Proposed tax changes: does your Will need a review?
The Government has introduced legislation proposing changes to the taxation of discretionary trusts, including trusts established under a will# The legislation is not yet law and may change before it is passed. However, the proposals make this a sensible time to review wills containing testamentary trusts. What is a Testamentary Trust? A testamentary trust is […]
Navigating Property Disputes in Australia Essential Guide
Understanding Property Disputes in Australia Property disputes are a significant concern for many Australians, particularly in a rapidly changing real estate market. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, property disputes have increased by 20% over the past five years, reflecting the complexities of ownership and tenancy in today’s environment. This article explores the various […]
The $3.8 Million DIY Will Trap: A Costly Lesson in Estate Planning
Why a Simple Online Will Template Can Lead to Complex Estate Disputes Creating a Will using a free online template might seem like a straightforward and cost-effective way to protect your family’s future. However, when it comes to estate planning, even seemingly minor drafting errors can create significant uncertainty, family disputes and costly legal proceedings. […]
Chattels and Gift Lists in Estate Planning for a Clear Legacy
Chattels Lists and Gift Lists: Balancing Flexibility and Certainty in Estate Planning In the realm of estate planning, the use of chattels lists and gift lists plays a crucial role in determining how personal belongings and assets are distributed after one’s passing. These tools offer a way to express intentions regarding specific items, but they […]
Upcoming Capital Gains Tax Changes Investors Must Know
Upcoming Changes to Capital Gains Tax: What Investors Need to Know Starting from 1 July 2027, significant changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will be implemented, impacting investors and asset owners across various sectors. A new minimum tax rate of 30% will apply to eligible real capital gains that exceed inflation. These changes are poised […]
Impending Regulatory Changes for Investors and Business Owners Before 2027
Upcoming Regulatory Changes Impacting Investors and Business Owners Significant regulatory changes are on the horizon that could profoundly affect property investors, business owners, and shareholders. With a critical transition date of 30 June 2027 approaching, it is essential for stakeholders to understand the implications of these changes. This article serves as Part 1 of our […]
Understanding Testamentary Capacity in the Wilma Annette Pusterla Case
Testamentary Capacity vs. Knowledge: The Case of Wilma Annette Pusterla The recent case of The Estate of the late Wilma Annette Pusterla [2026] NSWSC 951 sheds light on the complexities surrounding testamentary capacity and the requirements for a valid Will. In this case, the court determined that the 92-year-old testator had the necessary testamentary capacity […]
Lessons from the David Bonnici Case on Wills and Estate Planning
Lessons from the David Bonnici Case: Wills and Estate Planning The tragic case of David Bonnici, who took his own life in December 2014, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding wills and estate planning. Beyond the heartbreak of his passing, David’s death left his family entangled in a legal mess that resulted […]
Challenging Grandparents Wills Lessons from Barlow v Barlow
Challenging a Grandparent’s Will: Insights from Barlow v Barlow The recent case of Barlow v Barlow [2026] NSWSC 484 provides significant insights into the ability of an employed adult grandchild to challenge a grandparent’s will. The court ruled that the grandchild could successfully contest the will, albeit to a limited extent. This decision serves as […]
Dying Without a Will in Victoria Consequences and Solutions
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will in Victoria In this article, we explain the consequences of dying without a Will in Victoria and how many disputes can be prevented through proper estate planning. The Consequences of Dying Intestate When an individual dies without a Will, they are said to have died “intestate.” This […]
