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 […]
The Risks of Using AI for Contracts
21st July, 2025 Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a familiar part of daily business. From emails to analytics, it supports many tasks across industries. In the legal sector, tools like ChatGPT are gaining traction for document drafting. But can you really rely on AI to write your contracts? Let’s explore what ChatGPT can do – […]
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 […]
Electrical Safety in Rental Properties: Who’s Responsible?
10th June, 2025 Electrical safety in rental properties isn’t just good practice; it is a legal requirement in Australia. In New South Wales, any electrical fault that occurs before or during a tenancy is considered an urgent repair. This means landlords and tenants each have responsibilities they must meet under the law, especially regarding electrical […]