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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
