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

Disputes among beneficiaries can arise due to various factors, including disagreements over the distribution of assets, interpretations of the will's provisions, doubts about the executor's actions or concerns regarding the will's validity. The executor's unwillingness to share a copy of the will can sometimes contribute to disputes. Providing beneficiaries with a copy of the will after the testator's death can help mitigate potential conflicts by promoting transparency and e

An enduring power of attorney can be a protective measure against elder abuse and potentially a tool that can be misused.

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

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.

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.

An executor appointed under a will may find their duties and responsibilities overwhelming. At Crystal Lawyers we help executors.

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.

Duplicate certificates of title are no longer valid legal documents in Western Australia.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.

You should remember to review and update your last will and testament when circumstances change.

Making specific gifts in your Will can be a meaningful way to provide for loved ones, but it comes with risks including ademption. This article explains what to consider before doing so.

What is a grant of probate? Who applies for probate? How do I know if I must apply for probate? Why you need a probate lawyer?

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer in Perth is an important decision. Here is a practical guide to what to look for and the questions worth asking before you engage anyone.

Will kits are cheap and widely available, but they come with real risks. This article explains five of the most common mistakes people make when using a Will kit in Western Australia.

A Will that does not meet Western Australia's formal requirements may be invalid. This article explains the rules that must be followed for a Will or codicil to have legal effect.

An Enduring Power of Guardianship allows someone you trust to make personal and medical decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. Here is what Western Australians need to know.

Life insurance can play an important role in your estate plan, but only if it is structured correctly. This article explains how Perth families can use life insurance effectively.

If you have children from different relationships or beneficiaries with different needs, one testamentary trust may not be enough. This article explains how to decide how many you need.

If someone dies without a Will, or where probate is not available, letters of administration may be required. This article explains what they are and how the process works in Western Australia.

Often, a person when making a Will wants to make sure that their surviving partner can continue to live in the family home after their death and preserve their interest in the property so it is ultimately inherited by their children or other beneficiaries. This is a popular choice by a will maker in a blended family with children from a previous marriage or de facto relationship. The will maker can grant either life interest or a rights of residence in the family home in favo