When Hala moved from Jordan to Cairns in 2006, she didn’t have a Will—she’d never needed one.
In Muslim countries, the Sharia—Islamic law—outlines such matters through documentation in the Quran, and quite often migrants coming to Queensland are unaware the law is different.
Talking about the Islamic law, Hala explained, 'Everything is described there, including the division of a person’s property for their inheritance, and that the eldest boy becomes head of the family if necessary. This applies to everyone.'
While this might sound confronting to Australians, these regulations are well understood in Jordan.
'In moving here, I knew things would be different, but it wasn’t until I started talking to other women with families that I realised I should plan more specifically for what would happen to my children, if something happened to me.'
'That was really intimidating to think about. So, in the first instance I bought a Will kit from a bookshop, figuring I would just make the Will myself.'
The terminology and concepts were difficult for Hala to unpack and even as a highly competent English speaker, she found that Australian phraseology' made it too difficult to fully understand—and so she looked for legal help.
'I went through a local lawyer and now have a Will and an Enduring Power of Attorney. Everything is very clear for my husband and my family, and I’m really happy about that.' Hala was keen to share that she would really encourage those migrating to Queensland to talk to their community, understand what they can do to secure their future and get the right help to make those decisions.
At Queensland Public Trustee we are committed to supporting all community members with access to life planning information and services that can be clearly and easily understood by everyone.
We understand that Queensland laws and customs can differ to cultural and religious practices of other places when it comes to succession and end-of-life planning.
That is why we encourage all those moving to Queensland to be informed and prepared when it comes to making a Will, appointing an executor or making an enduring power of attorney.
If you require additional language support to explain documents, processes and resources, we can arrange and pay for an interpreter to help.
If you need an interpreter, or language support, please call 1300 360 044.