TGB acquires a slice of South Australian history

Tindall Gask Bentley has acquired tens of thousands of Wills and Estate documents, some dating back to the mid 1800s.

TGB secured the deed packets from another local law firm, which had been accumulating the documents from close to South Australia’s proclamation to current day.

Some of the documents are stored in tin boxes bearing the Will maker’s name, with registrations in 150 year old deed books.

While many of the old packets are long forgotten and unlikely to be followed up by relatives, the law firm still has a legal obligation to store and protect the documents.

“Going through the old files has been a fascinating experience and reading some of the material gives a great insight into life at the start of South Australian history,” Managing Partner Morry Bailes said.

TGB’s deed packet acquisition follows the recruitment of Rod Behenna, Michael Arras and Sarah Behenna from the same firm.

While some of the documents have only historical value thousands of others are still valid, and Mr Behenna is encouraging Will makers to re-consider their circumstances and ensure their Will is up to date.

 “Many of the people who are the subject of these deed packets may not have updated their documents for many, many years and their circumstances may have changed,” Mr Behenna said.

“It is important to make sure that your Will is still relevant to your wishes.”

Having spent more than 40 years at Moulden’s Solicitors, Mr Behenna has managed estate needs for generations of families, and is likely to have prepared many of the documents found among the thousands of recently acquired deed packets.

To organise your Will or Estate matter, contact Rod on (08) 8212 1077.