Believe me when I say that I have a love, hate relationship with Will kits. I love them because, no matter how many I see, there are ALWAYS problems with them. Issues arise not necessarily through the blank document (or template) itself, but by the way people complete them (or sometimes don’t complete them). And in my world, problems equal profits. However, at the same time my feelings … [Read more...]
Death & Debt: Who Pays?
Wealth. Perhaps it’s best to enjoy it now; because you certainly won’t be taking it with you to the hereafter. It is a sobering thought, and one made a little less depressing, by the reality that you won’t be able to take your debt with you either. While we don’t physically take our debts with us to the grave, in many situations these debts, contrary to widespread belief, do not necessarily … [Read more...]
What does a good estate lawyer do?
While most lawyers draft Wills, unfortunately (and it pains me to say this), not all of them do this well. This begs the question, what does a good estate lawyer do, and, how do I know if the person drafting my Will is any good? It is important to note that if you die without a Will you die intestate. Essentially this means that, since you fail to express your wishes, there can be no … [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...]
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...]
Welden & Coluccio Lawyers: Finalists in Australian Small Business Champions Awards
Welden & Coluccio Lawyers are thrilled to announce that they are finalists in the Australian Small Business Champions Awards. The prestigious event, held annually in Sydney, is described as the ‘Oscars event for small businesses’. Greg Welden and his wife Tanya will represent the firm tomorrow night, 1st April 2017, at a gala presentation dinner held at the Westin in Sydney. “While we … [Read more...]
Can I Gift My Inheritance to Someone Else?
At times, as Estate Specialists, we are asked questions relating to the implications for gifting their inheritance to other family members. One such elderly couple came to us asking if they could gift their share of an inheritance to their daughter. Obviously this couple had no need for the inheritance and wanted to provide the benefit to someone who would genuinely needs it. The amount involved … [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...]
