Australia’s Scams Prevention Framework: what it changes, and how executors and families can protect money and identity
Australia’s Scams Prevention Framework: what it changes, and how executors and families can protect money and identity Scams are no longer just annoying phone calls. They are now sophisticated, cross-channel attacks that can involve impersonation, social engineering, spoofed numbers, deepfakes, and rapid money movement through bank transfers. Australia’s response includes a new Scams Prevention Framework, […]
Banks and deceased estates: how to close accounts, stop ongoing fees, and avoid “dead customer” problems
Overview When someone dies, families often assume the bank will automatically “freeze everything and sort it out”. In practice, banks usually need a formal notification and the right documents before they can act. If that does not happen promptly, direct debits can keep running and fees can continue to accrue. This is not just theory. […]
Digital assets in your estate: crypto, photos, email and online accounts (a practical Australian guide)
Overview Many Australians now have valuable or important “digital assets”, including online bank accounts, super fund logins, subscriptions, photos stored in the cloud, and sometimes cryptocurrency. If nobody can find or access them after you die (or if you lose capacity), they can be lost, locked, deleted, or become a source of stress and dispute. […]
Aged care reforms from 1 November 2025
What they mean for your estate plan (RAD and DAP explained) Aged care is one of the most common reasons families end up making big financial decisions quickly. That might be because someone needs more help at home, or because a move into residential aged care becomes urgent. From 1 November 2025, Australia introduced major […]
Preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer: Secure Your Legacy
Introduction Over the next decade, an estimated $84 trillion is projected to change hands as older generations pass on their wealth to heirs and beneficiaries. This unprecedented transfer—often called the “Great Wealth Transfer”—will involve families, financial institutions, and the broader economy. While the numbers are staggering, what often goes unnoticed is the extensive planning required […]
Estate Planning in Blended Families: Ensuring Fairness
Blended families bring an abundance of love, resilience, and connection—but they can also bring complexity when it comes to estate planning. When spouses bring children from previous relationships into a new union, questions around inheritance, loyalty, fairness, and trust can surface quickly. Without a well-considered estate plan, what’s left behind can be confusion, disputes, and […]
Caring for Your Furry Family: Estate Planning for Pet Owners
Our pets are more than animals—they are companions, confidants, and family. Yet, despite their importance in our lives, many people overlook pets in their estate plans. This omission can lead to uncertainty and distress for the animals left behind. In one notable case in New South Wales, a dog named Rocky was left without a […]
Understanding the Importance of Valid Wills
Insights from Bosschieter v Howitt [2024] NSWSC 1676 Summary: The recent case of Bosschieter v Howitt [2024] NSWSC 1676 underscores the critical importance of having a valid will in place to ensure that your wishes are honored after your passing. This article explores the key takeaways from the case, the legal requirements for a valid […]
What happens if I die without a valid Will?
The most important New Year’s resolution you’ll make this year – write a Will Death is an inevitable part of life, and yet, more than half of Australia’s population don’t have a valid Will. Dying without a valid Will, known as dying ‘intestate’ can have significant consequences, both for the deceased and their loved ones. This […]
What matters may not be included within a valid Will?
Creating a Will is a crucial step in ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. However, there are certain matters that cannot be included in an Australian Will. Understanding these restrictions is essential to prevent legal complications and ensure your wishes are carried out effectively and validly. We list […]