Taking A Major Holiday Abroad? Create a Will

Prioritising will creation before going overseas

Meet Tanya, a 41-year-old illustrator soon embarking on a year-long working holiday in Ecuador. After booking her flight and confirming her plans with her family, including the parent of her child from a past marriage, and her friends, Tanya recognised the importance of securing her assets and providing for her loved ones in the event of the unexpected.

Planning a major holiday abroad can fill us with the hope for new experiences and unplanned adventures. Although in most cases the risk of an accident or tragedy when enjoying these experiences is low, for many, it can still feel crucial to know that their assets are protected and their loved ones provided for in a worst-case scenario.

Creating a will becomes an essential step in ensuring that those close to you receive your support and understand your wishes in unexpected circumstances.

Understanding the risks of not having a will

Without a will in place, travellers like Tanya risk leaving their wishes regarding their assets and care arrangements for minors open to interpretation or subject to the force of intestacy laws.

If you pass away overseas without a will (intestate), your assets will likely be distributed according to Victoria’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes or the needs of your loved ones. The misallocation of assets can give rise to family disputes or delays in the distribution of your estate. In addition, the distribution of a person’s estate after they pass away overseas may attract certain legal complications — it is not always clear whether foreign or Victorian laws take precedence.

By neglecting to plan for the unexpected, Tanya significantly risks leaving behind confusion and uncertainty during an already challenging time. Creating a will would allow her to ensure that her assets and her wishes for the care of her child are organised in a manner that suits her.

Peace of mind through will creation

Recognising the importance of proactive planning, Tanya turned to Robinson Gill’s online will creation tool. After inputting her details and preferences in a few simple steps, she received a legally-binding individual will expressing her unique circumstances and wishes.

An individual or single will best suits those intending to maintain an effective will individually or outside of a shared long-term partnership arrangement. All wills produced by the online tool are formulated according to the extensive knowledge and experience of Robinson Gill’s Wills & Deceased Estates legal team.

Tanya’s case highlights the importance of creating a will for those embarking on a major holiday abroad. By planning for a worst-case scenario, you can take on the risks of travelling along with the responsibilities of protecting your assets and caring for loved ones.

Preparing for the unexpected has never been easier or more accessible. Don’t wait until it’s too late — prioritise creating a will today to look out for your loved ones while you’re away.