What is the role of an executor, and who should you pick?
Whilst being named someone’s executor can be viewed as an honour and a privilege, the role comes with significant responsibility. As an advisor, I generally encourage my clients to consider…
Important: Practice Direction issued by the Supreme Court for certain Wills during COVID-19
There is no doubt that in the wake of COVID-19 many people are taking the opportunity to get their affairs in order. We have seen a dramatic increase in the…
Risks with home-made Wills and Will kits
Many people think that making a Will is a simple exercise and that it is something that you can do for yourself. With the availability of off-the-shelf Wills, online Wills…
COVID-19 – Your Key Estate Planning Documents
I just want you all to know that we are here to help and assist you in any way we can in these uncertain times. Even if it’s a simple phone…
I want to see a deceased’s Will – can I request a copy?
Many people think that when someone dies there will be a formal “reading of the Will.” However, this is really a concept of the past. There is rarely a formal reading…
The elephant in the room: costs in a family provision application
There is an obvious evil to a family provision application against an estate, that is, the costs that are incurred. Whilst costs are treated differently in family provision applications and…
Do I always need a grant of probate to administer a deceased’s estate?
Obtaining a grant of probate from the Supreme Court is one of the main tasks that an executor of an estate may have to undertake. However, in Queensland, it is…
Missing Will – How to obtain Probate
One of the most common enquiries I receive is in relation to a lost Will. If an application for probate has to be made in an estate, having the original…
Using Testamentary Trusts to your advantage
The saying goes that the first generation makes a fortune, the second generation spends it and the third generation blows it. There are many ways that wealth can diminish over…
Gifting to a charity in your Will
Leaving a gift to a charity in your Will is a great way to provide support to organisations and causes you care about. As with any other gift in your…
Superannuation and Death Benefits – Not Always Tax Free
Superannuation is progressively becoming a major asset for most Australians. For some, navigating a death benefit claim, and the tax implications that flow from receiving a death benefit is a…
Should young people have Wills?
One of the biggest estate planning myths is that only older people need Wills. While young people (over the age of 18) may not want to think about ‘what if?’ or…