A will is a legal document with instructions about inheritance, care for dependents and other wishes after a person dies.
Locating a will
Generally, a will is kept in one of the following places:
- a safe place in the home
- with a friend or relative
- with a solicitor
- a bank or with an accountant
- the Public Trustee.
Get help finding a will – Law Society of South Australia
When there's no will - Public Trustee
Executing a will
An executor is a person responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased person. A will can have more than one executor.
Executor duties
If you've been nominated as an executor:
- see the Public Trustee website for information about the duties of an executor
- ring the Public Trustee office on 8226 9200
- contact a solicitor for advice and assistance.
Contesting a will
The validity of a will can be questioned for a number of reasons. For example, contesters of a will may argue that:
- the person did not have the capacity to make the will at the time it was signed
- the person was unduly influenced by another person in making the will
- parts of the will were changed after it was signed.
To challenge a will, you should seek legal advice and make an application to the Supreme Court. An application must be made within six months of the grant of probate of the will.
Contesting a will - Legal Services Commission.
