The first actions you need to take if you have been appointed to manage your family’s charitable foundation or a Private Ancillary Fund
If you have been newly appointed to manage a Private Ancillary Fund, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure what you need to do first. You do not want to get bogged down in administration when real objective is to make a positive impact on your community. We have put together a simple list of the first actions you need to take to make sure you start on the right foot.
What happens to your HECS loan when you die?
Have you ever wondered what happens to the remaining amount owing on your HECS-HELP loan when you die? Well here’s your answer!
Six ‘danger zones’ where an accountant should involve a lawyer
Our business clients are facing increasing complexity and higher risks in almost every area of their business life. Navigating these waters requires a team of professionals who work well together, and serve the client’s bests interest as a cohesive group. At the very least, every business owner needs a lawyer (of course!), an accountant, a […]
What happens in South Australia to jointly held assets if you and your spouse die at the same time?
Do you remember the scene in Titanic where an elderly husband and wife choose to perish together rather than be separated? The couple were Ida Straus and her husband Isador Straus, Macy’s department store co-owner. Hankies aside, this story is interesting from an inheritance law perspective because it raises the question of what happens to […]
What are your rights when your de facto partner dies (in SA)?
Do you have the same rights as people who are married? For example, to share in your partner’s estate, challenge their Will, get damages for wrongful death, claim super benefits, etc? The short answer is, yes, but…
When can you benefit other people under an Enduring Power of Attorney?
An enduring power of attorney has the power to make a lot of decisions. However, without good planning, they may still not be able to do what you intend them to do. For example, if you appoint your spouse as your enduring attorney they will not be able to do anything that benefits themselves. Find out how to avoid these pitfalls.
Do expats need to have an Australian Will?
If you are living permanently outside of Australia, do you still need an Australian Will? Yes. Find out why.
What’s wrong with a Will Kit?
Think of a lawyer like a ‘Will Kit’ – but with arms and legs.
How to pass on your farm
How does an older farmer exit farming, fund their retirement and keep the family happy? The average age of a farmer in Australia is 50 years old. If you are a farmer and haven’t yet thought about your retirement and succession plan, now is the time. Handing over control of the farm in exchange for […]
How to look after your pets after you’re gone
If you want to make sure your ‘furbaby’ is looked after when you’re gone, we can advise you how to best achieve this in your estate planning.