Plan for your family's future with confidence. This practical course explores the essentials of estate planning, including Wills, Probate, Letters of Administration, Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives. Learn how to protect vulnerable beneficiaries, understand asset protection and tax-effective estate planning, avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions for the future.
Your Tutor is Lisa Schutz
Lisa commenced with the WEA in 2026.
Lisa Schutz is a Barrister and Solicitor with more than 20 years' experience assisting clients across South Australia. She has worked in community legal services, Legal Aid and private practice, and now operates a mobile legal practice with a particular focus on Wills, estate planning, deceased estates and related legal matters.
Lisa is passionate about making legal advice approachable and easy to understand. She believes estate planning is about more than preparing documents—it is about helping people make informed decisions, giving them confidence about the future, and providing peace of mind that the people they care about will be protected.
Your Will, Your Way
Course Description
Estate planning is about much more than writing a Will.
It is about making informed decisions to ensure your wishes are respected, your loved ones are cared for, and the right people are empowered to make financial and personal decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so.
This practical course provides a clear, easy-to-understand introduction to the essential components of estate planning in South Australia, helping you understand the legal documents and decisions that work together to protect your future.
Presented in plain English and supported by practical examples, the course explores Wills, Probate, Letters of Administration, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives, as well as topics that are often overlooked, such as choosing the right executor, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries, asset protection and the circumstances in which a Will may be challenged.
You'll also learn about common estate planning mistakes and leave with the knowledge and confidence to ask informed questions and make better decisions about your own estate planning needs.
Course Structure
This practical course combines clear explanations, real-life examples and opportunities for questions throughout the session.
Students begin by exploring the purpose of estate planning and why every adult should have an up-to-date estate plan.
The course explains the role of Wills, Probate and Letters of Administration, what a Will can and cannot achieve, and how to choose an appropriate executor.
Participants will then examine other essential elements of estate planning, including Enduring Powers of Attorney, Advance Care Directives, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries, testamentary trusts and basic asset protection strategies.
The course also discusses Family Provision claims, common estate planning mistakes and the limitations of relying on outdated Wills, Will kits or artificial intelligence without obtaining personalised legal advice.
Throughout the session, practical examples help participants understand how these concepts apply in everyday situations.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of estate planning and why it is important for every adult
- Explain the role of Wills, Probate and Letters of Administration
- Recognise when a Will should be reviewed and updated
- Understand what a Will can and cannot achieve
- Identify the responsibilities of an executor and the importance of choosing the right person
- Recognise strategies that may help protect vulnerable beneficiaries
- Understand the purpose of Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives
- Gain an introductory understanding of testamentary trusts and asset protection strategies
- Recognise common estate planning mistakes and understand how to avoid them
- Feel more confident making informed decisions about their own estate planning needs.
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