CML Lawyers

Farm Succession Planning Checklist

FARM SUCCESSION PLANNING CHECKLIST Succession planning for a farm is crucial for ensuring the smooth transition of ownership and management to the next generation or successor. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for farm succession. Start Early and Communicate Begin the succession planning process early to allow for sufficient time to address potential challenges and facilitate a […]

Estate Planning Checklist

ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST   Checklist for estate planning Estate planning in New South Wales involves organising your affairs to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your loved ones are taken care of after your passing. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for estate planning: Assess Your Assets and Liabilities Compile a list of […]

Signing Formal Documents Remotely – New Rules

The COVID-19 Public Health Orders have seen many solicitors and Justices of the Peace working remotely. In response, the NSW Government has implemented the Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020 (NSW) which came into effect on 22 April 2020 and is expected to terminate on 22 October 2020. The Regulation can be […]

Left out of a Will, want to put it right?

Where’s there’s a Will, there’s sometimes a Way – to upturn it. Karl Lagerfield died last month.  According to Le Figaro, his cat Choupette was to inherit a good bit of his estimated $300 million fortune.  She’s no retiring feline, this one, she has her own Instagram account.  Here is an image of Choupette with […]

Supercharge your Death Benefits

When it comes to estate planning, most clients know how important it is to have an up to date will. What a lot of clients don’t know is that their biggest asset may not be covered by the will. It used to be said that the family home was the biggest investment most people ever […]

A Thorne in two Binding Financial Agreements?

The unanimous High Court ruling in Thorne v Kennedy [2017] HCA 49 highlights the broadened circumstances in which financial agreements can be set aside in Australia, casting considerable doubt on agreements that are heavily weighted in favour of one party. The court set aside two financial agreements that were made pursuant to Part VIIIA of […]

Binding Death Benefits and Loss of Capacity and Powers of Attorney

Peter McNamara has previously warned that you get your superannuation death benefits sorted:  http://www.cml.com.au/wills-smsfs-and-binding-death-benefit-nominations-get-yours-in-line Now a recent case shows that you should get your powers of attorney sorted as well. What happens to your superannuation if you lose capacity?  Your superannuation death benefits will be dealt with as set out in the superannuation trust deed.  Most […]

The Art of the Non-Deal

Well, Barnaby Joyce has sure gotten our attention recently.  It’s as old as the hills:  Two people get together, one is older and already has kids, and the younger one is female. And a similar story should get our attention this week.  In this case, one man was older, and very rich, while she hardly […]