Wills and Codicils

Preparing a will is one of the most important legal decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. A properly drafted will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, helps your loved ones avoid unnecessary stress, and protects your legacy long after you're gone.

Without a will, your estate may be distributed in accordance with the Administration Act 1903 (WA), which may not reflect your intentions or provide adequately for the people you care about.

Why you need a will

Whether your estate is simple or complex, having a valid will means:

• Clarity for your loved ones with your instructions clearly outlined.
• Avoiding unnecessary delays or costs in administering your estate.
• Minimising family disputes.
• Peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.

At Vogt Legal, we ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally sound, giving you and your family lasting peace of mind.

What a will covers

A professionally prepared will typically allow you to:

• Appoint an executor to manage your estate.
• Set out basic or complex arrangement outlining who inherits your assets, such as property, bank accounts, businesses, or personal items.
• Provide for specific gifts or charitable donations.

Who should have a will?

Everyone over the age of 18 should consider a will — particularly if:

• You own property, investments, or business interests.
• You have children or other dependants.
• You want to leave gifts to friends or charities.
• You want to avoid disputes or confusion later.

The team at Vogt Legal works with individuals and families at all stages of life to ensure your will reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Our Process – Simple, Tailored, and Efficient

We make the process of writing your will as straightforward as possible:

Book Your Appointment

Call our office to schedule an appointment at a time that suits you.

Initial Meeting

We’ll sit down (in person or via Microsoft Teams) to understand your wishes, your family structure, and your assets.

Drafting and Review

We prepare your will and send you a draft for review. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions or make changes.

Signing

Your will is signed and witnessed correctly.

Types of wills we prepare and review

We prepare and review a variety of different types of wills to suit your wants and needs:

• Simple wills – provides a basic outline for how your assets are to be distributed, typically as a lump sum or a percentage.
• Complex wills – goes beyond basic asset distribution and includes detailed provisions such as establishing trusts, addressing tax planning, or handling business interests.
• Testamentary trust wills – will that creates a trust upon your death to manage assets for beneficiaries, such as minors or dependents.
• Couples’ Wills:
  • Joint wills – a single will signed by two people that outlines shared wishes and typically cannot be changed after one person passes away.
  • Mirror wills – identical (or nearly identical) wills made by two people that leave assets to each other and then to the same beneficiaries, but each person can revoke or amend their own will independently. 

If you’re not sure which will is right for you, we can help you choose the most suitable option based on your goals and circumstances.

When should you have your will reviewed?

You should review your will:

• After marriage or divorce (which usually automatically revoke your will).
• After separation.
• When you have children or grandchildren.
• If your financial situation changes significantly.
• If your chosen executor or beneficiaries change.
• Every 5 years, as a general best practice.

How much does it cost?

Our price guide is as follows:

• Standard will:
  • Couple: $770;
  • Single: $440.

• Will, enduring power of attorney and enduring power of guardianship package:
  • Couple: $1,210;
  • Single: $770.

• Testamentary trust:
  • Couple: $2,200;
  • Single: $1,650.

• Application for grant of probate:
  • From $1,320 (plus court fees of $408).

• Application for a grant of letters of administration:
  • From $1,650 (plus court fees of $408).

• Administration of estate:
  • Estimate to be provided at initial consultation.

• Challenging a will and other estate-related litigation:
  • Estimate to be provided at initial consultation.