When I see a couple to take instructions for their Wills, and they each have children to a previous relationship, it is common for them to gift: • everything to their spouse; and • if their spouse has died, equally between their children and stepchildren. Clients are...Read More
For one reason or another, you may have purchased assets in the name of a Trust. Often described as ‘Family’ Trusts, these Trusts usually have common features including: A Trust Deed (the rule book); A Trustee (the manager); An Appointor/Principal (the supervisor and...Read More
The preparation of your estate plan involves a number of matters, especially the payment of your superannuation death benefit. From 1 July 2017 a “Transfer Balance Cap” was introduced. In broad terms, the effect of the Cap is to limit the total amount of...Read More
I often write about the importance of having a valid Will. You might have been as surprised as I was to learn that Aretha Franklin, “the Queen of Soul”, died without a formal Will. By not making a formal Will, the famous singer sparked more than four years of bitter...Read More
I have written previously about the pitfalls of home-made Wills. Although it may sound like I’m trying to drum up business in recommending your Will be prepared by a solicitor, there is some support from Master Sanderson in a recent Supreme Court of Western Australia...Read More
