A New Look for August & Claire Lawyers
A fresh chapter, built on the same values. Since opening our doors in 2020, August & Claire Lawyers has continued to grow, but the values at the heart of our firm have remained the same. A considered evolution We’ve always believed that good legal advice should come with genuine understanding, clear communication and a personal […]
Why More People in Australia Are Talking About Estate Disputes
Estate disputes aren’t a topic most families expect to be part of their story. They often feel distant; something that happens to other people, in other families, under very different circumstances. Yet across Australia, conversations about estate disputes are becoming more common. Not because families are becoming more difficult or less connected, but because modern life – and modern families, are more complex […]
Why Having a Will Is So Important
Many people assume a Will is something to sort out “later in life” or once major assets are accumulated. In reality, a Will is one of the most important legal documents you can have at any stage of adulthood. It ensures your wishes are known, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary stress is avoided at […]
Blended Families and Inheritance: Planning for Fairness (and Clarity)
Modern families are rarely straightforward. Second relationships, stepchildren, shared and non-shared assets – what feels natural in day-to-day life can become far more complex when it comes to estate planning. For blended families, the question is rarely whether to plan – it’s how to do so in a way that is fair, clear, and legally sound. When “fair” means […]
Community, Connection and a Cause that Matters
At August & Claire, we believe being part of the community means more than simply working within it. It means showing up, supporting important causes, and standing alongside organisations making a meaningful impact. Recently, our team had the privilege of attending the annual Moonlight Gala hosted by RUN DIPG, an evening dedicated to raising awareness and vital funding for […]
What Happens When Family Wealth Is Tied Up in Long-Term Disputes?
Family wealth is often built over decades, sometimes generations. But, when that wealth becomes the subject of dispute, it can just as easily unravel over the same timeframe. A recent Australian court ruling involving Gina Rinehart has brought this into sharp focus. What began as business agreements between partners in the mid-20th century evolved into a legal battle spanning more than 15 […]
Thinking About Downsizing? The Estate Planning Considerations Often Overlooked
Downsizing is often positioned as a practical decision. A way to simplify, reduce maintenance, and unlock equity tied up in the family home. But while the focus is typically on lifestyle and financial outcomes, there is a broader consideration that is frequently overlooked: How this decision integrates with your Estate Plan. More Than a Property Transaction Selling a long-held property and […]
The Hidden Gaps in DIY Wills (and why they cost more later)
Creating a Will has never been more accessible, with online platforms and templates readily available. But estate planning is not simply about having a document, it is about ensuring that your intentions are carried through with clarity, precision, and control. And this is where why DIY Wills often fall short. A False Sense of Completion A DIY Will can […]
Signs It Might Be Time to Update Your Will
As we have mentioned, a new year often brings a quiet moment of reflection. Not the kind filled with resolutions or deadlines, but the kind where you pause and think about whether the foundations you’ve put in place still reflect your life as it is now. For many people, a Will is something they create at a […]
Valentino Garavani’s Passing: Practical Estate Planning Lessons from a Life of Global Success.
The passing of Valentino Garavani marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in fashion history. Best known for building one of the world’s most recognisable luxury houses, Valentino’s influence extended far beyond the runway, into business, branding, and long-term commercial value. While public tributes focus on his creative legacy, his passing also raises important practical questions about estate planning, […]