What is an Ethical Will in NSW?
30th September, 2025 Estate planning is more than just dividing up your belongings. It’s also about passing on your values, stories, and life lessons. An ethical will is a personal document that lets you share these important parts of yourself with your loved ones. While it has no legal standing in Australia, it can play a valuable […]
How to Defend a Will in NSW: What You Need to Know
22nd September, 2025 It’s not uncommon for Wills to be contested, particularly when someone feels they’ve been left out or treated unfairly. In New South Wales, the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) gives certain people the right to make a Family Provision Claim. If you’re an executor or beneficiary, knowing how to defend a Will is […]
Understanding Undue Influence in Estate Planning in NSW
17th September, 2025 Estate planning is often a sensitive and complex process. Unfortunately, undue influence remains a common ground for contesting a Will in New South Wales (NSW). But what exactly does undue influence mean in this context? What is Undue Influence? Undue influence occurs when someone in a position of power or […]
Understanding Letters of Administration with the Will Annexed
8th September, 2025 When someone passes away, their estate needs to be managed and distributed. This is usually done by an executor named in their Will. However, when no executor is available or able to act, the law provides another option. In New South Wales (NSW), there are two types of Letters of Administration. […]
Egg Freezing & Wills: Why Estate Planning Must Evolve
1st September, 2025 In recent years, the use of reproductive technologies like egg freezing has surged in Australia. Modern medicine offers new ways to increase and preserve fertility. However, with these advancements come new legal and ethical questions – particularly in relation to Wills and Estate Planning. Egg freezing, also known as cryopreservation, allows […]
Should You Appoint a Solicitor as Executor of Your Will?
26th August, 2025 Choosing an executor is a key step when drafting your Will. This person is responsible for managing your estate once you pass away. You may appoint a friend, family member, or a professional, such as a solicitor. But does appointing a solicitor as executor look different to choosing someone else? Let’s […]
Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will: What You Should Know
18th August, 2025 Many of us want to support causes we care about, even if we can’t always give during our lifetime. One powerful way to leave a legacy is by including a gift to charity in your Will. This kind of donation is often called a bequest or a charitable gift. Importantly, this does not mean […]
Who Can Be the Executor of a Will?
11th August, 2025 Choosing an executor is one of the most important parts of writing a Will. This person is responsible for carrying out the instructions left in your Will after your death. Because of this, it’s vital to choose someone who is capable, trustworthy, and well-informed. What Is an Executor? An executor manages […]
Fraud and Wills: What You Need to Know About Estate Risks
7th August, 2025 When a person passes away, the focus should be on honouring their wishes. However, estate fraud can seriously threaten that outcome. Increasingly, cases in New South Wales show how vulnerable Wills and estate administration can be to deception and theft. What Is Estate Fraud? Estate fraud occurs when someone uses […]
DIY Wills Gone Wrong: The Cautionary Tale of Borbil v Borbil
28th July, 2025 Writing a Will might seem simple, but one recent Queensland case shows how dangerous that assumption can be. In Re Negrean; Borbil v Borbil [2025] QSC 66, the Supreme Court was asked to interpret a DIY Will. Although the Will was written with good intentions, it contained serious flaws. These errors led to […]