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24 October 2025
Andersons Solicitors on FiveAA
Why your Will matters more than you think
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Listen to the interview:
Our lawyers Felix Hoelscher and Brad Harvey joined Leith Forrest on FiveAA for a great chat about Wills, trusts and estate planning and why getting your affairs in order isn’t something to put off. The conversation touched on everything from AI generated Wills to blended families, home made documents and what can go wrong when you don’t get the right advice.
Felix and Brad were flooded with calls following the chat and we have captured the key topics discussed here.
Wills are more than just paperwork
Felix and Brad reminded listeners that a Will isn’t just a formality. It’s a plan for your future and your family’s peace of mind. Too often, people put it off until illness or a crisis forces their hand. A well prepared Will gives structure and clarity. A rushed or poorly drafted one can leave confusion and conflict in its wake.
With the increasing value of estates, especially around real estate and valuable items, the team discussed how these assets can be fairly treated.
The dangers of DIY and AI generated Wills
With AI tools now churning out legal documents, some people are turning to the internet instead of a lawyer. Felix compared it to the old post office Will kits that might look fine, but a small mistake can make them worthless. Leith Forrest compared it to those AI photos, saying “Everything looks right until you look at the hands.”
AI can’t ask the right questions, spot red flags, or give you tailored advice. What you end up with might look legitimate, but it may not actually hold up when it matters most.
Blended families make things complicated
Blended families are becoming more common, and with that comes complexity. Stepchildren don’t automatically have the same legal rights as biological children. Felix explained how a well intentioned “everything to our children equally” clause can fall apart in practice, leaving stepchildren unintentionally excluded.
The key is planning ahead. Trusts and life interest arrangements can make sure everyone is looked after while avoiding messy disputes later.
Common mistakes people make
Brad sees it all the time. Handwritten changes, missing witnesses, vague wording like “my mates at the footy club.” These small details can cause big headaches when it comes time to prove a Will’s validity.
Even if a Will looks perfect, problems can arise if the person signing didn’t fully understand what they were signing. This can happen due to language barriers or medical issues. Proper legal guidance avoids those risks entirely.
Why disputes happen and how to prevent them
Money, family and emotion are a tough mix. Felix and Brad talked about how even properly written Wills can still be contested if someone feels unfairly left out. As property values grow, so does the potential for conflict. Setting up trusts and using smart tax effective strategies can help keep things fair and reduce tension between family members.
Lost Wills and record keeping
If a Will goes missing, a copy might still be accepted, but it’s not always simple. Having your Will professionally stored, with full legal notes, makes all the difference. Andersons keeps detailed records so your wishes can always be verified.
Get in early and get it right
The best time to write or review your Will is now. As Felix summed up, “What you’re really getting from a lawyer isn’t just a document, it’s the knowledge, the strategy and the advice that goes into it.”
If you’ve been putting it off, now’s the perfect time to get professional help and avoid unnecessary stress for your family later on.
Contact Andersons Solicitors, complete our enquiry form and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
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