Take 10 minutes to check where your Will and Power of Attorney documents are kept, and whether they still reflect your wishes

Most people assume their estate planning is “sorted” once the documents are signed. But life changes — and if your Will or Powers of Attorney (PoA) are out of date, missing, or stored somewhere no one can find, the protection you think you have may not actually be there when it’s needed.

This month’s pro‑tip is simple, quick, and genuinely important.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Confirm where the originals are stored

Your Will and PoA only work if the right people can access them. Take a moment to confirm:

• Where the original signed Will is stored

• Where your Enduring Power of Attorney and Medical/Personal PoA are kept

• Whether your executor or attorney knows how to access them

• Whether your adviser or solicitor holds a copy

If no one knows where the originals are — or if they’re in a drawer somewhere — it’s time to tidy this up.

2. Check whether your wishes have changed

Life moves. Families evolve. Relationships shift. Your documents should reflect that.

Review whether your current Will and PoA still match your intentions around:

• Who inherits what

• Who acts as executor

• Who makes financial decisions if you can’t

• Who makes medical decisions

• Guardianship for children

• Any new assets or major life changes

If anything feels “off” or outdated, that’s a sign it could be time for a refresh.

3. Make sure your super nominations match your Will

This is the most common estate‑planning mistake.

Your super does not automatically follow your Will.

Check:

• Whether you have a binding nomination

• Whether it’s still valid (many expire every 3 years)

• Whether the nominated beneficiaries are still correct

A mismatch between your Will and your super can create confusion, delays, or disputes.

4. Tell someone you trust

A Will no one can find is as good as no Will at all.

Make sure:

• Your executor knows they are the executor

• Your attorney knows they are the attorney

• They know where the documents are stored

• They know how to access them in an emergency

This step is often overlooked — but it’s the one that makes everything work smoothly.

Our guidance

Estate planning isn’t something you set and forget. A quick review now can prevent stress, confusion, and unintended outcomes later.

If you’re unsure whether your documents are still appropriate — or if you can’t remember where the originals are — we’re here to help you get everything back in order.

And if your documents need refreshing, we’ll help you connect with your solicitor to get everything updated smoothly