We often hear of the elderly being vulnerable to financial abuse. There is a perception this abuse is by strangers who befriend elderly people. But the reality is that it occurs mostly within the family and unfortunately family members do not have sufficient objectivity to see that this is happening. This was relevantly demonstrated in decision of GC [2013] QCAA […]

$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 […]

Paul Keating is reported as having an avid interest in collecting French antique clocks. As this story reveals, there might be a good reason for his preference for the analogue over digital clocks. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-13/time-to-die-clock-tells-british-hospital-patient/5154734#! Click here to read more blogs of Christine Smyth.

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 […]

PLEASE LEAVE THE ROOM We act for many aged clients, sometimes they have mobility issues, sometimes they can’t drive, and sometimes they simply need support. So it is no surprise when they arrive for appointments accompanied by friends and/or relatives.  While we are pleased that they have that support, it can be problematic when the appointment involves the aged client […]

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS – ADELAIDE CEMETERY? This week, many people are returning to work after their Christmas holidays.  I am yet to take my annual leave.  And so when I saw the Lonely Planet top 10 hottest destinations for 2014 my interested peaked.  It is no secret that one of my favourite holiday destinations is a Ski resort – powdery snow […]

Property Investment – Are you dying to get into the property market? The Business Review Weekly recently reported Harry Trigubof is bullish on the Sydney property market.  I wonder however, if he contemplated investing in cemeteries?  With burial sites across the Sydney greater metropolitan area expected to reach capacity within 30-40 years, this scarcity of land is the driving force […]

New Powers of Attorney Laws for New South Wales On 13 September, 2013 The Powers of Attorney Amendment Act 2013 (NSW) commenced, bringing about substantive changes to The Powers of Attorney Act 2003 (NSW) and associated regulations.   The changes include two new prescribed forms for general and enduring powers of attorney. The new NSW Enduring Power of Attorney Form is […]