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What Does a Sydney Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
Estate planning is an important process used to protect your legacy, ensure the execution of your wishes after you die, and help provide clarity for your family during times of uncertainty. As such, an estate plan typically involves more than signing a Will and...
Can Enduring Power of Attorney Change a Will?
Can an Enduring Power of Attorney change a Will? No, a Power of Attorney or Enduring Power of Attorney does not change the provisions of a Will. A general Power of Attorney will cease to have effect if the person making the appointment loses capacity, and both general...
Dying intestate – the perils of not making a Will
A valid Will determines how your estate is dealt with after you die. Your Will can appoint an appropriate family member or trusted friend to administer your estate (your executor), nominate guardians for young children, determine who will receive your assets and give...
What is An Enduring Power of Attorney?
A lot of people would have heard of a Power of Attorney. Many, however, do not fully understand the purpose and function of such a document, and the different types of Powers of Attorney. This article explains what a Power of Attorney is, and why making a Power of...
What Happens After Probate is Granted NSW
Probate is a grant made by the Supreme Court of New South Wales that ‘proves’ the validity of a Will of a deceased person. This is the official process that enables the executor named in the Will to deal with the deceased’s estate. As the legal personal representative...
Mercedes-Benz vs. Dealers: 7 Key Takeaways
On 30 August 2023, the Federal Court delivered its long-awaited judgment in an action against Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd (‘Mercedes-Benz’) brought by its local Australian dealers (‘the Dealers’). The Federal Court found in favour of Mercedes-Benz. We have...
CO-OWNERSHIP PROPERTY DISPUTE – V.S. GEORGE LAWYERS CASE STUDY OCTOBER 2023
We recently acted for a client involved in a co-ownership dispute. The wife owned 80% of the property and the husband owned 20%. We acted for the wife. When the husband died, he bequeathed his 20% share in the property to his minor children. His sister was the trustee...
Franchising Code Review – Loss of Opportunity – AUGUST 2023
On 15 August 2023, the Australian Government announced a review of the Franchising Code of Conduct. Dr Michael Schaper will undertake the review of the Code in accordance with the Terms of Reference. Dr Schaper will consult widely with the public including dealers,...
Family Provision – Daughter in Law vs Estate – V.S. George Lawyers Case Study – August 2023
We are delighted to have recently acted in an interesting and complex family provision claim in which we achieved a tremendous result. We acted for the deceased’s son (let’s call him “Peter”). Peter’s mum gave him a “life interest” in her Will. After Peter’s mum died,...
Buying Property with Someone Else – Considerations for Property Co-owners
Buying a property with someone else is a great way to share the fun, stress, and cost of the venture. Often people buy a house with their significant other, to make a home or invest together. Others buy property with friends, relatives or business partners. Joining...