Key Resources

Major References

Department of the Attorney General
Provides clear and reliable information on wills, estates, trusts, the duties of an executor and the power of attorney.

Wills and Estate Planning
Described as a "plain English guide for ordinary Australian families", this recent book is widely available in Western Australian public libraries.

Outline of Succession
This introductory text provides a comprehensive overview of the law relating to wills, probate and inheritance.

The Law Handbook (WA)
For a plain English summary of the law as it applies in Western Australia consult the section on "Wills and Estates" in the Law Handbook. Published by the Sussex Street Community Law Service the Handbook is available in libraries thoughout the state.

Family Provision in Australia
Updated edition of this standard work on family provision law in Australia. Topics include divorced daughters, alcoholic sons, adopted children, former wives, stamp duty, costs and procedures.

Australian Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents
For detailed examples of how to draft clauses in a will consult volume 15 of this legal encyclopedia.

Services

Public Trust Office Home Visit Wills Service
For members of the public who are unable to visit a Public Trustee office, a free home or hospital wills service is provided. Contact the Public Trust Office for details.

Women's Law Centre WA
Legal advice and minor assistance provided for wills, family law, civil and criminal matters.

Community Resources

Organisations

Law Society of Western Australia
A directory of law firms and community legal centres is maintained on the Law Society's web site. Community Legal Centres are independent, non-profit organisations that provide legal and welfare services.

Citizens Advice Bureau Legal Service
The CAB Legal Advice Service can offer a 20 minute appointment with a lawyer for a standard fee. Non-English speaking clients can be catered for.

Other Information Resources

Government

Public Trust Office
The Public Trustee offers an independent professional trustee service employing specialist solicitors, accountants and trust officers to represent the interests of estates under administration. The Public Trustee may be appointed as trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, agent or attorney by any person within or outside Western Australia.

Net Links

Legal Aid Western Australia
General information including intestacy, duties of executors and challenging an unfair will.

Wills Act 1970
An online edition of the Western Australian Wills Act from the AUSTLII database.