
✅Trust: do you trust your Testamentary Guardian to act in the best interests of your child?
✅The Guardian’s personal circumstances: Their relationships, whether they have children, their living arrangements, and their capacity to take on the role.
✅Financial impact: Whether the appointment would place a financial burden on the Guardian and whether you intend to make provision for them in your Will.
✅Age and health: Whether the Guardian is likely to be able to care for your child until adulthood.
✅Relationship with your Executors: A cooperative relationship between your Executors and Guardian can make administration and decision making smoother.

Have the conversation
Always speak with your proposed Guardian first to make sure they’re willing to take on the role. If your children are older, you may also wish to discuss their preferences or any strong views they may have.

Every family is different — the right choice is the one that best supports your child’s future.

Important note
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice for your matter. You should obtain advice tailored to your personal circumstances.

Contact Ward Legal Queensland to see how we can assist with your matter.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07 3134 2796
Mobile: 0424 839 273

05/05/2026

For employers: The movie may be fiction, but the workplace, health and safety lessons aren’t. High job demands, unreasonable pressure and poor behaviours are genuine psychosocial hazards that employers must identify and manage to keep workers safe. 👠👗👷‍♀️👷👩‍🌾🧑‍🏫👩‍💻🧑‍💻👨‍🎨👩‍🚒

05/05/2026

If you haven’t joined the State Library yet, you might be missing out on a stack of free resources you’re already paying for elsewhere - books, eresources, magazines, newspapers and online courses. 📒📘📚📖🎧

Become an SLQ member now to access our services, collections and facilities

24/04/2026

Remembering those who gave everything. Their impact is felt in the freedoms we enjoy every day and their legacy lives on in all of us. Lest we forget.

22/04/2026

Contact Ward Legal to see how we can assist with your matter.

Ward Legal Qld is based at Alexandra Hills on the Redlands Coast, SE Queensland but practises throughout Queensland.
Website: www.wardlegal.au
Phone: Tel: 07 3134 2796
Les Ward - 0424 839 273