Your guide to wills and estates in Queensland
Welcome to The Vicca Podcast, where expertise meets insight. Join us each week as host Lidia Vicca, Director of Vicca Law explains the complexities, intricacies and (dare we say) fun side of estate planning and estate administration in Queensland.
Charitable giving can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes close to your heart. Yet, despite the good intentions, charitable gifts in wills are less common than people might think. While many clients ask about them, only a few ultimately include them in their final estate plan.
Charitable giving can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes close to your heart. Yet, despite the good intentions, charitable gifts in wills are less common than people might think. While many clients ask about them, only a few ultimately include them in their final estate plan.
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to make an estate planning appointment is the overwhelming thought of gathering everything they think a solicitor might need. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it seems, and I promise to guide you through it. To make the process easier, I’ve outlined what you need to bring to your initial appointment and a few things to consider before we meet.
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is a critical document that lets you appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf for personal, health, or financial matters if you become incapacitated. While many people use standard forms from the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General, these templates often lack important clauses that can be crucial in real-life scenarios. Here are some additional terms you might not have considered for your EPOA.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
When planning your estate, finding the right lawyer is crucial to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. However, not all estate planning lawyers are created equal, and there are certain red flags you should be aware of during your estate planning meetings. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we highlight key warning signs to look out for when choosing an estate planning lawyer.
Estate planning can be complex, with many myths and misconceptions that lead to misunderstandings and costly mistakes. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we debunk some of the most common myths surrounding wills and estate planning. From misconceptions about needing a large estate to benefit from a will, to misunderstandings about the probate process, we'll clarify the facts so you can plan your estate effectively and with confidence.
In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we explore the concept of specific gifts—tangible items or particular sums of money designated to individuals or organizations in your will. Learn how these gifts can reflect your personal values and relationships, adding a unique touch to your estate plan.
In today's interconnected world, families are often spread across the globe, with children choosing to live and work in different countries. This global lifestyle brings new challenges to estate planning, requiring careful consideration of various factors to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are fulfilled. Whether you have children living overseas or hold international investments, it's essential to understand how these elements affect your estate planning strategy.
One of the most common and pressing questions I get in my estate planning appointments is, "How do I avoid a family dispute after I've passed away?" We've all heard the horror stories, and they usually boil down to two main issues: lack of planning and lack of communication. In this episode of the Vicca Podcast, we share practical tips to help you mitigate these risks and ensure your wishes are respected. From creating a clear and detailed will to having open conversations with your loved ones, we cover essential strategies to prevent family disputes and provide peace of mind for everyone involved.
When most people think of foreign assets, they envision real estate in another country. However, foreign assets can also include shares in overseas companies, vehicles, personal belongings, or even bank accounts held abroad.
Whether you're dealing with real estate, financial assets, or personal property abroad, understanding how to manage these foreign assets is essential for comprehensive estate planning. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and learn the steps you need to take to effectively manage foreign assets in your estate plan.
In this episode of the Vicca Podcast, we'll walk you through the scenarios of specific bequests versus residue estate distribution. You'll learn how to transfer property to beneficiaries, navigate Queensland's stamp duty exemptions, and understand the potential capital gains tax implications. Whether you're an executor or a beneficiary, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to manage real property confidently and effectively.
One of the bold questions that often comes up in my practice is, "Am I in a de facto relationship?" This question is crucial for your succession planning because a de facto spouse is treated the same as a spouse under the Succession Act in Queensland. It’s essential to understand whether you are in a de facto relationship, and today, we’ll explore what that means and look at some recent cases to illustrate the point.
Making sure your legal documents reflect your wishes is crucial, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) and an Advanced Health Directive (AHD). Both documents are vital for managing your affairs if you can’t make decisions for yourself, but they serve different purposes. Find out in our latest episode!
Imagine this: you've put in the effort to create a will, thinking you're all set. But life has a way of throwing curveballs—marriages, divorces, new children, and even changes in your financial situation. Have you thought about how these changes affect your will? If you haven't revisited your will recently, it might be time to do so.
Creating a will might seem straightforward. You appoint an executor, get two independent witnesses, date it, and you're good to go, right? Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex.
Choosing legal guardians for your children is an incredibly important decision, but it shouldn’t prevent you from completing your will. It’s far better to have a plan in place than to leave this decision up to chance. Remember, you can always update your will as circumstances change.
A testamentary trust, or TT as it’s known in the estate planning world, is a trust that is created through a will. Unlike a family trust, which is established during a person’s lifetime, a testamentary trust comes into effect only after the will-maker (the testator) passes away.
Understanding the structure and processes of the court system is crucial for anyone involved in or contemplating legal action. The podcast also takes you through why civil litigation is lengthy and expensive. Let’s delve into the details together!
When entering a private nursing home, you are typically required to pay a rooming accommodation deposit. The amount varies widely, ranging from $230,000 to nearly a million dollars, depending on the nursing home and the facilities offered. You can pay this deposit in full upfront or make a partial payment and cover the remaining amount through weekly payments, calculated using a special formula by the nursing home.
Superannuation nominations determine who will receive your superannuation benefits when you pass away. This is a critical component of your estate plan, and understanding your options can help ensure that your wishes are honoured.
