My fascination with the wax seal started about the same time as my fascination for all things related to Wills and Estates. In fact, if you were to ask my wife she might suggest that they emerged from the same passion. A few years ago she purchased me an old Probate document, circa 1880, that she came across on ebay. The document, relating to the settlement of an estate near Murray Bridge, was … [Read more...]
The Plain English Top 10 Questions About Wills
1)What is a Will? A Will is a legal document that outlines how you want your estate to be distributed when you die. Wills are not just for people who own property or have lots of money. We all need a will. Having one allows you to: appoint a person you trust to carry out the instructions in your will (your executor) provide for the people you care about leave particular items to … [Read more...]
Celebrity Wills Blog Series (5) – Jim Morrison
James Douglas “Jim” Morrison died in July 1971 aged just 27 years from a heroin overdose. Most people know him as the lead singer of The Doors, a band who, between the years 1966 and 1971, released a plethora of music. Their work remains popular to this day with the music and associated marketing materials continuing to generate huge income in the form of album re-releases, live albums and … [Read more...]
The Loss of a Loved One: Where to Next?
The loss of a loved one is a profound and overwhelming experience. Not only do you need to deal with your personal grief and the roller-coaster of emotions, but you may also be responsible for finalising the financial affairs of the deceased. The most common question we hear from our clients when they have lost their loved one is, “What do I need to do now?” Such a question, tinged with … [Read more...]
Celebrity Wills Blog Series (4) – Philip Seymour Hoffman
Philip Seymour Hoffman was an American actor, director and a regular presence in films from the early 1990s until his death at age 46. He commenced his acting career in a 1991 in an episode of Law & Order. He went on to play leading roles, and for his portrayal of the author Truman Capote in Capote (2005), won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He received three more Oscar nominations for … [Read more...]
Last Testament 101: Five Common Will Myths
1. If I die everything will automatically be given to my husband/wife or partner. 2. I don’t have any assets so I don’t need to make a Will. 3. I can just write my own Will using a kit or a note about what I want to happen. 4. I won’t be around, so I don’t need to think about it. 5. I made my Will years ago so I don’t need to update it now. 1. If I die everything will automatically be given … [Read more...]
Will Kits Strike Again!
I love Will Kits! Strange for a lawyer to say that isn’t it? I love them because no matter how many I see there are always problems with them, not necessarily by the form itself but by the way people complete them (or sometimes don’t complete them). And in my world, problems equals profits. The most innocuous of issues can lead to big expense as a recent example examined by the Supreme … [Read more...]
Death Tax Implemented in UK Spells Warning for the Future of Probate Fees in South Australia
For a long time now I have been an outspoken critic of the trend for governments to move towards heavy taxes being imposed on Australians for probate services. Last April (2016) I responded to the latest Probate fee increase implemented by the South Australian Government. The fee increase, was, as I went on to explain, “…so exorbitant there can be no other way to classify it other than the … [Read more...]
Celebrity Wills Blog Series: (3) John Lennon
Arguably the most successful songwriter of all time, John Winston Lennon, was tragically murdered in 1980. With such a sudden death, taking place during what was possibly the peak of his solo career, one must wonder about the specifics of his estate? After all, even by today’s standards, he was what we would consider to be complicated. Lennon, who had divorced his first wife Cynthia in 1967 … [Read more...]
Access Your Super Early: Top 7 Strategies
For many Australians times are financially tough. It is quite a source of frustration to know that you have a stash of money growing in a super fund, yet are struggling with mortgage repayments and the rising costs of living. Add to this an unexpected illness or significant misfortune and you may find yourself asking the question, “Can I get my hands on my Super early?”. In most cases, you … [Read more...]
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