What are beneficiaries? How do I decide if somebody is to be a beneficiary? Beneficiaries are the people you name in your Will who will receive a benefit from your estate. They may be specifically … [Read more...]
Wills FAQ – Why do I need a Will?
Making a Will is more than just signing a document. It is a process of organisation and forward planning to ensure all your possessions are disposed of in the way you want, to the people you want, … [Read more...]
Wills FAQ – What else do I need other than a Will?
In our view, you need to do three things: Sit down and have a family meeting with your kids. Do it at a café or over a dinner, and talk about what you are going to do, why you have done things … [Read more...]
Wills FAQ – Why do I need a solicitor?
Do I need a solicitor to apply for Probate? Can I apply to the court by myself? You do not need a solicitor if you wish to go to court and apply yourself. My advice is to go your hardest if that is … [Read more...]
Wills FAQ – What is Probate?
Probate is a certificate from the Probate Office stating that the Executor has proved the Will to be the last one made by you and that he/she is the Executor named. The Probate Office will provide a … [Read more...]
Wills FAQ – What is an Executor?
What is an executor? An executor is the person you nominate in your Will who will carry out your wishes when you die. An executor’s role will often be to organise the funeral, and will also include … [Read more...]
Dementia – The importance of having an Attorney and a Guardian
The Father, a recent film starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, has gained critical acclaim for its harrowing and often brutal depiction of what it is like to live with dementia. I urge you … [Read more...]
Make a Fresh Start in 2021
2020 was a catastrophe. Natural disasters, job losses, COVID-19… We’re hoping for a better year in 2021 – a fresh start. We need to reflect, to re-evaluate our relationships, and to discuss what … [Read more...]
Death and Taxes – Here’s a Solution!
160,000 Australians die each year, and many of them have outstanding tax debts. Whilst you might say good luck to that, the people left behind, including the executors, children and other family, … [Read more...]
Estate Planning & Advance Care – How to Have “The Talk” with Your Parents
This is the third post in our series about estate planning and advance care. The first post is about how to get the conversation started with your parents in relation to their estate planning and … [Read more...]