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 […]
When Estrangement Meets the Law: What Adult Children Can (and Can’t) Claim From an Estate
At Hill Legal, one of the most common concerns we hear from clients is: “If I choose not to leave anything to my adult children, can they challenge my will?” A recent decision from the Supreme Court of Tasmania provides a clear and reassuring answer — and highlights why thoughtful estate planning remains essential. A […]
A Final Wish on a Menu: How Informal Wills Can Reshape an Estate
What happens when a dying man scribbles his final wishes on a hospital menu form — and a court is asked to treat it as his last will? The recent New South Wales Supreme Court decision in Muhvich v Arena [2026] NSWSC 333 answers that question. From Hill Legal’s perspective, the case provides powerful and […]
When Relationships Change but the Law Doesn’t: Estate Planning Lessons from Dunham
Imagine this: a long-term partner passes away without a will—and suddenly, multiple people step forward claiming entitlement to their estate. At Hill Legal, we see firsthand how often this situation arises—and how devastating it can be for those involved. Research conducted by NSW Trustee and Guardian in 2023 found that 60% of NSW residents do […]
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, offers important insights for couples in de facto relationships—and for those advising them. At Hill Legal, we are seeing a growing number of modern family structures. With second marriages and de facto partnerships increasing by 10% post-COVID, […]
