Getting your affairs in order after a cancer diagnosis

Getting your head around the legal implications of a cancer diagnosis can create additional stress and concern during an already difficult time.

It’s estimated that 60% of people affected by cancer face distress from legal and financial challenges, in addition to their health concerns.

Our referral services may be able to help if you or someone in your family has cancer or is caring for someone with cancer, and you need assistance with legal or financial issues. Call 13 11 20 to find out more.

Gabriella Ferraro, Co-managing Partner of Ferraro & Singh Lawyers

Gabriella Ferraro, Co-managing Partner of Ferraro & Singh Lawyers in Sunshine, says that when it comes to getting your affairs in order, earlier is always better.

“Most people understandably put off making a will because it’s not something anyone likes to think about,” she says. “But even getting started with something like power of attorney documents can make a big difference. Once it’s done, it’s one less thing to worry about.”

Seeing a solicitor straight away when you receive a diagnosis also means you’re not rushed, Gabriella says, so you can think your plan through and make it clear how you’d like things to be managed. This also assures your loved ones that everything is in order for the future.

“It really helps lift a weight off their shoulders and gives them a sense of peace and reassurance as they move into the next stage.”

Ferraro & Singh Lawyers is one of the Victorian law firms partnering with our Legal Support Program to provide free and confidential practical legal support services to Victorians with advanced cancer.

For Gabriella, being a part of the program is a way to give back to the community. Their team prioritises making sure people feel comfortable and able to ask questions, while also working efficiently to have everything sorted as soon as possible.

She recalls her first case was a single parent who unexpectedly needed to get his affairs in order as soon as possible. Her team was able to work quickly to get everything sorted in time, and she says being able to offer that support was really special to her.

“He was really just so appreciative,” she says. “And he genuinely felt better knowing that he had done what he needed to do so that his daughter would receive his super, his benefits, et cetera.”

That level of care and support is felt by the people who have used the program. One client said the lawyers “were so kind, thorough and understanding. Absolutely brilliant people.” Another praised his team for the “great explanations” and that they were “sensitive to the family and had humour”.

If you would like to find out more about the Legal Support Program, contact one of our experienced cancer health professionals today by calling 13 11 20.