The Victorian Government has announced a significant increase of filing fees charged by the Victorian Probate Office within the Supreme Court. The new fee structure particularly impacts larger estates, with those valued $7 million or more now facing a fee of $16,803, up from $2,318.90. One positive change is for the small estates under $250,000, […]
Understanding Victoria’s recent increase to probate filing fees Read More »
Incapacity can have significant implications for the management and continuity of trusts and businesses. Incapacity can create complex challenges that require careful planning and legal foresight. This article explores how trusts and businesses, including sole traders and companies, are affected when a key person becomes incapacitated and provides strategies to ensure smooth transitions and continued
Navigating the effects of incapacity in Business and Trusts Read More »
A Statutory Will can be the solution to estate planning problems where a person has lost capacity. Instead of being made by the person themselves, a Statutory Will is made for them by an Order of the Supreme Court of Victoria. The Wills Act 1997 (Vic) provides this mechanism for the Court to authorise a
Statutory Wills: What if I lose capacity to make a Will? Read More »
This article is a continuation of our Incapacity Series where we have recently discussed the Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”) and Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker (“AMTDM”) documents and how they can be used to plan for the possibility that you or someone you know may lose capacity. We now consider what can be
Every adult has the right to make their own medical treatment decisions. However, if you experience illness or an accident you may be unable to do so (either temporarily or permanently). An Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker (“AMTDM“) is a formal legal document that allows you to appoint people who can make medical treatment
At some point in your life, you may be faced with an event – such as an accident or illness – that leaves you incapacitated and unable to make decisions for yourself. An Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”) allows you to appoint a person (or multiple people) to make financial decisions and personal (also known
Enduring Power of Attorney: What if I can’t make decisions for myself? Read More »
Incapacity and Planning Ahead: Why Estate Planning Matters Many people overlook the importance of estate planning, assuming it’s only for the rich, elderly or sick. But regardless of your age, health or how much money you have, having a plan is important. Estate planning isn’t just about what happens to your assets after you
The Incapacity Series: The Importance of Planning Ahead Read More »
When a person dies ‘intestate’, it means that they have passed away without a valid Will (wholly intestate) or with a Will that doesn’t dispose of all of their property (partially intestate). When someone dies intestate, the intestacy laws of the relevant jurisdiction will determine how their assets will be distributed.
Inheritance in limbo: understanding the basics of Intestacy Read More »
A “deceased estate” (also simply called an estate) refers to all the assets and liabilities left behind by a person when they pass away.
Assets can include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts with a positive balance, shares, personal belongings (such as jewellery and household goods), unpaid employment entitlements, life insurance policy rights, contractual rights, intellectual property and rights to royalties. Domestic pets are also considered part of the estate.
What is a Deceased Estate? Read More »
It probably isn’t a surprise to most people that marriage and divorce are big events that impact on a person’s property and parenting rights. What many aren’t aware of, however, is that these events also have a significant effect on their Will and where their superannuation death benefit entitlements may be paid. Marriage and Wills
The effect of marriage, separation and divorce on Wills and estate planning Read More »
Get in touch with the team at Novum Law Group. Leave your details and we’ll be in touch for a free no-obligation chat to see if we can help.
© 2025 Novum Law Group
