Bedside Benefits: Informal documents upheld under s18 application (Qld)

The importance of changes in one’s circumstances and the need to update estate planning documents is no clearer than when you read a case such as this one.

In a recent case of Selig v Selig [2024] QSC 189, the Court determined an application by the children of a deceased parent who had left a formal Will, but also documents entitled “My Wishes” and a “Nomination of Beneficiaries Form” that formed the basis of the children’s claim as an informal Will.

Charitable Construction: Court considers philanthropic intentions in Will (Qld)

With the best of intentions, charitable giving in a Will can sometimes present challenges. In the case of Perpetual Trustee Company v The Corporation of the Synod of Diocese of Brisbane [2024] QSC 163, the Court was required to give guidance on how to interpret a charitable gift in the present day circumstances presented.

Murder & Lapse: Construction of gift-over in forfeiture case (Qld)

In the recent judgement of Savage v Savage [2023] QSC 280 handed down yesterday, the Court was sought to interpret the gift-over provision in a Will of a murdered father. By way of background, the deceased died on 17 July 2000, having been murdered by his daughter, who was later convicted of that crime. The…

Fresh & Renew: Construction of an attorney power to ”renew” a BDBN

In this episode, Michele (with a side of Caite!) guides us through: Have a question or want to submit a case for discussion, send Caite & Michele an email at hello@theheirwaves.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for all the latest episodes! See you next time on The Heir Waves. ** IMPORTANT NOTICE ** The information provided in…

Exes and Ohs: When family law disputes mixes with estates

In this episode, Caite (with a side of Michele!) guides us through: Have a question or want to submit a case for discussion, send Caite & Michele an email at hello@theheirwaves.com. Don’t forget to subscribe for all the latest episodes! See you next time on The Heir Waves. ** IMPORTANT NOTICE **The information provided in this…

Embracing the Early Inheritance in family provision – on The Heir Waves

In the latest episode of my new podcast called The Heir Waves, Caite Brewer and I discussed some more interesting cases in succession law. Have a listen below: Embracing the Early Inheritance in family provision In this episode, Caite & Michele discuss: With increasing levels of inter-generational wealth transfer happening, this is an episode (and…

Super Settled: High Court confirmation that Reg 6.17A SIS don’t apply to SMSFs

The long embattled question of whether Regulation 6.17A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 (Cth) (“SISR”) applies to SMSFs has finally been answered. For those playing at home, Reg 6.17A of the SISR sets out the standards of which regulated super funds are to pay a member’s superannuation benefits out when they pass away….

Re Marsella and genuine and real consideration – on The Heir Waves

In the latest episode of my new podcast called The Heir Waves, Caite Brewer and I discussed some more interesting cases in succession law. Have a listen below: Freedom of Discretion: Re Marsella and ”real and genuine” consideration In this episode, Caite & Michele discuss: Follow up question from ‘Episode 1: To Love and To…

Mutual wills & disentitling conduct – on The Heir Waves

In the latest episode of my new podcast called The Heir Waves, Caite Brewer and I discussed some interesting cases, including one that involved mutual wills and another involving, my favourite topic, disentitling conduct. Have a listen below: Title: To love and to loathe: mutual wills and disentitling conduct In this episode, Caite & Michele…

Left out of Struggle Street; Right onto Found Freeway

A little update from me. I hope everyone is fairing as well as can be in the pandemic and everything that it has touched over these past 2 years. I wanted to write a slightly different blog post today. The first thing I want to do is apologise to anyone who frequents my blog for…