Legal issues can arise in many aspects of life—whether it’s a business dispute, a contract disagreement, a family matter, or a property conflict. But with so many different types of lawyers, how do you know which one to call? Choosing the right legal expert for your situation is crucial to getting the right advice and achieving the best outcome.

One of the biggest concerns parents have when it comes to estate planning is ensuring their children’s inheritance stays within the family—especially when in-laws are involved. Many parents worry about the risk of divorce, financial mismanagement, or a child’s spouse gaining control of their hard-earned assets. The good news? A testamentary trust is one of the most effective ways to protect wealth and keep it within the bloodline.

Family relationships can be complicated, and estate planning becomes even more complex when estrangement is involved. While some parents may wish to exclude an estranged child from their will, doing so comes with legal risks—particularly in Queensland, where children have an unconditional right to contest a will if they believe they have been inadequately provided for.

Blended families bring unique challenges to estate planning, requiring careful consideration to ensure fairness and security for both a surviving spouse and children from previous relationships. Unlike traditional estate plans, where assets typically pass to a surviving spouse and then to children, blended families must navigate potential disputes, unintended disinheritance, and competing financial needs.

Estate planning is essential for everyone, but when minor children are involved, it becomes even more critical. Parents need to make informed decisions to ensure their children’s stability, financial security, and overall well-being in the event of their passing. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, we explore key estate planning considerations for parents, including appointing legal guardians, setting up financial safeguards, and structuring an inheritance to provide long-term protection.

As 2024 comes to a close, several key trends in estate planning and administration have emerged, reflecting the evolving needs and priorities of families and individuals. From the rise of right to reside clauses offering stability for loved ones, to testamentary trusts safeguarding children’s inheritances, this year has seen a strong focus on protecting assets and securing legacies. Innovations such as guardianship funds for minor children and strategies for managing foreign assets have also gained attention, addressing the complexities of modern estate planning.

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.