Why You Should Create a Will Now for Peace of Mind
Why You Need a Will Sooner Than You Think Most people understand the importance of having a Will, yet far fewer actually take the necessary steps to create one. The need for a Will is more urgent than many realise. Understanding the implications of not having a Will can motivate individuals to prioritize this essential […]
Understanding Anti-Money Laundering Regulations in Conveyancing 2026
What is AML in Conveyancing? From 1 July 2026, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations will introduce an additional compliance step that conveyancers must perform. These laws are designed to detect and prevent financial crimes, including money laundering and the funding of terrorism. As part of this initiative, conveyancers will be required to implement new procedures and […]
Division 296 and Your Estate Plan – Part 2
Blended Families, SMSFs and Why Your Will May Not Be Enough In Part 1 of this series, we explored why the proposed Division 296 tax is much more than a superannuation issue—it can also have significant estate planning consequences. Now let’s look at some of the situations where careful planning becomes even more important. Blended […]
SMSF residential property borrowing: a short window before the new LRBA rules commence
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 has now received Royal Assent. The Act includes a new restriction on SMSF borrowing arrangements involving real property. Once the new rules commence, an SMSF will generally no longer be able to use a ( LRBA to acquire ordinary residential investment property. Note: This bulletin […]
Testamentary Trusts: Why the Government’s Tax Backflip is Good News for Families
Estate planning is not just about deciding who receives your assets when you die. It is about making sure your wealth passes to the right people, in the right way, with the right level of protection. For many families, one of the most effective ways to do this is through a testamentary trust will. Recent […]
Why High-Balance Superannuation Clients Need to Start Planning Before 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, the proposed Division 296 tax is expected to change the way superannuation is taxed for individuals with balances exceeding $3 million. Much of the public discussion has centred on whether the tax is fair, how it will be calculated, and who will be affected. While these are important questions, there is […]
ATO Ruling Highlights Why Superannuation Death Benefits Need Careful Estate Planning
A recent Australian Taxation Office (ATO) private binding ruling serves as an important reminder that effective estate planning extends beyond simply having a Will in place. The way superannuation death benefits are structured, received, and distributed can have a significant impact on the tax outcomes for beneficiaries. At Hill Legal, we regularly assist clients to […]
Understanding Wills Simplifying the Creation Process
The Importance of Wills: Demystifying the Process Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their will. It’s one of those tasks that often gets pushed down the list of priorities—usually because it feels complicated, uncomfortable, or simply not urgent. However, the reality is that once individuals begin the process of creating a will, they […]
Essential Guide to Property Disputes in Australia Legal Insights and Resolution Strategies
Understanding Property Disputes in Australia Property disputes are a common occurrence in Australia, often arising from disagreements over ownership, boundaries, or the terms of property agreements. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, property disputes account for a significant portion of civil litigation cases, highlighting the importance of understanding the legal frameworks and resolution strategies […]
Nick Andrianakos Estate Inheritance Battle Explained
Inheritance Battle of Nick Andrianakos’ Estate The estate of Nick Andrianakos, a prominent property and petroleum tycoon with an estimated fortune of $2 billion according to the 2025 Financial Review Rich List, is currently embroiled in a contentious inheritance battle in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Andrianakos passed away unexpectedly in March 2025 while in […]
