Planning for end of life

During retirement and while you have capacity, it's crucial to plan for end of life. This includes having a valid and up to date will.

Listen

On this page

Benefits

Planning for end of life can provide peace of mind. In particular, making a will lets you state your intentions for how your assets are distributed.

By documenting and communicating these intentions you can reduce uncertainty or potential dispute with how your affairs are managed by:

ensuring you have valid documents and instructions in place, and
nominating responsible people or organisations to carry out those instructions

Get a checklist to plan for end of life.

Getting professional advice

To make sure your will is valid, it's best to get a solicitor or similar professional to help you write it.

You can write a will on your own but if there is a mistake it might not be legally valid.

If your will is not valid your estate will be distributed according to a set formula called ‘rules of intestacy’.

Having a professional help draft your will can ensure it:

fully represents your wishes
is clear and unambiguous
includes your nominated executor and guardian
takes into account any complex legal, financial and taxation issues
is legally valid and signed correctly.

Learn more about getting professional advice when planning for end of life.

Glossary

An Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship are 2 documents you prepare while you have capacity that authorises people or organisations to make decisions on your behalf if you're unable to. They take effect during your lifetime, and cease to have force when you die.

An Advance Care Directive is an official recording of your wishes and values that need to be considered before medical treatment or health care decisions are made on your behalf.