What Makes a Will Valid?

will

3rd February, 2025 Creating a valid Will ensures that your wishes are respected after your passing. While the requirements are similar across Australia, there are a few key elements that must be followed to ensure your Will holds legal weight.   It Must Be in Writing A valid Will must be in writing, either typed […]

Farm Succession and Estate Planning

farm

28th January, 2025 Farm succession planning is a complex process that involves far more than just transferring land or assets. A farm isn’t just a piece of property—it’s a business and a family legacy. Along with the land, you must consider expensive machinery, livestock, and infrastructure. But perhaps the trickiest aspect is dealing with family […]

Can a Sibling be my Super Beneficiary?

sibling

16th January, 2025 When planning your superannuation, it’s important to understand who can legally receive your super benefits when you pass away. While you may wish to leave your super to anyone, such as a sibling, the law surrounding superannuation death benefits is quite specific. Importantly, a sibling cannot automatically be a super beneficiary unless […]

Lapsing and Non-Lapsing Binding Death Benefit Nominations

16th December, 2024   When managing your superannuation, choosing between a lapsing or non-lapsing binding death benefit nomination is crucial for ensuring your beneficiaries are looked after. But what do these terms mean, and how can a law firm specialising in estate planning assist?   What is a Binding Death Benefit Nomination? A binding death […]

Property Transfer After Divorce in NSW

divorce

  9th December, 2024   Transferring property after a separation or divorce is often one of the most complex parts of the process. In New South Wales, it requires careful attention to legal and financial details, especially when it involves the family home. If you’re navigating a property transfer, understanding the steps involved can make […]

Codicils & Updating your Will

codicils

18th November, 2024 As life changes, so do your needs. Whether it’s a marriage, divorce, or a new family member, it’s important that your Will reflects those changes. But how can you update your Will without starting over from scratch? The answer may lie in a Codicil—a legal document that allows you to make amendments to an existing Will. What […]

Ambiguity in Wills: A Guide

ambiguity in wills

11th November, 2024   When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important documents you’ll create is your Will. It ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. However, a common issue many people overlook is the potential for ambiguity in the language of a Will. If […]

Overseas Assets and Wills: What You Need to Know

overseas assets

14th October, 2024    As the number of Australians with international ties continues to grow, it’s essential to understand how your Will can impact overseas assets. If you own or expect to inherit assets outside Australia, ensuring your Will addresses these assets properly is crucial. Classifying Overseas Assets Overseas assets typically fall into two categories: […]

Understanding Elder Abuse

Young adult looking after elderly person in wheelchair

15th August 2024 As Australia’s population ages, protecting older Australians from abuse and ensuring their affairs are managed becomes increasingly important. Elder abuse, which can take various forms, is a serious concern that can often involve those closest to the victim, such as family members or caregivers. Elder abuse involves intentional harm or neglect of […]

What is a Family Trust and how do they work?

Magnifying glass with 'Family Trust'

22nd July 2024  Are you considering setting up a family trust (or discretionary trust) in Australia but unsure where to begin? You’re in the right place! Establishing a family trust may not be as complex as it seems, provided you follow the correct steps. Here’s a succinct guide to help you understand what a family […]