Can you revoke a will with a file note?

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A recent Tasmanian Supreme Court case considers this question: Wills can be revoked in a number of ways, typically by creating a later Will or executing a document to that... Read more continue reading

Can a video will be admitted to probate?

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Donna is a widow and is 85 years old. Due to her deteriorating health, she is unable to attend her solicitor’s office to make a formal Will. So she decides... Read more continue reading

Estate planning in the post 1 July 2017 world

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Investors spend a lifetime saving and building their wealth. Without an effective and up-to-date estate planning solution, families can face a range consequences upon the death of a parent. This... Read more continue reading

BDBNs and life insurance in super: beware the transfer balance cap trap

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Strategic estate planning is key to ensuring flexibility in crises. Although you may not consider yourself at risk of exceeding the transfer balance cap following 1 July 2017, you may... Read more continue reading

DIY Wills are not the same as DIY Super

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The courts are littered with examples of ‘do it yourself’ Wills that have gone wrong. It doesn’t matter how simple you think your Will is – even smart people like... Read more continue reading

Court refuses will for dementia sufferer

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In the recent case of R v J [2017], the Western Australian Supreme Court rejected an application to make a will for a woman who no longer had capacity to... Read more continue reading

Estate equalisation by courts not so straightforward

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In a 2015 court case a claim by the daughters of the deceased for an equal share of his estate was dismissed. It was taken that the daughters had been... Read more continue reading

Key issues in estate planning using trusts

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A look at two important family trust issues that advisers may come across in establishing or managing the workings of a client’s estate planning using trusts. Issue #1: Who should... Read more continue reading

Proper planning is always key to a succession and estate plan

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Good estate planning is not only about the Will but in the detailed planning that goes into the other aspects of the estate to achieve the best outcome for your... Read more continue reading

Did you know that the terms of a Will can be changed – or even ignored?

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If the deceased’s Will conflicts with the family’s current circumstances or with the wishes of the beneficiaries they can take steps to change it. There are many reasons why such... Read more continue reading