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Posted on 1 Dec 2017

Major Change to the Laws of Intestacy

New Provisions as to the distribution of the assets of a deceased person dying without a Will become operative as from 1 November 2017 Intestacy Means a person has died without a valid Will…

Posted on 8 Dec 2016

Clever will-makers don’t give assets to their family

Instead they pass control of the assets to their family. Why does it matter? It matters for two reasons – tax minimisation and asset protection. If you leave assets – whether real estate, shares…

Posted on 4 Sep 2015

Powers of Attorney Victoria

Advice for Attorneys The Powers of Attorney Act 2014 sets out the powers and responsibilities of a person(s) appointed as an attorney under an enduring power of attorney. The effect of an enduring power…

Posted on 4 Mar 2015

Who can challenge my will?

Many clients assume they can, on death, leave their assets to whomever they choose.  They are dismayed to learn, when instructing a lawyer to prepare their will, that it can be challenged. Until recently,…

Posted on 4 Jul 2014

Wills and Superannuation

A common misconception arises when people make Wills assuming that their superannuation forms part of their estate and can be gifted in their Will.  This is not the case. Superannuation funds and benefits now…

Posted on 4 Jan 2010

Probate – Deceased Estates

What is “Probate”? Probate is the process of proving and registering with the Supreme Court the last Will of a deceased person. Someone needs to deal with the deceased’s assets and liabilities and the…

Posted on 4 Jan 2010

Disputing a Will

“Testator’s Family Maintenance” The freedom to make a Will It is said that it is one of the freedoms of our society that a person is free to dispose of their assets by their…