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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Recent statistics show that almost 82% of Australians use social media. But what happens to these accounts when the social media user passes away? The accounts don’t just disappear. Therefore, an executor must understand how to close down social media accounts following a death. Digital legacy You must make decisions about their online accounts if [...]
Many people wonder why they should write a Will. Obviously, the number one reason to draft a one is to ensure their asset distribution interests are known. And even though people can contest wills, it’s important to note that the Courts carefully consider original Wills and why the testator made the decisions. Therefore drafting a [...]
