Australia has a surprisingly low rate of charitable gifts in Wills. For many, finding extra funds to donate during their lifetime can be challenging, but a gift through your Will can be a way to support meaningful causes without affecting your financial security.
Read MoreCurious about contesting a Will? Our latest blog explores Family Provision Claims in Victoria.
Read MoreExecutors have an obligation to keep accurate records of the ins-and-outs of estate finances.
Read MoreNot every estate is the same and there are many factors which can determine how long it takes for the beneficiaries to receive a distribution.
Read MoreNormally when you inherit a property you won't need to pay stamp duty but there are some situations where you may.
Read MoreTaking a moment to ensure your Will reflects your current life and wishes can bring peace of mind and clarity for your loved ones.
Read MoreWhat do I do about all the bills when someone has died? Do I have to pay them from my own pocket?
Read MoreDespite what Hollywood would have you believe, it is not critical that you find a loved one’s will immediately though it is an early important step in getting the Estate process underway.
Read MoreThere are strict guidelines on how a will must be signed for it to be valid. In cases where the guidelines have not been followed it is up to the Court and a time-consuming, and costly process, to obtain acceptance.
Read MoreThe movies refer to “sound mind and body” when making a will. The legal term is “testamentary capacity”.
Read MoreIf an original will simply cannot be found, it is possible to ask if the Court will accept a photocopy. Should it not, the Estate will be distributed as if there was not will at all.
Read MoreIs is possible for grandchildren to make a claim against a deceased’s estate but it is by no means guaranteed successful.
Read MoreManaging a loved one’s assets as part of their Estate when they have died is not a matter of simply distributing them according to the will. Depending on the value of the assets you will need a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the Supreme Court.
Read MoreUpon your passing, your superannuation may not automatically go to your estate, especially if there is no will.
Read MoreThe lack of a will does not necessarily stop you from inheriting money but there are rules in place.
Read MoreWhen a willmaker had an obligation to provide for someone else and does not, the courts can become involved in what is known as a TFM claim.
Read MoreCovid-19 has accelerated technology advances in many area of law but some areas of Estates remain paper-bound for now so it’s important you get early advice regarding an Estate.
Read MoreWhile Australia has had incredible success so far in “flattening the curve” and avoiding the horrific death rates happening in other parts of the world, a sad reality of life is that the usual cycle of life and death continues and with this the administration of estates.
Read MoreBills for debts incurred while someone is alive may continue to arrive after their passing. They can't be ignored so who is responsible for paying them?
Read MoreIt is important to know correctly what property you own and what you do not before making your will.
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