Rush to prepare wills

Lawyers tell of spike in demand as NT people fear the worst

LAWYERS have seen a dramatic spike in demand for wills since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as Territorians look to get their affairs in order during such an unprecedented time.

According to lawyer and firm partner of Darwin Family Law Julian Barry, there has been an increase of about 50 per cent in clients seeking will services.

He said the trend was particularly prominent among older people but he had seen an increase in people of all ages getting their affairs in order.

“It might be that a lot of people aren’t working as much and have more time to get their lives in order,” Mr Barry said.

“For example, in places like Europe where people are in stricter lockdowns, there has been a trend of people tidying and retidying their cupboards numerous times.

“Maybe this is the Darwin equivalent.

“This crisis has been absolutely unprecedented and made them think more about what they don’t usually have to think about too much.”

Mr Barry recommended that anyone looking to make a will see an expert, and said they should expect to pay about $550 for an individual or $750 for a couple.

“Contact a solicitor who specialises in that area – don’t get a will off the net,” Mr Barry said.

“Preparing a will is comparatively inexpensive, and having an appropriate will in place can save a great deal of stress and anxiety.”

Surprisingly, Mr Barry said there had been a drop in demand for other family law services such as divorce and separation.

“We all (family lawyers) got very quiet for the first three weeks of the lockdowns,” he said. “I reached the conclusion that perhaps an outbreak of peace and love has occurred.”