In 2016 there were 24 million pets in Australia. In fact, last year 62% of Aussie households had at least one pet. One only needs to undertake a quick google search to realise that doggie and feline hotels, day care facilities and designer pet accessories are big business. Certainly, the booming pet care industry reflects […]
Every adult needs a Will. I say and write that repeatedly when speaking with new clients, current clients, friends or the public when presenting seminars or information sessions. So why do we not think that celebrities don’t have a Will? Of course they do. Celebrity Wills range from the complex, think Michael Jackson, to non-existent, […]
What is difference between making a Will and an Estate Plan? We have provided a case study to help explain the difference. Firstly, a Little Background A client was concerned that at their death, their assets could be sold off by the surviving spouse during their remaining lifetime. A solicitor was instructed and a comprehensive […]
I have been married for several years but have recently separated from my spouse. We have finalised a property settlement, but are yet to get around to being officially divorced.. I don’t have a Will, does this mean my former spouse will still have access to my estate when I die? The simple answer is […]
We live in a world in which we are increasingly electing to do certain things using online platforms such as grocery shopping and paying bills. It is becoming a way of life; the new norm so to speak. While it is fair to say that law has been slow in the uptake, some legal processes […]
Scenario: Mrs Smith married Mr Smith who had two children from a former marriage. Mrs Smith had no natural children of her own. Mr Smith predeceased Mrs Smith with Mrs Smith dying several years later. Are the children of Mr Smith entitled to make a claim against the estate of the Mrs Smith? The […]
I drafted my own Will using a Will Kit a couple of years ago, but my circumstances have since changed and I want a few things altered. Is it okay if I just handwrite the changes in the margin and then sign and then date those changes? Is it okay? The simple answer to this […]
If I had a dollar for every time someone said this to me I could retire right now. You see everyone thinks that their circumstances are straightforward and it follows then that they believe that their Estate needs will be easily satisfied with either a “cheap Will”, a blank template where you enter names and […]
Each morning I like to watch a few minutes of Sunrise. At least I do, until I realise that the kids are no-where close to being ready for school (and the grumbling ensues). At any rate, yesterday morning, I happened to catch a report about the rise of ‘Mum and Dad Banks’. This is the […]
Parenting is hard work. As the father of three healthy and rather rambunctious kids, I can vouch for this. I can also attest to the fact that being a father forced me to change my priorities and to think about the future in a way I hadn’t previously. As an Estate Lawyer, I work […]