All publications relating to ‘Angela Harvey’
Who needs a statutory will?
In Brief In a previous article, we examined how statutory wills are able to be used for asset protection and tax minimisation purposes. In this article, we outline the types of people for whom an application for a statutory will might be made and then consider the prevailing issue of testamentary capacity…
Where there’s a will there’s a relative! Claims against deceased estates
In brief This year marks the 100th anniversary of the commencement of family provision legislation in New South Wales. Despite this, we are continuously surprised by the number of people who come to see us about their estate planning needs and who are not aware that their will may be…
Can you record your will on a DVD?
In brief The Early Romans had a curious way of making their wills. A Roman would walk into a public space and declare his or her testamentary intention by spoken word in front of at least seven witnesses. Over time the Romans recognised the risk of leaving the wishes of the deceased to…
A statutory will can stop a murderer But can it stop your creditors and the tax man?
In brief On 13 February 2005, Maria Korp was found unconscious in the boot of her car in suburban Victoria. Her husband Joseph and his mistress were almost immediately charged with her attempted murder. Whilst Maria was in a coma, her daughter applied successfully to the Victorian Supreme Court for a new…
My child is off the rails, can my will protect them?
In Brief A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything but not enough to do nothing… Whilst very few people could match Warren Buffett’s bank balance, almost everyone would share his sentiment. We all want to give our children every advantage possible, whilst at the same time…
Ruling from the grave: What conditions can you place on gifts in your will?
In Brief Some people find it hard to ‘let go’. In 1993, a resident of San Antonio in the United States passed away, leaving his house and $30,000 to his wife. However, this was not as warm a matrimonial gesture as it first appeared. The husband had included a clause in his will…
Good Will Hunting: Estate Planning Lessons from Hollywood
In Brief After being asked how her husband died, the iconic Robin Williams character, Mrs Doubtfire, replied, “He was quite fond of the drink. It was the drink that killed him”. The response came, “How awful. He was an alcoholic?” Mrs Doubtfire quickly corrected, “No, he was hit by a Guinness…
Can I disinherit my wayward child from my will?… You may be surprised!
In Brief Who can make a claim against your estate? What needs to be established by the applicant? What will the court consider? Read on as we answer these important questions along with proactive strategies to help protect your estate. Who can make a claim? Chapter 3 of the Succession Act 2006 (Act) empowers certain…
Power of Attorney — Changes are here!
In Brief A power of attorney is like insurance. If you have not planned for the worst when the unexpected occurs you might find that you, your legal and financial affairs and your family and friends all suffer to a much greater degree than necessary. Angela Harvey, partner, and Euge Power, solicitor, provide…
Estate planning and superannuation — How to have the last laugh
In brief Superannuation is a funny thing. It is yours, but you can’t have it yet. It gets paid out when you die, but the money may not go to whom you would like. You are basically saving all your life for something you might never receive and you probably don’t even…