estate planning

Someone once asked me which (of the many) common misconceptions about wills frustrates me the most. Tough question! On consideration, I’ve got to say the often spouted “Any will can be challenged” that fills the comments section of any kind of social media or online article about the importance of making a will probably takes top billing. The fact that any will can be challenged is not a misconception. It’s true. Whether you’ve handwritten a

This week I was reminded of a radio interview I did many years ago (if you dig around enough you can find it on my website!) where I was asked the question “How do I deal with my adult step-children now my spouse has died? Our 28 year relationship has completely changed. Where they once liked (maybe even loved) me, they now think I’m a greedy, gold-digging imposter.” After more than 20 years as a

Roses are red, violets are blue, estate planning is the ultimate way of saying “I love you” (now and forever). Ok, so writing a will might not seem as romantic as a candlelit dinner, or a sentimental greeting card but if you really want to show your love in a meaningful way gathering up all your fears and trepidation and sitting down to do your estate plan is the ultimate gift for couples. A will

Let’s face it—the economy is a moving beast. One minute the stock market is soaring, the next it’s doing a swan dive. Inflation sneaks up on us like an unexpected houseguest and before we know it a dinner at the pub that used to cost $35 is now a cool $50 but in the same breath we’re complaining about the cost of bread and fuel many people are flabbergasted to find their house once worth

In Australia about 30% of first-time marriages and a whopping 60% of second and third marriages end in divorce. Every week I receive an email or phone call from a divorced or separated person. Some of them have been an ‘ex’ for decades. Some have a long line of exes. Others are in the process of creating an exit strategy. All of them want to know if their former spouse or partner will be able

Choosing an executor to finalise your estate and make decisions after your death can be a difficult process complicated by family dynamics, a sense of obligation, or simply the people you have to choose from within your family or friendship circles.  During an estate planning appointment, I work with clients to not just choose who will act as their executor but to consider who the right person will be to take on the job. The

When it comes to frequently given answers to frequently asked questions I get to roll out a response to “Fiona, what happens to my will if my estate lawyer (ie you!) die this year…” to at least half of my clients. I spend a lot of time talking to people about what life would look like if they died in the coming year. It’s only fair the same scrutiny gets pointed in my direction. Here’s