Common misconceptions about estate planning

An estate plan involves more than signing a Will and leaving it in a safe place. An effective estate plan requires consideration of several matters and ongoing review to ensure it reflects your testamentary wishes and covers unexpected events. In this article we look...
You’ve lost a loved one – what is next?

You’ve lost a loved one – what is next?

When a loved one dies, there are many practical and legal considerations for the family or friends of the deceased. Below is a brief guide to the some of the important considerations in the administration of the deceased estate. The first step is to determine whether...

Death and superannuation benefits

It is important to understand the interplay of the laws governing superannuation, tax and succession when planning your estate. Appreciating how these laws interact can help avoid some common pitfalls in estate planning and may have a significant impact on the net...

Estate planning for blended families

Most of us appreciate the importance of making a Will and having an estate plan that sets out how we would like to provide for our loved ones when we die. If, like many Australians, you belong to a blended family, there are additional considerations when planning your...

A widow contesting a Will

Australian jurisdictions provide statutory rights for eligible persons to contest a Will on the basis that they have not been left adequate provision by the testator for their proper maintenance, education, and advancement in life. In New South Wales, an eligible...