Having a valid Will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only does a Will legally protect your partner, children and assets, it also spells out exactly how you would like things handled when you’re gone.
Why you should have a Will
Having a Will can support you to have peace of mind that your loved ones are protected, that you have done what you can reduce their stress when the time comes.
Almost 50 per cent of West Australians do not have a valid Will, therefore under WA law without a legally valid Will your estate is divided according to the rules of intestacy and may not be divided how you would have liked. With a valid Will, it is often quicker and cheaper to administer your estate and most importantly less stressful for your loved ones.
Did you know that as your pets are part of your family you can make provisions for them within your will to ensure they are taken care of?
How we can help with your Will
Cancer Council WA heads out on the road to different metro and regional areas to support the community in drafting their Will. CCWA partners with a local Law firm to provide the opportunity for people to draft a simple Will at a reduced set cost. This November, we will be heading down to Bunbury. Keep an eye on our website for more information as it becomes available.
If you are not in the Bunbury area, we also provide options to support you in creating your Will online. CCWA works with Safewill and Willed to provide a reduced cost online Will service through one of these two platforms. Have a look at both options as one might suit you better.
How leaving a gift in your Will helps your community
We encourage you to think of your loved ones first when it comes to distributing your assets, and then consider leaving what’s left to a cause that you are passionate about.
Caroline Bryndzej, our Philanthropy Manager, says donations in Wills are invaluable and one of the largest single sources of funding for the organisation.
“Every year 13,000 West Australians hear the words ‘you have cancer’,” she said.
“As a community-funded organisation we rely on donations, fundraising and support to continue providing prevention and early detection messages, and much-needed support to families affected by cancer.
“By having a valid Will you can help ensure your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are looked after, as well as creating a lasting legacy by helping provide care today and hope for the future.
“Including a gift for us in your Will, no matter the size, will make a real difference in helping us to reduce the impact and incidence of cancer,” Caroline adds.
More information
- Visit our I am considering a gift in my Will page for more information about leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council WA.
- Get in touch with our Planned Giving team by emailing plannedgiving@cancerwa.asn.au or calling 08 9212 4333.
- Throughout the year we provide special Will writing offers to help our supporters and the WA community ensure they have a Will. Visit our Will writing offers page for more information.