Eternal Life
You haven’t reviewed your Enduring Power of Attorney in years and your super and life insurance policies death benefit nominations may have lapsed or are about to lapse. Have you worked out how to get out of here alive or just found the secret to Eternal Life? A freak accident happens and you become incapacitated…
Nothing is Certain but Death and Taxes: Deceased Estates and Dealing with the ATO & Tax
Benjamin Franklin was pretty spot on when he famously stated that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Changes to the ATO’s online tax portal now makes identifying and paying a deceased person tax liability more difficult than ever. An Executor has a duty to ensure that all…
The Role and Duties of an Executor
Acting as an Executor, while an honour, can at times be an onerous task. Often it is not until a beloved family member or friend passes away and the estate administration work begins, that the enormity of the task is recognised. At McColm Matsinger Lawyers we assist Executors at every stage of the administration process to make…
Grant of Probate, What Does It All Mean, and Do I Need One?
Losing a loved one is a very difficult time. The sadness and stress of your loss can often leave family members feeling overwhelmed when trying to deal with their loved one’s Estate. Asset holders such as banks, share registries and nursing homes each have their own requirements which must be satisfied before they will release the…
Making Your Will Has Become a Whole Lot Easier!
Change has been one of the few pandemic benefits. Government imposed restrictions have brought a greater reliance on technology and with this a fresh view on how you can make your Will. Your Will instructions can be given electronically and a draft sent to you for review at home. No more taking time off work…
Grant of Letters of Administration, What Does It All Mean, and Do I Need One?
Losing a loved one is a very difficult time. The sadness and stress of your loss can often be exacerbated by the requirements of assets holders, with family members often feeling overwhelmed when trying to deal with their loved one’s Estate. Asset holders such as banks and nursing homes each have their own requirements which…
Options for Helping Elderly Parents
We all want to see our elderly parents happy, safe and well cared for and at the same time be respectful of their wishes and views. Holidays and get togethers with elderly family members are often times when it becomes evident that there needs to be some family discussions about how to best support your…
The importance of reviewing and keeping your Enduring Power of Attorney up to date
The Form of Power of Attorney, which was introduced in 1990, enabled an attorney to only deal with money and other property owned by the principal in any way that the principal themselves could. However, over the years attorney powers have changed and in 1998 the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 (Qld) introduced an Enduring…
Now More Than Ever You Need To Ask: Why Do I Need a Will?
Now more than ever you need to ask: Why do I need a Will? Because you care. Because you care for your loved ones and you want to look after them. And because you will die. Perhaps soon. Perhaps on Friday. You do not need a Will for yourself. Why not? Because your Will has…
Warning! Superannuation Law Changes
The Supreme Court of Queensland has decided that an Attorney has the power to make or renew a Superannuation Binding Death Benefit Nomination. This novel decision has far reaching consequences in an area that has for many years created uncertainty and difficulty for families where wealth resides in the Superannuation Account of a family member…
Disclaimer
The content published in this Blog is in the form of academic papers and the opinions expressed herein are generalised. The information provided is for educational purposes, not specific legal advice.
The application of any principles referred to can alter from case to case and accordingly you should seek independent legal advice in respect of your individual circumstances.