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 […]
LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA – Many thanks to Francesca Saturno, Deputy Executive Director, Law Society of Tasmania and the Tasmanian legal profession for inviting me to address members on Risk Management in Succession Law & the case of Fischer v Howe. It was a pleasure to spend time with members who displayed gracious hospitality. A special thanks to Francesca for […]
CQDLA Conference When I accept speaking engagements I expect the usual – a conference room, coffee and a chance to chat with colleagues. Imagine my joy at the unexpected – a chance to pat camels lazing by the pool and listening to Mao’s last dancer share his story of struggle from utter poverty to man of international stardom. Click here […]
Schizophrenia, insane delusions and testamentary capacity are the core features of Haim v NSW Trustee & Guardian; Estate of Feuerring [2013] NSWSC 1406 (17 September 2013) This recent NSW decision on testamentary capacity is interesting, not only because of the mystery of the missing/non-existent beneficiary, but because the testator did not outwardly exhibit signs of delusion at the time of […]
STEP QLD Trusts & Estates Conference The Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners Queensland is holding its annual trust and estate conference this weekend at Pepper’s Salt Resort & Spa in Kingscliff. The conference kicks off this Thursday evening with pre-conference drinks and canapes at the Lagoon Poolside. Click Here to read more blogs of Christine Smyth.
FINANCIAL ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY – Powers of Attorney & Fiduciary Duties The incidence of financial abuse of the elderly is increasing. In this month’s Queensland Law Society Magazine – Proctor, Christine Smyth – QLS Accredited Specialist Succession Law and Tina Cockburn – Associate Professor QUT, analyse the decision of The Public Trustee of Queensland (as Litigation Guardian for ADF) […]
BIZARRE BRITS & BODY PARTS – FROM HIP JOINT TO STREET SIGN! Are you thinking of donating your body parts? Well in England donating body parts now extends to the non biodegradable kind. This article reports on an English scheme whereby precious metals that survive the 1000 degree cremation process, are collected and sold on for recycling. Precious metal such […]