News and Insights

The case of Colin Peek's digital "Will" on an iPhone note highlights the growing issue of informal Wills, which do not meet formal legal requirements but may still be recognised by courts if the deceased intended it to be their Will.

Albert Wylie was 82 and in the last year of his life when he appointed one of his daughters, Yvette, as his Enduring Attorney. Although another daughter, Wendy, had been providing Albert with care, that changed when Yvette decided that she would move

A Queensland (QLD) court can deal with a New South Wales (NSW) estate if there is a connection with QLD. Depending upon the type of matter, the court may even apply the laws of NSW. Of course, this approach would apply not just to NSW estates but to

Queensland’s new Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Health Directive forms came into effect on 30 November 2020.  The changes include the option for individuals to set out their preferences to guide how their enduring attorney will make decisi

As some of you may know, generally speaking, in Queensland we recognise Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOA) made in other Australian States and Territories as valid in Queensland. From 30 November 2020, for the first time, Queensland will recognise E

Charities that are entitled to apply for certain tax exemptions in Queensland may need to review and amend their governing documents, following the expiry of a transitional period on 9 November 2020. Registration as a charitable institution in Queen

There are many circumstances or “triggers” which may require a review of your Will and other estate planning documents, share Greg Cox and Krystal Bellamy from HopgoodGanim's Estates and Succession practice. Among those triggers are changes to t

For many of us, pets are loyal companions and much-loved members of the family. We spend a great deal of time and money ensuring that they are healthy and happy. Despite this, it is often the case that no mention is made of a pet’s future care in t

Choosing the right executor is one of the most important estate planning decisions you will make. Getting this decision wrong can not only result in significant cost and delay for your estate but considerable anguish for your chosen beneficiaries.  

There have been a number of hot topics which charities and not-for-profits should be aware of as they are due to take effect in the near future. Below is a summary of some of the topics. Queensland duty, land tax and payroll tax concessions – ha

From 1 October 2020, community sheds (such as men’s sheds and women’s sheds) are now eligible for endorsement as a deductible gift recipient (DGR) where they satisfy certain requirements. This amendment is welcome news amid the COVID-19 era wher

Most, if not all of us, would like to think that philanthropy or charitableness is something that we turn our minds to at some point during our lifetime. Having supported one or more charities during their lifetime, many people wish to see these or