For many, when going through a major life change like a marriage or divorce, there are so many things to organise that estate planning often falls to the bottom of the list. Most people don’t realise that these types of life events can have a significant impact on their estate...

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...