Let’s just imagine The Last Jedi never happened and go back to more simpler times, say 1977 A New Hope . . . ah that’s better. Did Han-Solo shoot first? Did Greedo shoot first? Does it even matter? The debate about whether or not Han-Solo shot first is to refer to George Lucas' changes to the original Star Wars movie trilogy; more specifically a change to the A New Hope Special Edition, in … [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...]
Real Estate Contracts: New Rulings Spell Warnings For Those Signing Contracts
A recent Revenue Ruling by the Commissioner of State Taxation has now made clear that the use and implementation of including the phrase 'and or nominee' in a contract, most likely for the purchase of land, is no longer required. A word of warning. If you think it is now safe to begin executing contracts for the purchase of land on behalf of family and friends and so on, think again. Signing a … [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...]
Greg Welden, Guest Presenter at National Legal Conferences
In line with our mission to become the most respected, innovative and distinguished estate planning firm in Adelaide, we dedicate considerable time to both extending our knowledge and presenting this information, as leaders, to the broader legal community. Greg Welden was in Melbourne last week delivering a paper via ‘Live-video-Webinar’ in conjunction with the Television Education Network. … [Read more...]
Celebrity Wills Blog Series: (2) Heath Ledger
Updating your Will can be just as (possibly more) important than ensuring you have one in the first place. Celebrities are not immune from this either, take for example the ‘out of date’ Will of Heath Ledger. Everyone knows they should have a Will. Whether everyone actually has one is a different thing altogether. Whether it be apathy, laziness or fear of death, an alarmingly large number … [Read more...]
Celebrity Wills Blog Series: (1)Robin Williams
Every adult needs a Will. I say and write that repeatedly when speaking with new clients, current clients, friends or the public when presenting seminars or information sessions. So why do we not think that celebrities don’t have a Will? Of course they do. Celebrity Wills range from the complex, think Michael Jackson, to non-existent, Amy Winehouse or, (would you believe it?) Abraham … [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...]
Mum & Dad Banks Beware
Each morning I like to watch a few minutes of Sunrise. At least I do, until I realise that the kids are no-where close to being ready for school (and the grumbling ensues). At any rate, yesterday morning, I happened to catch a report about the rise of ‘Mum and Dad Banks’. This is the term that has been coined to describe a situation when parents provide money or security to assist their … [Read more...]
Probate & The Role of Executor
“My Great Aunt Edna just died and it seems she has listed me as her sole executor. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.” When a family member or close friend dies it is normal to feel a whole range of feelings ranging from grief to confusion. The news that you have been named as an executor may come as a surprise (although hopefully not), and will certainly heighten … [Read more...]
