Many people assume that if they've written down their wishes, started a draft Will or told their family what they want, everything will work out after they're gone. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple.

This article explains why unfinished estate planning can create uncertainty, costly Supreme Court proceedings and lengthy delays for the people you leave behind. Using the Victorian case of Re Phillipson [2020] VSC 857, we explore when an unsigned draft Will or informal document may be recognised by the Court, when it won't, and why completing your estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family.

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What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Australia: A Clear Guide to Intestacy.
Understand intestacy in NSW, Victoria and QLD, and why a lawyer-drafted will protects your family, assets and intentions.

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There are many complex tax and eligibility rules when it comes to our superannuation and our death. Usually choosing a strategy that will minimise or be tax free is a high priority for my estate planning clients. However, so too is asset protections, especially considering superannuation is such a major asset in our estates these days. So why not have the best of both worlds: tax free treatment AND asset protection. Talk to Lucy Percy to learn more about a Super Proceeds Trust or Superannuation Death Benefits Testamentary Trust.

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Why working with an expert wills lawyer, like Lucy Percy is worth the investment compared to online will platforms and will kits.

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And why it doesn’t matter if you think you are too young!
Creating a will and an estate plan is an important step that everyone should take once they reach adulthood, regardless of age or stage of life. By doing so, you can protect your loved ones, avoid family disputes, plan for the future, gain peace of mind, and leave a legacy of love.

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We received this question after presenting a webinar, and it’s something that clients without family or friends to appoint to key roles in their estate planning realise that have a lot of choice over. So we wanted to share our answer here on our blog too!

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Think about how complex and connected the web of devices, and online accounts are that keep things running (semi) smoothly for you in your life.

If you’ve never thought about it before, my Digital Asset Checklist has listed for you some of the most common Digital Assets that people control and own and it’s a real eye opener once you pull the thread and realise how many there are, and how much they all talk to each other. It is a key step in completing a thorough estate plan.

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If you’re looking to ensure the intergenerational transfer of your wealth, in a way that is asset protected, tax efficient, and allows for your wisdom and values to be relevant from the grave, then a Testamentary Trust is for you.

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As my son turns 7, I reflect on my beliefs about how much nature v nurture impacts our character and the wonderful opportunity that we have to leave a legacy for future generations by parenting well.

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A legacy can be good: in the form of a well thought out transfer of wealth, or values, and traditions.
Or, it can be the impact of evil behaviour on innocent victims, and the effort of future generations to be free of that history

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Everything that I have to love, is also everything that I stand to lose.
Why you shouldn’t let dress rehearsing tragedy get in the way of joy and responsibility, and how to stop it.

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Doing an Estate Plan for your family is a privilege, and a wonderful opportunity. If you choose to view it that way!

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