In the realm of estate planning, drafting a Will is often the cornerstone of ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Within the framework of a Will, however, incorporating a trust (or trusts) can offer added layers of protection, control, and flexibility. At Whyte, Just and Moore, we specialise in Wills and Estate [...]
As a trusted law firm serving the Geelong community, we understand that thinking about one’s mortality can be uncomfortable, and this can include thinking about your Will. You might also think you do not have sufficient assets to justify making a Will. Or you might be planning to draft a Will, but it has been [...]
Dying without a valid will means you have no control over who your assets will pass to following your death. It means you may not be providing for loved ones and your estate may not benefit the people you would have intended to benefit if you had made a will. It also means that loved [...]
Are you or a loved one part of a blended family? Do you have a valid Will? There is no doubt that making a Will is important for everyone and especially if you are a member of a blended family. Blended Families and Where to Begin? A blended family is a family where one or [...]
Concerningly, over 50% of Australians don’t have a Will or estate plan. Although it may seem overwhelming to appoint an Attorney to make decisions for you if you lose capacity or appoint a guardian of your children if you die while they are still young, without proper estate planning, your loved ones will be left [...]
When it comes to estate planning, trusts can play an integral role in managing and allocating assets. At its core, a trust is a legal agreement where a trustee holds property for the benefit of beneficiaries. Trusts can be organised in various ways, each with its regulations and tax implications. Trusts are widely used in [...]
Beneficiaries of estates often wonder why it takes so long for an executor to administer an estate. While it may feel like a long time before you receive your inheritance, it’s essential to recognise that administering an estate is a complex process. In fact, there are common factors that contribute to delays in estate administration. [...]
Written by: Alison Mitchell, Senior Lawyer in Wills & Estates and Practice Manager Have you ever thought about what happens to everything and everyone you care about if you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you can’t make decisions? Whilst most of us have a Will in place or have thought about making a [...]
Although we don’t like to think about it, none of us last forever. Therefore it’s important to get your affairs in order and create a Will, note how you wish your assets to be distributed after your death, leave instructions for your funeral and ensure your relatives are taken care of in the event of [...]
People contest a Will for several reasons. They may be beneficiaries, family members, or other parties with an interest in the estate who believe they did not receive appropriate provisions under a will. No matter the reason, it can be a complicated and emotionally taxing process. Therefore, knowing a few things is important before you [...]
