All publications relating to ‘Estate Planning & Wills’
A statutory will can stop a murderer But can it stop your creditors and the tax man?
In brief On 13 February 2005, Maria Korp was found unconscious in the boot of her car in suburban Victoria. Her husband Joseph and his mistress were almost immediately charged with her attempted murder. Whilst Maria was in a coma, her daughter applied successfully to the Victorian Supreme Court for a new…
My child is off the rails, can my will protect them?
In Brief A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything but not enough to do nothing… Whilst very few people could match Warren Buffett’s bank balance, almost everyone would share his sentiment. We all want to give our children every advantage possible, whilst at the same time…
Ruling from the grave: What conditions can you place on gifts in your will?
In Brief Some people find it hard to ‘let go’. In 1993, a resident of San Antonio in the United States passed away, leaving his house and $30,000 to his wife. However, this was not as warm a matrimonial gesture as it first appeared. The husband had included a clause in his will…
Good Will Hunting: Estate Planning Lessons from Hollywood
In Brief After being asked how her husband died, the iconic Robin Williams character, Mrs Doubtfire, replied, “He was quite fond of the drink. It was the drink that killed him”. The response came, “How awful. He was an alcoholic?” Mrs Doubtfire quickly corrected, “No, he was hit by a Guinness…
Power of Attorney — Changes are here!
In Brief A power of attorney is like insurance. If you have not planned for the worst when the unexpected occurs you might find that you, your legal and financial affairs and your family and friends all suffer to a much greater degree than necessary. Angela Harvey, partner, and Euge Power, solicitor, provide…
Estate planning and superannuation — How to have the last laugh
In brief Superannuation is a funny thing. It is yours, but you can’t have it yet. It gets paid out when you die, but the money may not go to whom you would like. You are basically saving all your life for something you might never receive and you probably don’t even…
Lost in translation — Why you need a lawyer to write a Will
In Brief Ever had difficulty communicating when travelling in a foreign country? Just like writing a will, the difficulty is not knowing what you want to say, the difficulty is simply how to say it. The last thing you want is for your last words to be lost in translation. Angela Harvey, partner…
Leaving a legacy: Doing charity the right way
In brief The idea of leaving a legacy to charity in your will that helps those who are less fortunate is certainly an attractive one. Getting your charitable gifts just right in your will can make things easier for everyone concerned after you have passed away. This article explores the gift (and…