Don’t die intestate

Dying ‘intestate’?

No, it’s not a typo: it’s a very real threat that faces anyone who hasn’t made out a will. As opposed to dying ‘interstate’, ‘dying intestate’ is a legal term for people who have died without making a will.

A large proportion of people die without leaving a will which means it might not be possible to honour the wishes of the deceased in regard to their estate. Decidedly worse, loved ones can be left in a state of extraordinary stress. But there is a way to avoid this – by making out your will as soon as possible.

Your will says how your estate is to be distributed, allowing you to clearly set out your wishes and select beneficiaries.

Should you wish to, executing a will also gives you the opportunity to provide a bequest to your Parish or the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. This way such a bequest by will is an opportunity to provide support and encouragement to future generations and help secure the work entrusted to us by the Lord. When considering a will, please remember the vision and mission of each Parish is unique and that the needs of the Diocese are many and varied.

Helping your parish with a bequest

To help your Parish by leaving a bequest, your will only needs to contain a simple form stating: “I give devise and bequeath the sum of $X Dollars (X Dollars in words) to (Here name ‘Parish).”

Helping your Diocese with a bequest

For the Diocese, the simple form contained within your will need only state: “I give devise and bequeath the sum of $X Dollars (X Dollars in words) to the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta.”

Alternatively, a Diocesan Bequest can be extended to nominate a specific ministry. For example: “I give devise and bequeath the sum of $X dollars (X Dollars in words) to the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta to be applied for the benefit of (Here name the specific ministry you wish to assist).”

Some ministries and agencies of the Diocese include:

Centacare Catholic Social Services (including Aboriginal Catholic Social Services)
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
Commission for Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue
Institute For Mission
Liturgical Commission
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
Sacraments of Initiation for Children
Social Justice Office
Vocations
Youth & Young Adult Apostolate

When there is a will there is a way

After you have considered how you would like to leave your assets and to whom in your will, you will need to make sure your will is valid, drawn up correctly and executed. For this, please consult your lawyer or Trustee Company. They will make sure you will is drawn up according to law, ensuring that your wishes are honoured. For a copy of a Wills Brochure from the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, or for more information on leaving bequests, please contact The Diocesan Bequest Officer.

The Diocesan Bequest Officer

Suite 2 Ground Floor 10 Victoria Road Parramatta NSW 2150
(PO Box 2605 North Parramatta NSW 1750)
Ph: 02 9630 0325
Fx: 02 9683 6438
M: 0418 612 122
E: llangollan@hotmail.com