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Estate planning

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Leslie Wayne Quinn recorded his last will and testament on his phone, which proved good enough for a Queensland court.

I lost my dad three years ago. Then I discovered a super annoying extra stage of grief

As executor of my father’s will, I tried my best to navigate the insane bureaucracy and cost that dying incurs. But in the end, it defeated me.

  • Jo Pybus

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Tony Greaves will inherit his mother’s property, which he has been maintaining since she became ill.

Margaret signed a ‘free’ government will. It will cost her son $56,000

Tony Greaves said his mother wouldn’t have grasped the significance of the fees charged by the NSW Trustee and Guardian when she used their free will service.

  • Amber Schultz
When the family home is passed on to a beneficiary, they inherit the cost base of the deceased.

The ‘double death tax’ trap: How estate delays can cost you thousands

Delays in administrating an estate can now have huge tax consequences according to the ATO’s latest draft ruling.

  • Julia Hartman
A binding financial agreement is Australia’s version of a prenup (or postnup).

Preparing for the unthinkable: How to bring up a prenup

Talking about a prenup with your partner could be a simple or a very complex conversation, but it’s a crucial one to have.

  • Caterina Hrysomallis
Estate planning for blended families requires a nuanced approach to make sure everything is fair and there are legal protections for all involved.

How blended families can avoid messy will disputes

Without a clear estate plan, your final gifts to loved ones may be soured by disputes and disappointment.

  • Grace Bacon
Estate planning for blended families doesn’t have to be complicated.

Complicated family? Here’s how to protect your inheritance

Modern families come in many shapes and sizes – something that can cause complications when it comes to estate planning.

  • Jeffrey Chien
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A Sydney woman has been hit with a massive costs bill after seeking a larger share of her father’s estate.

A Sydney woman waged a court battle over a $3m estate. She faces a huge bill

The decision sends a cautionary message about the risks of taking court action over an inheritance.

  • Michaela Whitbourn
Women being left out of parents’ estates is more common than one might assume.

The silent struggle facing many adult daughters

When it comes to family, disinheritance is never just about dollars.

  • Yvonne Aoll
A potentially contested estate can throw up all sorts of problems, none of them with a simple solution.

Should I give all my assets to my sister to avoid a will dispute?

A potentially contested estate can throw up all sorts of problems, none of them with a simple solution.

  • Paul Benson
Asking your children and their partners to sign a legal document could be awkward, but it can save you headaches down the track.

Lending your kids money? This could save you from going to court

Simply gifting your children or grandchildren their inheritance could pose major issues further down the line.

  • James Steel