Transformative Changes in Conveyancing in New South Wales 2016
What Did 2016 Look Like in Conveyancing? Lately, there has been a resurgence of interest in the year 2016, with many reflecting on its significance. While it may not have been a pivotal year for everyone, it certainly marked a transformative period for the conveyancing industry in New South Wales. This year signified a major […]
When Love, Location and Legacy Collide: Lessons from a Cross-Border Estate Dispute
A recent Supreme Court of New South Wales decision has highlighted just how complex estate administration can become when modern relationships and international lifestyles collide. At Hill Legal, we see this case as a timely reminder that estate planning today is no longer just about having a Will in place. It is about understanding how […]
Dunham Case Highlights Need for Legal Wills in NSW
Importance of Legal Wills: Insights from the Dunham Case Research conducted by NSW Trustee and Guardian in 2023 revealed a concerning statistic: 60% of NSW residents do not have a legal Will document in place. This lack of preparedness can lead to significant complications for families and loved ones left behind. The recent Victorian Supreme […]
Court Ruling Redefines Property Rights in De Facto Relationships
Legal Insights: Court Decision on Property Ownership After Death When Robin Geoffrey Tarrant passed away in July 2024, he left behind his de facto partner of over eight years, Vanda Crothers. The will he left behind granted Ms. Crothers only a limited right to reside in their jointly-owned home for ten years. Despite her significant […]
Robyn Margaret Wise Estate Case Insights on Probate and Administration
Robyn Margaret Wise Estate Case Overview Robyn Margaret Wise passed away in April 2011, leaving behind a will that appointed her son Shane and her de facto partner Stephen as co-executors of her estate. The will stipulated that Stephen would receive half the value of the family home, while Shane and his brother Craig were […]
Victorian Supreme Court Decision Re Walker Insights on Probate Law and AI Risks
Re Walker [2025] VSC 714: A Case Study in Probate Law and AI Risks The recent decision by the Victorian Supreme Court in Re Walker [2025] VSC 714 presents estate planning practitioners with a compelling narrative that intertwines two significant modern dilemmas: traditional probate challenges arising from suspicious circumstances and the emerging risks associated with […]
Common Misconceptions Keeping Clients from Estate Planning
Why Clients Avoid Estate Planning: Common Misconceptions After five years of collaborating with advisers, accountants, and lawyers across hundreds of practices, a clear pattern emerges: many clients consistently avoid estate planning. They delay, postpone, and ultimately never commit to the process. The reasons for this reluctance are often similar, including beliefs such as “my affairs […]
Essential Guide to Property Disputes in Australia Legal Insights and Solutions
Navigating Property Disputes in Australia Property disputes are a common occurrence in Australia, often arising from disagreements over ownership, boundaries, or the terms of sale. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, property disputes account for a significant portion of civil litigation, with thousands of cases filed each year. Understanding the legal framework surrounding property […]
Estate Planning Lessons from Crothers v Cahill: Protecting Your De Facto Partner in Life and Beyond
The Western Australian Supreme Court decision in Crothers v Cahill [2025] WASC 478, handed down on 12 November last, offers invaluable insights for couples in de facto relationships and the people who advise them. As second marriages and de facto partnerships surge 10% post-COVID and 25% of Australian households include stepchildren, this case highlights critical […]
Power of Attorney Abuse Lessons from Ronald James Smiths Case
The Devastating Consequences of Power of Attorney Abuse Ronald James Smith, at the age of 86 and facing the early stages of dementia, believed he was making a prudent decision by granting his second wife, Joyce, an enduring power of attorney in January 2008. However, what unfolded next resembles a financial thriller, with real victims […]
