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 […]
Promises, Property, and Estates
23rd July, 2025 In estate planning, what you put in writing matters – but so do the promises you make. The 2024 High Court case of Kramer v Stone is a powerful reminder that verbal promises, especially those made about inheritance, can carry serious legal weight. Even when they aren’t in a Will, such promises may be enforced […]
Can a Debt Be Forgiven Just by Dying?
7th July, 2025 When it comes to estate planning, most people assume their Will is the final word. But sometimes, strange legal outcomes can arise from informal arrangements. The case of Strong v Bird offers a fascinating look into what can happen when debts and family overlap after death. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a rule […]
Why Every Adult Needs a Will – Before it’s Too Late
30th June, 2025 It’s something we all know we should do -but most of us put it off. Writing a Will often feels like a task for “later in life” or after something big happens. However, real-life stories show that delaying your estate planning can have serious consequences. In fact, millions of dollars have recently been […]
Public Trustee Risks: What Families Need to Know
23rd June, 2025 When someone loses the ability to manage their own affairs, families must make difficult choices. One option is appointing a Public Trustee. These are government bodies designed to manage finances and property for those who can’t. While they serve an important function, relying on them can come with serious risks. Having a […]
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: How You Can Help
16th June, 2025 Every year on 15 June, Australians mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day raises awareness about elder abuse and urges communities to stand against mistreatment of older people. Elder abuse includes financial, physical, psychological abuse, and neglect. Sadly, many cases remain hidden and unreported. Raising awareness is crucial because […]
Testamentary Capacity: Lessons from Banks v Goodfellow
2nd June, 2025 In New South Wales, making a valid Will requires more than signing a piece of paper. One of the most important requirements is testamentary capacity. This means the person making the Will -the testator -must be mentally capable of understanding what they are doing. If they lack capacity, the Will may be challenged […]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Will
17th March, 2025 Creating a Will is crucial to ensure your wishes are honoured after you pass away. While you can write a Will yourself, consulting a lawyer ensures it’s legally valid and reflects your intentions accurately. Creating a Will can be an overwhelming process so below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you […]
Funeral and Burial Provisions in Wills
10th March, 2025 When planning for the future, many people focus on their assets, but it’s equally important to consider funeral and burial arrangements. You may want to include specific instructions in your Will about how you’d like your remains to be handled. However, it’s essential to understand how funeral provisions in a Will are […]