Life Insurance & Estate Planning in Australia
1st March, 2026 Life insurance is often a key part of estate planning. However, many Australians wonder whether family members can contest life insurance payouts. Understanding how life insurance interacts with estate planning can prevent conflict and protect beneficiaries. How Life Insurance Payouts Work A life insurance policy usually names a primary beneficiary who receives […]
Frequent Flyer Points in Wills and Estate Planning
20th February, 2026 When preparing a Will, most people focus on property, physical assets, bank accounts and superannuation. However, frequent flyer points are often forgotten. Although they are not cash, they can hold significant practical value. Therefore, they should be considered as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Many Australians accumulate points through programs […]
The $10M iPhone Will: Lessons for Estate Planning
12th February, 2026 A recent NSW Court of Appeal case highlights the risks of informal Wills and DIY estate planning. In late 2025, the Court of Appeal considered the matter of Brad Anthony Wheatley v Ronald William Peek [2025] NSWCA 265. In that case, a 79‑year‑old man drafted a note on his iPhone indicating how […]
Red Flags Employees Should Watch for in Employment Contracts
5th February, 2026 An employment contract sets the legal foundation of your working relationship. However, not all contracts are fair or balanced. Therefore, employees should carefully review contract terms before signing. While many contracts meet legal requirements, some contain clauses that may disadvantage employees. Identifying these issues early can help prevent disputes later. […]
Construction Defects and Damages: 85 Princess v Fleming
29th January, 2026 Construction defect disputes often depend on how contractual warranties are interpreted and enforced. The NSW Supreme Court decision in 85 Princess Pty Ltd v Fleming [2025] NSWSC 407 provides helpful guidance for property owners, developers and investors. Background The case involved the sale of an industrial property with two warehouses built on […]
Understanding Chattels and Land: Lessons from Conexa Sydney Holdings
22nd January, 2026 When buying or selling property, it is important to understand the difference between fixtures and chattels. Fixtures are items permanently attached to the land, like pipelines, buildings, or fences. Chattels, on the other hand, are movable items, such as furniture or appliances, that are not part of the land. Sometimes, an item […]
Alternate Beneficiaries and Contingency Planning
16th January, 2026 Estate planning is not only about naming who inherits your assets. Rather, it is about planning for uncertainty and future change. However, many people focus only on their primary beneficiaries. As a result, they overlook what happens if those beneficiaries cannot inherit. Contingency planning allows you to control outcomes, even when circumstances […]
Company Title in NSW: Explained
14th January, 2026 What Is Company Title? Company title is an older form of property ownership in New South Wales (NSW) that existed before strata title was introduced. Because of this, many purchasers are unfamiliar with how it works. In a company title building, a company owns the land and building. Purchasers buy shares […]
Missing and Unclaimed Assets in NSW
8th January, 2026 When a loved one passes away, administering their estate can feel overwhelming. Even with a valid Will, assets can often be missed. As a result, executors may discover accounts or investments long after the estate process begins. Across Australia, billions of dollars remain unclaimed, simply because families did not know assets existed. […]
Binding Financial Agreements vs Wills
3rd December, 2025 Understanding the difference between a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) and a Will is essential in estate planning. Each document serves a different purpose, yet they often interact in important ways. Although both deal with assets, they apply at different stages of life. Because of this, proper planning is crucial. Choosing the […]