Did you know that your de facto partner could have a significant claim on your estate? In Australia, de facto relationships come with their own set of legal intricacies that can greatly impact your Will and superannuation benefits. Here’s what you need to know to protect your partner and ensure your wishes are met.
Why It Matters:
If you haven’t made adequate provisions for your partner, they might challenge your Will.
Ensuring your partner has shelter, a steady income, and a financial cushion for life’s unpredictability is crucial.
The Law’s Take:
A de facto relationship might automatically exist if it’s registered or there’s a child involved.
If your relationship lasts over two years and shows signs like shared residence, financial interdependence, or a mutual commitment to a shared life, it’s likely legally recognised.
What the Courts Look At:
Living together? Check.
Financial ties? Check.
Shared life goals? Check.
Supporting each other’s kids? Check.
Publicly seen as a couple? Check.
Pro Tip:
Courts take a holistic view, so all aspects of your relationship count. This applies to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, even if there’s another marriage or de facto relationship in the picture.
Your Next Moves:
Lawyer Up: Discuss your relationship status with a legal expert.
Will Power: Ensure your Will reflects your partner’s needs.
Super Savvy: Review and update your superannuation nominations.
Decide Wisely: Choose who should receive your super benefits.
Lock It Down: Consider a binding, non-lapsing nomination for peace of mind.
Stay Current: Regularly update your legal documents to reflect any changes.
Join Us for a FREE LIVE Interactive Seminar
Hill Legal invites you to an engaging and informative seminar that delves into the complex estate planning issues faced by modern families. This FREE & LIVE hour-long seminar will explore available solutions and strategies to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Topics We Will Cover:
- Conflicting Interests in Blended Families: Addressing life interests and restricted superannuation pensions.
- Defacto Relationships: Understanding when they legally start and end, and the rights of surviving defactos to claims upon estates and superannuation death benefits.
Asset Protection Issues:
- Protecting your wealth upon your passing and when your spouse re-partners.
- Safeguarding your estate for children experiencing relationship breakdowns.
Minimising Tax on Death: Strategies to reduce tax liabilities upon death.
During the event, we will introduce “Life Vault”, a groundbreaking tool designed to facilitate the seamless transfer of critical documents and information to executors and attorneys. Additionally, we will demonstrate our new online Estate Planning Solution, developed in collaboration with Inherit Australia. This innovative tool allows clients to be interviewed online by a legal assistant, Chris Hill, to create or amend their wills or estate planning documents cost-effectively and seamlessly.
Take Control of Your Legacy
Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your legacy. Join us for our FREE LIVE seminar on 7th August 2024 at the Rosebud Country Club. To secure your spot, please book your tickets here, or scan the QR code below. Further details are below. We are over 80% booked!!
Date: August 7th, 2024
Venue: Rosebud Country Club – 207 Boneo Road, Rosebud 3939
Time: 6:15pm Registration for a 6.30pm start to 7.30pm
Ticket Price: FREE!
Light refreshments and canapes will be served afterwards.
This is your chance to gain invaluable insights and practical advice on estate planning tailored for the modern family. If you have any questions, please send us a message or call our office on 03 5976 6500. There is limited availability, so don’t miss out and secure your tickets NOW!
We look forward to helping you navigate the complexities of estate planning and ensuring your legacy is protected for future generations.
