Succession Arrangements for Family Companies

Family businesses are the backbone of Australia’s economy, contributing over 70% of the nation’s GDP and employing a significant portion of the workforce. However, their long-term success can be fragile, with only a fraction operated by the third...

Choosing the Right Executor for Your Will

Creating a Will protects your loved ones and ensures your wishes are followed after your death. One of the most important decisions in this process is choosing your executor: the person who will manage your affairs, pay your debts, and distribute your assets according...

An Executor’s Guide: What to Do When a Loved One Dies

Being an executor is a big responsibility, especially while dealing with the loss of a loved one. An executor is the person named in a Will to manage a deceased person’s estate (property, finances, etc.) and carry out their final wishes. The role entails...

Dying intestate – the dangers of not making a Will

A valid Will determines how your estate is dealt with after you die. Your Will can appoint an appropriate family member, trusted friend, or professional to administer your estate (your executor), nominate guardians for young children, determine who will receive your...

The Process of Obtaining Probate

Probate is a grant made by the Supreme Court of New South Wales that ‘proves’ the validity of a Will of a deceased person. This is the official process that enables the executor named in the Will to deal with the deceased’s estate. As the legal personal representative...

NSW residents and International Wills

Since giving effect to the Hague Convention on International Wills in the NSW Succession Act 2006, NSW residents with assets in a foreign country, such as the UK, have had the advantage of being able to make a will in NSW that can be administered in the UK. To comply...