How Life Insurance Affects Estate Planning in NSW
28th October, 2025 Life insurance is a vital part of many estate plans. However, many people misunderstand how it interacts with their Will. It is important to know whether your life insurance forms part of your estate-or sits outside it. Does a Will Override a Life Insurance Beneficiary? In most cases, your life insurance […]
Contesting a Will Through Mediation in NSW
21st October, 2025 When a Will is contested in New South Wales, many people immediately think the dispute will end up in the Supreme Court. However, most Will disputes are actually resolvedthrough mediation or negotiation, without the need for a court hearing. In fact, before the court will even consider a Will dispute, claimants must attempt […]
Lost Assets, Clawback Claims, and Bona Vacantia in NSW
7th October, 2025 Most people know that a Will is essential. However, fewer understand what happens when assets go missing or are given away before death. In New South Wales (NSW), these situations may involve concepts like clawback claims, lost asset recovery, or even bona vacantia-Latin for “ownerless goods”. While proper estate planning can reduce the risk, issues […]
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 […]