Succession law explained
When Kurt Cobain, front man of Nirvana, died following a shotgun blast to his head, at age 27, he left behind a Widow and small child but no Will. A Will would have named an executor who could exercise control over his estate, however the laws of intestacy meant that Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love, with …
Continue reading "Kurt Cobain and the perils of Intestacy"
Some people don’t like the expression "crazy cat lady" as there is not an equivalent masculine epithet but as was previously discussed there are people who are very attached to their animal companions, and as with many things if people wish to leave money to their pets the richer they are, the more outlandish it …
Continue reading "Going to the Dogs? – Animals as beneficiaries part II"
As we have discussed before, today is always the right time to start planning for your future. It is often said that young singles are least likely to consider life insurance, income protection and totally and permanently incapacitated cover (TPD). Although income protection may be of limited value to young singles, life insurance and TPD …
Continue reading "Retirement planning, Superannuation and Singles"
As we often explain you can do with your estate what ever you wish however if you do not make a valid will your wishes may not be complied with. When Maria Assunta, the widow of a property tycoon who had no children or living relatives died at the age of 94, she left her …
Continue reading "Your pet as a beneficiary, not as strange as you might think."
It has been reported that the largest type of family unit in Australia is a single person living alone. If you don’t have children or obvious heirs, documenting your wishes and making them accessible will help ensure those wishes are fulfilled should something happen to you.In some circumstances people without children need to plan more …
Continue reading "Single, and think you don’t need a will..better rethink that."
Everyday when you go to work, meet a friend, or go to the shops you create a plan. It could be rudimentary or require managing a number of interconnecting bus routes or several different road routes depending upon the traffic conditions. I know that we don’t like thinking about it but you will die some …
Continue reading "The Future is a lot like today – so plan for it now"
Rupert Burge died in January 2013, aged 93. His widow Anne, son Conrad and daughter Susanne survived him. His wife applied for a grant of probate. Most of the deceased’s estate comprised money in two offshore bank accounts. In March 1983 a will was drafted by solicitors in Victoria appointing his wife Anne sole executrix, and leaving …
In October 2007 PG died leaving a will dated 18 May 2006. At the time of his death, PG was the sole director and shareholder of, a company holding a parcel of 7,385,586 shares in A. At the date of PG's death, the value of each share was $8.73 and the total value of the …
An executor named in a Will does not have to apply for a grant of probate. An executor named in the will of a deceased person may renounce his or her executorship of the deceased’s will. Renunciation of an executorship is made in writing prior to a grant of probate to the executor. In some jurisdictions …
When James Brown died in December 2006 his estate comprised copyrights to more than 800 songs and the rights to his image that some estimated to be worth more than $90million. In a Will Brown had created six years prior to his death the major beneficiary was the “I Feel Good” Trust, to be established to …
Continue reading "James Brown’s estate ain’t on the good foot"