QUEEN ELIZABETH II HAS PASSED AWAY…..
Whatever your views on the Monarchy, the passing of Her Majesty is undoubtedly a most significant occasion. It is indeed history in the making with few people knowing life without the Queen. The end of the Queen’s reign has certainly triggered a “What happens now?”...
Another super boring article…. or is it?
Sorry for the “click bait” but if you have a self-managed super fund (“SMSF”), you might want to read on…. I’m sure you were all eagerly awaiting the High Court’s decision in Hill v. Zuda Pty Ltd [2022] HCA 21. Let’s face it, it’s not every day the High Court hands...
Is online cheaper, faster and actually better?
There has been a recent explosion of online services spruiking the ability for you to do your own Will, with the click of a few buttons, at almost no cost. Some overseas websites even offer a money-back guarantee – although I’m not sure to whom any refund gets paid!!...
I have written my Will and don’t need to look at it again – do I?
This is the ninth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. Myth – “I have done my Will and don’t need to look at it again …. Right?” Wrong! It is important that you regularly review and update your Will. Your estate planning can be affected by a number...
A promise is a promise… or is it made to be broken?
What does a little old lady, her Sydney Harbour mansions, her neighbours and a promise have in common? The Supreme Court of New South Wales recently had to consider that very point! The Court had to decide whether a verbal promise by the elderly Mrs Murphy to leave...
Can I draft my will to ensure my ex has no contact with my children?
This is the eighth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. Myth – “I can make sure my ex has no contact with my children through a clause in my Will …. Right?” Wrong! Appointing a Guardian of your infant child doesn’t necessarily mean your child will...
The pitfalls of “home made” Wills
This is the seventh in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. “I can do my Will myself …. Right?” Well …. yes but what is the “true cost” of trying to save a few dollars now?? If your “do it yourself” Will is not properly drafted, clear in its terms and...
Can my new partner’s children challenge my Will?
This is the sixth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. Myth – “My new partner’s children can’t challenge my Will…. Right?” Wrong! There are many misconceptions in relation to the classes of person who are eligible to “challenge” the proposed...
Can a person without capacity update their affairs?
This is the fifth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. Myth – a person without capacity is no longer able to update their affairs. Wrong! It is not widely known that a court can make a Will for a person who has lost capacity. A “court made” Will...
The Uncertainties of Death – Part 4
This is the fourth in our series of articles on the uncertainties of death. Myth – “I can defeat a challenge to my Will from a family member by making a token gift to them in my Will”. Wrong! If a person challenges your Will, they are seeking an amount from your...