A New Year Reset for Your Family’s Future
A new year is a time when we look ahead, set intentions, and take steps toward a more secure and organised future. While many New Year’s resolutions focus on personal health or finances, there’s one resolution that’s often overlooked, but can have a lasting impact on the people you love most: getting your legal protections in order. At August & Claire, we see the […]
Do I need to provide equal provision to all my children in my Will?
When it comes to writing their wills many parents face the dilemma of whether to distribute their assets equally among their children. This decision is deeply personal and often influenced by various factors such as family dynamics, financial needs, and individual relationships. The principle of testamentary freedom allows individuals to distribute their estate according to […]
What is the difference between Challenging and Contesting a Will?
When dealing with the complexities of a deceased estate, it’s crucial to understand the differences between challenging and contesting a will. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different legal actions that can benefit different claimants depending on their results. Here’s a clear explanation of each process and their respective implications: Challenging […]
What is a Trust?
Estate planning isn’t just about writing a Will – it’s about making sure your assets are protected and managed in a way that truly reflects your wishes. One option that is sometimes overlooked, but can be very powerful, is a trust. Understanding Trusts A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee manages assets for […]
How Does Separation and Divorce Affect my Will?
Separation and Divorce are significant life events that impact many aspects of your life, including your estate planning. Understanding how separation and divorce affect your Will is crucial to ensure that your estate reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Impact of Separation on Your Will In NSW, separation does not impact the appointments and gifts […]
Giorgio Armani’s Will: Lessons from a Billionaire’s Estate Plan
When news breaks about the will of a global fashion icon, it catches attention not only for the size of the estate but also for the planning behind it. Gorgio Armani, who passed away in September 2025, left behind an estimated fortune of over $16.5 billion and one of the most recognisable luxury brands in […]
Can I contest the Will of my estranged parent?
In NSW, the fact of estrangement alone does not defeat a child’s claim against the parent’s estate. Even a child that has not had a relationship with a parent over extended periods of time, estrangement on its own, will not generally prevent a child from being successful in challenging a will. The Court considers a variety […]
What is the Forfeiture Rule?
Travelling Overseas and Estate Planning
What you need to know as an executor
Being appointed as an executor is an important role that comes with responsibilities. You may be solely appointed, or you may be appointed jointly with other executor(s). A person who is named as an executor in a will is not obligated to accept their appointment. However, once that person has begun acting as an […]