Christine Smyth Blog – STEP Australasia Conference Sydney 2014

STEP Australasia Conference 2014 Christine Smyth –  STEP (Qld) Committee member was among a strong Qld contingent attending the Inaugural STEP Australasia Conference held in Sydney 28-30 May, 2014. The conference brought together expert succession, trust and estate practitioners from across Australia and internationally. Boasting 20 prestigious international speakers and keynote speeches from Senator the Hon. George Brandis QC and […]

CHRISTINE SMYTH BLOG – INHERITANCE LAW

Your Money – Your Retirement How much money do you need?  Have you considered the long term costs of retiring? Did you know that 43% of people over the age of 65 need assistance with their day to day care? This government site provides you with a raft of practical guides and assistance for your financial future. https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/ Click here […]

CHRISTINE SMYTH – BLOG – New Aged Care Fee Structure – caution when dealing with the family home

The link below reports on the introduction of new aged care fee structures expected to be implemented mid year. Much of the costing models centre on the family home.  When considering the variables, dealing with the family home must be approached with caution, as it can have significant estate planning consequences. For example, if the elderly person’s will specifically gifts […]

Christine Smyth – Blog – COST v VALUE

$27,000.00 is how much we recently saved an estate. All too often people focus on the cost of a service without realising the value of the service, and so it is with legal services. The availability of information on the internet tends to lull people into thinking that the use of legal services is either expensive or unnecessary when the […]

Christine Smyth – Blog – DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NSW & QLD – APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN FOR YOUR PERSONAL AFFAIRS

Earlier this week I reported on the significant amendments to the NSW Powers of Attorney Act and associated regulations.  It should be noted that the new legislation still only deals with the appointment of attorneys for your financial affairs in NSW.  It does not deal with the appointment of an attorney for your personal matters in NSW.  In NSW they […]