Alison Norton Alison Norton

Formal Validity of a Will

For a Will to be formally valid in Victoria it must be executed in accordance with the requirements of the Wills Act.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Reasons Why You Might Need a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions on your behalf. In Victoria, there are different types of powers of attorney, each serving a specific purpose.

Discover some reasons why you might need a power of attorney in Victoria.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Ensuring a Lifetime of Love: Planning for Your Pet's Future

The sole drawback of being a guardian to a companion animal is that our time together always feels too short. One of the most challenging and sobering realizations is that our beloved pets may outlive us, necessitating someone else to care for them.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Understanding Superannuation Death Benefits: What You Need to Know

Superannuation, often referred to as super, is an essential part of financial planning for many Australians. However, what happens to your super when you pass away? In this guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of superannuation death benefits, helping you understand how they work, who can receive them, and the tax implications involved.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

What is a testamentary trust and why would we set one up?

A testamentary trust is a legal arrangement that is established through a will, serving as a versatile tool for estate planning. Unlike a traditional will, where assets are typically bequeathed directly to individual family members, a testamentary trust will involves leaving assets to a trust entity, with designated beneficiaries who are usually family members.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Triggers for Review of an Estate Plan

Estate planning isn’t ‘set and forget’ or something that you do once. In our latest blog we dig into the key reasons why you might reconsider your estate plan, such as marriage, divorce, changing roles and financial shifts. In this blog you can learn why adapting your estate plan when life changes is crucial for securing your legacy.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Contesting a Will

Contesting a Will can be a challenging and difficult process, making the assistance of a compassionate lawyer invaluable. In this article, we delve into the obstacles that can emerge for families concerning Wills. These challenges range from disagreements over the designated inheritance amount to addressing accusations of undue influence and investigating breaches of fiduciary duty.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Famous People Who Died Without a Will: A Cautionary Tale

Discover the untold stories of iconic figures who overlooked a vital aspect of estate planning: creating a Will. Join us as we unravel the stories of Stan Lee and other famous people who left no legal directives, leading to contentious battles over their estates. Delve into the tumultuous aftermath that followed their passing in this revealing blog post.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Why Everyone Should Have Life Insurance

Discover the importance of life insurance and why everyone should have it. Our guide explains how life insurance offers financial security, covers outstanding debts, and ensures a bright future for your loved ones. Find peace of mind knowing you've protected their well-being. Read more now!

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Is There Inheritance Tax in Australia?

While there may not be inheritance tax in Australia beneficiaries of deceased estates still need to consider the tax obligations on the assets that they inherit.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Understanding Your Superannuation and Binding Death Benefit Nominations

In the realm of estate planning and superannuation, there is often confusion surrounding whether superannuation can be dealt with in your Will. This blog aims to clarify the matter and provide insights into the significance of Binding Death Benefit Nominations (BDBNs). Discover how you can have control over the distribution of your superannuation funds to your chosen nominees.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

3 Important Estate Planning Documents to Update if You Are Going Through a Separation

Going through a separation or divorce is a highly stressful time for most people. It can feel like your life has been turned upside down. On top of that there are loads of administrative tasks to attend to. While it can feel overwhelming it’s important to move through it and one of the most important things to attend to is updating your Estate Plan.

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Melissa Willcocks Melissa Willcocks

Don’t leave your Estate Planning until it’s too late!

Planning for the future is an essential aspect of responsible adult life, yet it's something many people tend to put off until "later." One area where this procrastination is particularly detrimental is estate planning. Failing to establish an estate plan can lead to a host of problems for both you and your loved ones. Here are some compelling reasons why you shouldn't wait until it's too late to make an estate plan.

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