Jason Coluccio writes frankly about future directions in the legal profession, why law firms are facing huge challenges today and what he did about it. When I joined the legal profession in 2011 it was not as a fledgling, wide-eyed twenty-something graduate (with minimal life experience), but rather, as a reasonably savvy businessman with a proven track record in sales. It followed then, that … [Read more...]
Technology, Law and the New Age: Celebrations & Challenges
Robert F Kennedy in his 1966 speech that referenced an ancient Chinese curse said, “We live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind.” While Kennedy was speaking to his generation, his words ring true for 2017 and the Technological Age that is currently unfolding. Many of us in the legal … [Read more...]
Estate Planning for the Business Owner
A key concern for many families while preparing their Will and Testamentary documents is the discussion surrounding how they might ensure the needs of their children will be met in the event of their unexpected death or illness. Indeed, this is a critical discussion that must happen, particularly when the clients have very young children. While most clients in this situation come to us ready to … [Read more...]
Real People, Real Law, Communicated Simply: What Makes Us Different
At Welden & Coluccio Lawyers we pride ourselves in having created, what we affectionately refer to as “a home-baked cookie kind of business”. I appreciate that this may seem like a long stretch. However, suspend your disbelief long enough to put aside your image of a lawyer (wig and gown clad if you wish), stooped over a stove, as the smell of freshly baked goods wafts gently in the … [Read more...]
There is no such thing as a ‘free’ Will’
While watching the footy one Sunday afternoon, an advertisement for an insurance company came on the television. In addition to selling insurance, the company told viewers that if they signed up within the next month they would receive, free of charge, a Will Kit. I imagine that a lot of people watching the advertisement thought it was a good offer. After all, who can resist a freebie? A Will is … [Read more...]
Digital Assets: Your Online Life After Death
With rapid advancements in technology there is the increased likelihood that you have created a digital presence and online identity. As time goes by many of our ‘possessions’ are becoming digitised, creating a new category of personal property that being the ‘digital asset’. What is a digital asset? A digital asset is anything you may own, or have rights to, that exist either online or on … [Read more...]
Wills & Estates Planning: The Differences Made Simple
What is difference between making a Will and an Estate Plan? We have provided a case study to help explain the difference. Firstly, a Little Background A client was concerned that at their death, their assets could be sold off by the surviving spouse during their remaining lifetime. A solicitor was instructed and a comprehensive testamentary trust was developed at some expense. … [Read more...]
Estate Planning After Separation and Divorce
I have been married for several years but have recently separated from my spouse. We have finalised a property settlement, but are yet to get around to being officially divorced.. I don’t have a Will, does this mean my former spouse will still have access to my estate when I die? The simple answer is yes. Whilst you may be separated, you are still legally married and have a legal ‘spouse’ in … [Read more...]
“I’m uncomplicated so my Will should be pretty straightforward, right?”
If I had a dollar for every time someone said this to me I could retire right now. You see everyone thinks that their circumstances are straightforward and it follows then that they believe that their Estate needs will be easily satisfied with either a “cheap Will”, a blank template where you enter names and addresses; or, even worse, a DIY Will Kit. Truth is, few Wills actually are … [Read more...]
Changes to Stamp Duty in South Australia
As part of the 2015-2016 State Budget, the government has abolished stamp duty on transfers of non-real property, together with stamp duty on transfers of non-residential, non-primary production real property, with phasing-in commencing from 1st July 2016. Abolishment of Stamp Duty on Some Items The abolishment of stamp duty on transfers of non-real property applies to items such as plant … [Read more...]
