Have you recently lost a loved one and received notice that their superannuation death benefit is to be paid to one or more dependants or their estate? Do you disagree with this decision? When a member of a superannuation fund dies, their superannuation death benefits do not automatically form part...

Many people assume that any document they write out and sign is capable of being upheld as a valid formal will.  While it is possible for informal documents such as notes, letters and “DIY” Wills to be upheld as a valid will there can be many unintended complications with such...

An executor is the person or persons appointed in a will to administer the estate of a deceased person. The thought of acting as someone’s executor can be intimidating especially if you are not sure what the role involves. Grant of probate The first step to acting as an executor...

Managing a deceased estate can sometimes be a difficult exercise. Misunderstandings and tension between executors and beneficiaries can arise in what is understandably an emotional and stressful process. This article will explore some of the common flashpoints that can occur between executors and beneficiaries and comment on some points that...

Starting a family is often one of the main triggers for clients to either update their existing estate plans or begin the process of implementing a new one. For many of these young families, the key concern is who will look after their children if they both pass away and...