Too many Western Australians do not have a will

According to statistics, around 50 per cent of Western Australians (WA) do not have a valid will. And for those who do have a will in WA when asked if they died tomorrow whether they would be happy with their estate distributed as set out in their will, more than half said “no”.

These are startling statistics as highlighted by the Institute for Respiratory Health as we approach WA Will Week taking place from 13-19 March 2022.

“What many people don’t know is that as a charity we offer a free will service for our members. And during WA Will Week community members can sign up to our will service for free, without having to be a member,” said Emeritus Professor Geoff Stewart, Director of the Institute for Respiratory Health.

“A will gives you the power to choose how your life’s work and your assets benefit your loved ones. It really ensures that your wishes after you’re gone are followed through. Increasingly more people have been contacting us as they want to leave a legacy behind for future generations.

 “With lung disease being the second biggest cause of death in Australia, families want to help beat lung disease through research breakthroughs.

“One generous benefactor said if he’d been diagnosed earlier, treatment and rehabilitation would have been much more effective. He wanted to help change this by leaving a gift in his will to the Institute to ensure there was better testing and new treatments for lung disease.

“Others just want peace of mind knowing they have a legal will in place to ensure things don’t get messy when they’re gone.

“We’re happy to provide this service to members of the community who may not have a will in place either because they think they can’t afford it, it’s too complicated, or think it can wait for another day.”

The Institute for Respiratory Health’s free will service is available to Australian Citizens aged 55+ who wish to write, or update a simple will. The Institute has partnered with Perth law firm Kitto and Kitto, who has more than 25 years experience in the area. There’s no obligation to leave a gift behind to the Institute for Respiratory Health and all information is strictly confidential.

For more information about leaving a legacy in your will simply fill out the form below and we will be in contact.