Published: September 15, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
In Queensland, for the purposes of making an application for further provision from an estate, a child is eligible. However, the definition of ‘child’ is three fold. Effectively, a child of a deceased includes: A natural child; An adopted child; or A step-child. Who are natural children? Under section 40 of the Succession Act 1981 […]
Published: August 9, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
Although unfortunate, it is common that parent and child are unable to forge out their issues. However, the result in some circumstances means their relationship is marred by estrangement. Estrangement between a deceased and a child seems to be a recurring issue that is raised with me by clients involved in a family provision claim. […]
Published: June 3, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
When you pass away without a will (valid will), you are deemed to have died intestate. This means that your estate will be administered and distributed according to legislation. The benefit of having a will is that you can appoint an executor to administer your estate and dictate how you wish for your estate to […]
Published: May 25, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
When you die, you die. Nothing can be done from the grave that you haven’t planned for already. I’ve had many clients come in during their twilight years to make their first will. As surprising as this may seem, it’s actually quite common. The following are the reasons I hear most often about clients not […]
Published: May 9, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
Where there are questions as to the validity of a will, lodging a caveat over the will is an option which will give you time to investigate your questions. Having said that, there can be severe cost implications where a caveat is not for its proper purpose, so it is important to act reasonably and […]
Published: May 4, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
Recently, I have received a number of enquiries where a deceased’s original will cannot be found. When an original will cannot be found, a grant of probate can still be obtained on a copy of a lost will, however, the process is different to where there is an original will. How can I obtain a […]
Published: March 22, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
I am often asked by clients about “disentitling conduct” in the context of a claim for further provision from an estate by a child of a deceased. Clients generally raise with me things that the claimant has done to the deceased and the deceased’s family throughout the deceased’s lifetime, and want to know whether the […]
Published: March 8, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
I recently met with some clients to consider their estate plan. Since they last reviewed their estate plan they had accumulated significant digital assets. When considering your estate plan it is important to ensure you have catered for your digital assets and their management and distribution. What are digital assets? A digital asset is anything […]
Published: February 18, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
I have previously blogged about when you should review your will and estate planning. One of the triggers to review your will and estate planning is if you have divorced. In the case of a divorce, any references to your former spouse will be omitted from your will. The position on whether the end of a […]
Published: January 27, 2016 | Author: Chloe Kopilovic
I am often asked about the time limits of when a claim for further provision from an estate can be made. When considering a claim for further provision from an estate, it is important to act sooner rather than later as an unexplainable delay could mean the court will refuse to hear your claim. You […]