Testamentary Trusts and the “Death Tax” Debate

By |July 27th, 2026|ESTATE LAW, NEWS|

Testamentary Trusts and the “Death Tax” Debate: Where Things Stand Now Recent Federal Budget announcements about discretionary trusts have caused confusion for many families, particularly those who have a testamentary trust included in their Will or are considering one as part of their estate plan. Some commentary described the proposed changes as a “death tax”, while others suggested testamentary trusts could lose some of their [...]

How Superannuation is Treated After Death

By |June 25th, 2026|ESTATE LAW|

How Superannuation Is Treated After Death. The one asset many Australians forget about in their Estate Plan. When most people think about estate planning, they usually focus on: Their home; Savings; Investments; or Who gets the family jewellery. But one of the most important assets people forget about is often sitting quietly in the background the entire time: superannuation. Importantly, your super does not automatically [...]

Granny Flat Agreements in NSW

By |June 25th, 2026|ESTATE LAW|

Thinking About Moving in With Family? Why a Granny Flat Agreement Matters. As parents get older, many families start thinking about whether Mum or Dad should move in with an adult child, build a granny flat, or contribute money towards renovations or a larger home. These arrangements can work very well. They can provide companionship, practical support and peace of mind for everyone involved. [...]

New Developments in NSW Guardianship Law

By |May 22nd, 2026|ESTATE LAW, NEWS|

New developments in NSW guardianship law: what you need to know about restraints and “restrictive practices” If you’ve set up (or are thinking about setting up) an Appointment of Enduring Guardian in New South Wales, there’s been an important shift in how the law deals with restraints, more formally known as “restrictive practices.” These changes are already affecting families, aged care providers and legal [...]

Testamentary Trust Changes: What the Federal Budget Means for Your Will

By |May 20th, 2026|ESTATE LAW, NEWS|

Testamentary Trust Changes: What the Federal Budget Means for Your Will The Federal Government’s 2026-2027 budget has introduced a significant proposed change to the taxation of discretionary trusts, a change that may directly impact many wills incorporating Discretionary Testamentary Trusts (DTTs). What is changing for Testamentary Trusts? The Government has announced a proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trust income to apply from 1 [...]

What’s a Will with a Testamentary Trust?  

By |April 2nd, 2026|ESTATE LAW|

What’s a Will with a Testamentary Trust and Why Might You Want One Instead of a Basic Will? Estate planning can feel like one of those “I’ll deal with it later” jobs but getting it right can make a huge difference for the people you care about. A basic Will is a great start, but sometimes it just doesn’t offer enough protection or flexibility. That’s [...]

Estate Planning Essentials

By |February 22nd, 2026|ESTATE LAW|

Have you planned for the future? Planning ahead is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. Estate planning ensures your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected, giving you confidence that the people and causes you care about will be looked after. A well-structured estate plan sets out how your assets will [...]

Why DIY Will Kits Can Do More Harm Than Good

By |December 22nd, 2025|ESTATE LAW|

Many people choose DIY will kits because they appear quick and inexpensive. However, that short-term convenience can lead to long-term legal uncertainty, family disputes, and extra costs for your family. This article outlines the key risks and practical next steps for anyone in New South Wales considering a DIY Will. Key Pitfalls of DIY Will Kits in NSW Invalid execution and witnessing errors: NSW law [...]

Family Provision Claims in Blended Families

By |August 29th, 2025|ESTATE LAW|

As the modern Australian family evolves, so too does the legal battlefield over inheritance. Blended families, where partners bring children from previous relationships, are increasingly common, and so are the inheritance disputes they can sometimes generate. When love and legacy collide, family provision claims under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) often turn the courtroom into a stage for airing personal grievances, addressing financial need, and [...]

Estate Planning for Business Owners 101

By |April 17th, 2025|ESTATE LAW|

Estate planning is crucial for everyone, but for business owners, it’s even more vital. It not only protects your personal and business assets but also ensures that your business can continue operating smoothly in the event of your incapacity or passing. Let’s explore the key elements every business owner should consider. Why is Estate Planning Important for Business Owners? As a business owner, one of [...]

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