Personal Injury Law Experts
Kudra & Co. is a widely respected and successful Law firm providing legal services in the Riverland and greater South Australia for the past 35 years.
Kudra & Co. specialises in Personal Injury Law (including Work Injuries and motor vehicle accidents) and Wills and Estates.
Our Team
Victor Kudra – Principal Solicitor
Victor has been practising Law for over 35 years. He moved to the Riverland 34 years ago, and is the founder of Kudra & Co. Lawyers.
Victor has practised in all areas of the law, however, his area of expertise is Personal Injury Law, including Work Injuries, together with Wills and Estates. Victor represents clients throughout South Australia, including Adelaide and all regional areas.
Alison Lowe – Para-Legal
Alison has extensive experience as a para-legal in Queensland and, most recently, regional South Australia.
Quite often the first point of call for clients, Alison is always friendly, courteous and very helpful.
Personal Injury Law Specialists
Kudra & Co. are the Personal Injury Law experts, having successfully resolved thousands of compensation claims arising from:
- Personal injury in the workplace – previously WorkCover, now RTWSA (Return to Work SA) claims
- Injuries as a result of motor vehicle accidents
- Injuries as a result of the negligence of others.
Kudra & Co. act for all personal injury clients on a No Win-No Fee basis (conditions apply). If you have suffered an injury, contact Victor Kudra today. The initial consultation is free of charge, at which time Victor will evaluate your situation and suggest the best course of action.
Wills and Estates
Kudra & Co. specialise in all areas of Wills and Estates Law, providing experienced legal counsel and personalised service to guide you through all phases of your Estate Planning and Administration.
Our expert, Victor Kudra, will help to take the stress and confusion out of the process, so you and your family can feel reassured and secure about the future.
Will & Estate Planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Thoughtful planning provides peace of mind, reduces family disputes, and ensures your wishes are honoured.
Kudra & Co. provide stress free administration of Estates including applications for Grants of Probate together with all related matters to ensure prompt and efficient distribution of the assets of the deceased to the beneficiaries of the estate.
Why do I need a Will?
By having a Will prepared by a solicitor, you are doing everything you can in order to make sure your assets are distributed the way you want them to be.
A valid Will allows you to include the following important matters:
- Choose an executor (to be in control of making key decisions and may have the financial control over money held for your children/grandchildren);
- Make specific gifts to beneficiaries (such as heirlooms and other important property);
- Nominate guardians for your children;
- Set up estate distribution in a tax-effective manner;
- Ensure any beneficiaries who are disabled or need protection are provided for and the assets protected for their needs;
- Avoid costly and protracted administration of your estate.
What happens if I die without a Will?
If you die without a Will, the law dictates how your estate is distributed – which can be contrary to your wishes.
Relatives that you have not had anything to do with may benefit from your hard-earned financial legacy and some of your loved ones may miss out entirely.
Extra and significant costs can be incurred in finalising an estate without a valid Will.
Can I make my own Will?
There are many strict technical rules to ensure a Will is valid and compliant. Preparing your own Will is like “gambling” with the distribution of your assets following your death.
Home-made Wills and/or Legal Kits often result in extensive work for lawyers to rectify an invalid or incomplete Will. This means that a home-made or “kit” Will can result in your estate paying considerable additional legal fees, that would not normally be incurred if a Will had been correctly prepared by a Solicitor.
Do I have to make a new Will if I get married?
The law provides that upon marriage, your Will is revoked. It is therefore very important that when you marry, you make a new Will.
How often should I change my Will?
It is very important that you have a valid and up-to-date Will.
Life changes rapidly, and therefore, we recommend reviewing your Will every 5-10 years to ensure it reflects your wishes and your current marital or financial status.
It’s also important to update your Will when there are changes in your life, such as:
- Marriage
- Separation
- Death of a family member or executor
- If you have children
- If you purchase significant assets
- If you set up a trust, company or new business
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that enables you to appoint an ‘Attorney’ to manage your financial affairs.
A Power of Attorney document operates while you are alive, but are unable to manage your own financial affairs.
The Power of Attorney document is a necessary part of your personal estate planning. It empowers the person/s you appoint to manage your affairs:
- Banking and investments
- Real Estate
- Regular payments including rates, taxes, insurance, medical, personal & household accounts
What is Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a formal document issued by the Supreme Court that legally permits a person or persons as Executor to distribute the estate of a deceased person.
The Grant of Probate also legally determines that the Will was the last Will of the deceased.
If there is no Will, the formal document issued by the Supreme Court is referred to as Letters of Administration.
The circumstances where Probate is required include:
- Where the deceased owns real estate
- Where the deceased holds significant funds in bank accounts or other financial assets
- Where an accommodation bond is held by a nursing home of the deceased at the time of death
contact us today
Getting in touch is easy!
Either call us or use the form below, and request an appointment.
Phone:
(08) 8582 2366
Fax:
(08) 8582 2252