Wills and other legal matters

Passwords can cause havoc when we pass away

Logging in to a phone

The modern need for internet security can cause havoc when someone dies. Jennifer Cooke shares her recent experience of this – and other problems for executors, a role you can find yourself in with little warning, preparation or support. Jenny is an award-winning author and journalist and former legal affairs … Read more

Wills and enduring power of attorney in south Western Australia.

Bunbury, WA - photo courtesy City of Bunbury

Wills and enduring power of attorney are needed everywhere and we’ve had a query about them from a pensioner in Western Australia. “Just looking for some advice on wills and enduring power of attorney. I am a pensioner and I live in WA,” she says. “Can you suggest anyone that … Read more

We’re back in Mosman again for a second FREE ‘Understand Death Better’ Q&A session.

Understand Death Better - July 10

Following the popularity of our last Mosman Council free ‘Lunch and Learn’ Understand Death Better Q&A session, we are running another one on Monday, July 10.  It starts at 12 noon, it’s free and lunch will be provided. But you need to register with the good people at Mosman Council who are … Read more

Sponsored Article: When tragedy strikes, it’s never part of our plan.

Photo by Jen Theodore, Unsplash

By Rachel O’Connor, Director, Flourix Wealth. Tragedy strikes at any stage of life, as we’re building our family, our home, our financial security. On my website I say: “Many of us have a picture of what our ideal life would look like. A comfortable life, where we have the means … Read more

Join us for an ‘Understand Death Better’ Q&A session at the Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre.

Understand Death Better - Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, May 22, 2023.

Join us at Kirribilli for Understand Death Better. It’s not an easy topic – that’s why we always provide a cup of tea afterwards. But understanding a few basic points, and getting directions about accessing the resources you need will make life a lot easier going forward. Research shows that … Read more

Choosing the executor of your will.

Ambre Langdown of ACL Law, Sanctuary Cove.

This article on choosing the executor of your will was updated on 19 August, 2022. Choosing the executor of your will is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. But what does an executor actually have to do? Who makes a good executor? And what do you … Read more

If someone witnesses my will being signed by Skype, is that valid?

If someone witnesses my will being signed by Skype, is that valid?

This article was updated on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. If someone witnesses my will being signed by Skype, is that valid? Yes, to witness a will via technology is now valid. Video conferencing technology like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom can now be used in NSW in the witnessing of … Read more

Free services for pensioners from the Trustee and Guardian.

Trustee and Guardian's Office gives free legal advice to pensioners.

Free drafting of documents is done for pensioners by the NSW Trustee And Guardian. NSW Trustee and Guardian is a state government agency that provides a full range of Wills and Estate Planning services for the community.   The preparation of Estate Planning documents such as Will, Power of attorney and … Read more

Your will: a popular topic.

Wills and funerals - topics at the talks we've held on end of life.

One of the topics people most want to talk about is wills, when we get together to chat at talks on the subject of preparing for a good death. It’s best to get individual advice from a lawyer, who can drill down into your very particular circumstances. But here are … Read more

The ideal vs the real family

Norman’s children all believe they know what he would want when he is dying.

I picked up many, many gems of wisdom from North Sydney’s ‘Conversations about Death and Dying’ on Saturday, (May 25, 2019.) It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how much you think you know about a subject there is always so much more to learn.

What is a next-of-kin?

Yesterday I signed on as a dear friend’s next-of-kin, through the NSW police program. My friend lives alone and registering her form with her local police station means if she’s involved in an accident or major incident, I’ll be informed, so will be able to support her. I’ll let her … Read more

DIY probate

When Mel’s mother Dorothy Richard died, Mel and her husband Gav decided to handle the probate themselves, without getting a solicitor involved. So what is probate? The West Australian public trustee has a good definition: “Probate is the process of proving and registering in the Supreme Court the last Will … Read more