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How to Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning
Most families know they should talk to their parents about estate planning. Few actually do. Here is a practical plain English guide to starting that conversation at the right moment and in the right way.

Val Antoff
May 4


Estate Planning Western Australia: The Perils of Dying Intestate Without a Will
A valid Will determines how your estate is dealt with after you die. Your Will can appoint a family member, trusted friend or professional to administer your estate (your executor), nominate guardians for young children, identify who will receive your assets and record your funeral and burial wishes. Without a Will, the administration of your estate could fall to somebody you would not choose, and your assets will be distributed according to a fixed legislative formula. This

Val Antoff
May 18, 2025


10 Essential Estate Planning Actions You Should Take Today
Whether you are just starting out or reviewing an existing plan, here are ten practical estate planning actions every Western Australian should take — and why they matter.

Val Antoff
May 18, 2025


Common Misconceptions About Estate Planning
Many Western Australians have misconceptions about Wills and estate planning that leave their families exposed. This article sets the record straight on the most common ones.

Val Antoff
Mar 9, 2025


Including Cryptocurrency in Your Will or Estate Plan
If you own Bitcoin, Ethereum or any other digital asset, your estate plan needs to address it. This article explains the key legal and practical considerations for Western Australian cryptocurrency holders.

Val Antoff
Mar 9, 2025


Is a Testamentary Trust Right for Your Family?
A testamentary trust can protect your family's inheritance from relationship breakdown, creditors and tax. Find out whether this structure is right for your estate plan.

Val Antoff
Dec 3, 2024


Succession Arrangements for Family Businesses In Western Australia
If you own or are part of a family business in Western Australia, succession planning is one of the most important things you can do. Here is what you need to consider.

Val Antoff
Dec 3, 2024


Will Your Will Survive? Essential Questions to Protect Your Legacy
WA will planning guide helps prevent challenges under Family Provision Act. Covers claimants, family needs, assets and relationships.

Val Antoff
Nov 22, 2024


Why You Need a Valid Will: The Dangers of Writing Your Own
Think a DIY Will is good enough? Discover why homemade wills can put your family's future at risk and how legal advice protects your legacy.

Val Antoff
Oct 17, 2024


The importance of estate planning before legal capacity becomes an issue
Learn when legal capacity affects legal decisions and how to protect your loved ones' rights. Essential for families facing tough choices.

Val Antoff
Oct 17, 2024


Estate planning key considerations for young parents in Perth, appointing legal guardians
Young parents in Perth often put off estate planning, but it is one of the most important things you can do for your children. This article covers the key steps, including appointing a legal guardian.

Val Antoff
May 22, 2024


The Important Role of Estate Planning for Small Business Owners in Western Australia
Estate planning is crucial for managing one's affairs, especially for small business owners in Western Australia. While many people associate estate planning with asset distribution after death, its scope is much broader. It involves legal instruments and strategies to protect assets, minimise tax liabilities and ensure the smooth transition of business operations in case of incapacity or death. In this article, we will explore the importance of estate planning for small busi

Val Antoff
May 15, 2024


Understanding the Basics of a Deed of Gift – Your Essential Guide
A deed of gift is a document that formalises the transfer of property ownership from the donor to the recipient without needing payment.

Val Antoff
May 11, 2024


Navigating the Maze: Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Trusts in Australia
Family trusts can offer significant tax and asset protection benefits, but they are not right for everyone. This article weighs the advantages and disadvantages for Australian families.

Val Antoff
Jul 9, 2023


A Checklist for Preparing a Binding Death Benefit Nomination for your SMSF
Checklist for Creating a Binding Death Benefit Nomination for your SMSF. An invalid BDBN can complicate your estate planning efforts.

Val Antoff
Jun 28, 2023


Avoiding Financial Disasters: Understanding the Risks of Being a Guarantor
Going guarantor for a borrower in Western Australia comes with certain risks and responsibilities. Here are some of the potential risks associated with being a guarantor: Financial Liability As a guarantor, you become legally responsible for repaying the borrower's debt if they default on their loan obligations. If the borrower fails to make payments, the lender can pursue you for the full amount owed, including any interest, fees, or penalties. Debt Repayment If the borrower

Val Antoff
Jun 22, 2023


Wills with Testamentary Trusts: A Plain English Guide
A Will with a testamentary trust differs significantly from a standard Will. This plain English guide explains how they work and whether one might be right for your family.

Val Antoff
Jun 15, 2023


Protecting Your Assets with a Testamentary Trust: What You Need to Know
A testamentary discretionary trust gives your beneficiaries flexibility, tax advantages and protection from creditors. Here is what you need to know before including one in your Will.

Val Antoff
Jun 14, 2023


Are You in a Blended Family? Navigating Estate Planning for Blended Families: Tips for Spouses
Estate planning for blended families requires careful thought about competing obligations to current and former partners, stepchildren and biological children. Here is what WA families need to consider.

Val Antoff
Jun 2, 2023


Important update: duplicate certificates of title will soon no longer be a valid legal document
Duplicate certificates of title are no longer valid legal documents in Western Australia. Here is what this means for property owners and what steps you may need to take.

Val Antoff
Jun 2, 2023
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