The Lawyer, the Iphone & 13 Million..
For a Will to be validly executed, it must meet certain requirements – eg. it must be signed by two witnesses. The Court recently had to consider whether a digital note saved on an iPhone by a Mr Colin Peek - a multi-millionaire - was in fact his Will. If it was his...
Ensuring your legacy: importance of reviewing your Will
“I have done my will and don’t need to look at it again. Right?” Wrong! Your estate planning can be affected by several life changes which typically include: • major life events (marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary or birth of a child) • significant financial...
Buyer (and Seller) Beware !!
Major changes relating to the purchase and sale of property in Queensland are coming into effect on 1 August 2025. Traditionally, it has been up to the Buyer to satisfy themselves a property was ‘right for them’ by doing their due diligence and obtaining relevant...
Do You Know How Your Will Works?
A person who makes a Will must have testamentary capacity. This means the person understands the nature and effect of making a Will and understands what they own and who can claim on their estate. Wills can be challenged and ‘struck out’ if a person did not have...
It was mum’s fault !
It is not uncommon for parents to exclude children from their Will – especially where the relationship between the parent and the child has soured. As you can imagine, the reasons for a breakdown of the relationship between a parent and child can be many and varied....
It’s On Again
I recently wrote about ASIC commencing penalty proceedings against CBUS Superannuation Fund. In those proceedings, ASIC asserts CBUS failed to act efficiently when handling claims for the payment of Death Benefits of members. Well, ASIC is on the civil penalty...
To begin, begin
As we welcome the new year, many of us take time to reflect on our goals and aspirations. We make promises to ourselves to eat healthier, exercise more and do something new. Amid all the self-improvement, however, it’s easy to overlook one important aspect of our...
Copy That !
I wrote about the importance of knowing where your original Will is in this column a year or so ago. The three recent files on my desk and the decision of Hindman J handed down in the Brisbane Supreme Court on December 5 on one of my files suggests it’s time to...
Aged Care Reform has taken ages
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was established on October 8, 2018, and recommended in 2021 that there be a new Aged Care Act. The Aged Care Bill 2024 got the green light in parliament on November 24 and is likely to become law from July 1 this...
It’s About Time…
I noted with interest the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced penalty proceedings against the Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (CBUS). ASIC alleges CBUS failed to act efficiently when CBUS handled claims being made...