Let’s be honest: writing a Will isn’t exactly a hot topic at the dinner table. Most couples in their 40s are juggling careers, kids, stepkids, mortgages, and a long list of “we’ll get to that later” tasks. But here’s the truth — if you haven’t sorted your Will yet, especially in a blended family or second relationship, now is the time.
If you don’t have a valid, professionally written Will, the law decides what happens to your estate. That can lead to some serious consequences:
- Increased chance of your family disputes as to who should be in charge of the estate and how the assets should be distributed;
- Lack of tax minimisation strategies; Stepchildren can be left out altogether;
- Delays in administration, and court costs can snowball quickly;
- The wrong person might end up in charge of your affairs.
It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about being prepared.
Why a DIY Will Isn’t Enough
Online templates and “quick fix” Will kits might seem appealing — but they often don’t hold up legally, especially in complex family structures. A handwritten note or generic document might miss critical details, create confusion, or worse, be declared invalid.
It’s Not About Death — It’s About Direction
Creating a Will doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst. It means you respect yourself, your partner, your children — and the life you’ve worked hard to build. It’s about having a clear plan if the unexpected happens.
When you’ve got your estate planning in place, you’re not leaving a mess behind. You’re leaving clarity.
Especially Important for Blended Families
Blended families bring love, joy — and legal complexity. If you’ve got children from a previous relationship, or your current partner isn’t legally married to you, your estate situation could be more complicated than you think.
We specialise in blended family estate planning. We make sure everyone who matters to you is protected, considered, and included.
The Respect Approach: No Jargon. No Pressure. Just Smart Planning.
At Respect Wills & Estates, we keep things simple, respectful, and personal. We are a female-founded Melbourne law firm built on empathy, real-life experience, and straight talk.
We are here to help you:
- Create a legally sound Will.
- Understand your options.
- Protect your partner, your children, and your future.
Ready to take control of your future?
Book your FREE 15-minute phone call to chat about your options and next steps. It’s relaxed, informative, and totally obligation-free. You’ve got nothing to lose — and everything to protect.