HAS YOUR EXECUTOR LOST CAPACITY? IF SO BEWARE THEIR ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY BE GRANTED PROBATE OF YOUR WILL. Many clients approach their will as a “set and forget” exercise. There is much commentary as to why testators ought to review their wills regularly. Much of this commentary centres on the changes in financial circumstances. What is not commonly contemplated, are changes […]
The NSW Parliament is currently debating the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill 2013 (referred to in the media as the Assisted Dying Bill). Euthanasia is a topic shrouded in ethical issues, polarising opinions. One of the key concerns is abuse of vulnerable people, such as children and the cognitively impaired. Of course in my area of practice I frequently […]
Christine Smyth’s expertise in succession law was recently recognised by the Victorian Law Institute. Christine co-authors a quarterly succession law column in the Australian Taxation institute Journal. The Victorian Law Institute published her most recent article to their recommeded reading list: “Testators family maintenance Peiros, Katerina and Smyth, Christine, “Grants of representation and further provision claims” in Taxation in Australia, […]
We are delighted to announce Partner Christine Smyth has been elected as Deputy President of the Queensland Law Society 2016. Christine is humbled by the profession’s endorsement and support of her to this leadership position. Christine looks forward to serving as QLS Deputy in 2016 and as QLS President in 2017. We are proud – congratulations Christine! To read more […]
Graham Robert Morant, 69, was found guilty on two counts last month for persuading his wife Jennifer Morant to take her own life, and helping her buy equipment from a hardware store. Mrs Morant, who suffered from chronic back pain, depression and anxiety, was found dead in her car by police, on November 30, 2014. The trial in the Queensland […]
By Christine Smyth On 7 August 2018 the Australian population reached 25 million. We are 33 years ahead of schedule.’ One of the reasons for reaching this milestone sooner than predicted is the unexpected increase in longevity. We now have 4,000 centenarians, and 12 per cent of the population falls within the baby boomer demographic and 16 per cent within the ‘builder’ […]
A leading Queen’s Counsel has taken the reins from Justice Margaret McMurdo as president of the Queensland Court of Appeal. Walter Sofronoff QC was sworn in as the new president of the Court of Appeal last Thursday, 6 April. His appointment follows the retirement of Justice Margaret McMurdo AC, who served in the position for near 19 years. Justice […]
The Queensland Law Society is concerned about the actions of Brisbane barrister Sam Di Carlo, who says he asked Paul Pisasale while he was Ipswich mayor to collect $50,000 in cash for him interstate. Mr Pisasale, who is under investigation after he was detained at Melbourne Airport last month with $50,000 in cash, announced his resignation as mayor due to […]
Backflipping Minister comes to her censors “The Palaszczuk Government has backed down and agreed to reconsider its decision to heavily censor a report into the state’s youth detention system. Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath initially backed the advice of Crown Law to heavily redact an independent review of Queensland youth detention centres before its release last month. “I Can’t pick and choose […]