Passing Away with Out a Will Holzworth Legal's real-life case studies reveal the costly and stressful consequences of not having a Will. These stories show how proper estate planning ensures your wishes are followed and protects your loved ones from legal battles. Reach out to the team today to get help setting up your Wills and powers of attorney. To learn more about Wills, visit our page on Succession Planning Case Studies- The Case of
Read moreAs awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues grows, many investors seek to align their investment portfolios with their personal values. ESG investing, which focuses on companies' ethical and sustainable practices, has become a popular choice for those who want to make a positive impact while achieving financial returns. For Australians, one of the most effective ways to customise ESG investments is through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). This article explores the benefits of
Read moreSeparation is never easy, and the complexities involved can make it even more challenging. If you are currently navigating or soon to be facing a separation, there are major financial and emotional factors that need careful consideration. In these circumstances, there are often no clear winners or losers, as the process can be emotionally taxing for everyone involved. The Family Law Act 1975 serves as the cornerstone of family law in Australia, providing essential guidelines
Read moreIn Queensland, stepping into the property market can be significantly more accessible for first-time homebuyers, thanks to the First Home Concession on transfer duty. This concession is a boon for eligible buyers, potentially saving them a substantial amount on the costs associated with purchasing a home. Here’s what both real estate agents and first-time buyers need to know about qualifying and applying for this benefit. Eligibility Criteria To avail of the First Home Concession, several
Read moreWhen you look at the dynamics around sourcing a property for extended family including those that may be elderly or disabled, granny flats often come into play! Their demand is escalating given rising living costs and the accelerating lack of affordable housing for the vulnerable.When you list a property with a granny flat or a home that has the potential to have this added on, please carefully consider the legal framework that surrounds the scenario
Read moreBuying and selling a home can be confusing for most of us. Here is some basics to help make the process as clear as possible. Save for a Deposit The deposit is the initial cost you will need to pay when buying a home. The first step is to get your finances sorted and do a budget to identify how much you can afford to save for your deposit and work out what you
Read moreThere are two common ways to transfer property to a family member – either selling or gifting. When the owner changes (either way), the title needs to be updated. Selling the property You can transfer title property by selling it to a family member. Parents often do this for children this way and may adjust the price to give them a better deal than buying a property at market rates. You will be liable for
Read moreIn our exploration of estate planning this month, we've delved into a topic that often doesn't get the attention it deserves: simultaneous deaths. While such events are rare, it's essential to understand the potential implications, especially when it comes to beneficiary nominations, both within and outside of superannuation. When two or more individuals pass away simultaneously, the order of their deaths becomes critical in determining the distribution of assets, particularly for jointly held property and
Read moreIn most cases when someone passes away their super is paid to their dependents. However, there are instances where it is paid to the deceased’s estate. If a person’s super is paid after death, it’s called a death benefit, this benefit is comprised of their super account balance and if there was any death insurance cover. It is important to carefully consider who will receive any benefit as even if someone doesn’t have a lot
Read moreIncorporating your superannuation entitlements into your estate plan is crucial, particularly when they are not part of your estate. Superannuation can lead to substantial distributions to beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of aligning payments with your wishes. A non-binding nomination guides your superannuation fund on distributing funds after your death, but the trustee ultimately decides the recipients, possibly deviating from your intended beneficiaries. On the other hand, a binding death benefit nomination (Binding Nomination) allows you
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