Case Study: Ruth’s story
Case Study: Ruth's story - a claim on an estate A claim on an estate occurs in only 10% or less of estates that go to probate. I estimate that only about 60% of estates that I [...]
Common Mistakes for Executors to Avoid
Common mistakes for executors to avoid by Jacqui Brauman Taking on the role An executor can refuse the role. If you’re asked at the time the Will is made, it doesn’t mean you cannot change your mind [...]
Foreign Beneficiaries
Foreign beneficiaries by Jacqui Brauman As the executor of an estate, you have a duty to not only distribute the estate in accordance with the Will, but to also maximise the estate. So you can’t be wasteful, [...]
I am the Beneficiary of a Will – What Are My Rights?
I am the Beneficiary of a Will - What Are My Rights? by Jacqui Brauman Who is a beneficiary? A beneficiary is a person who receives a gift or benefit from a deceased estate. Who arranges the [...]
What is probate?
What is Probate? by Jacqui Brauman I’m quite often asked: what is probate? A lot of people think that it is a tax, and that it’s an amount that is paid depending on how big the estate [...]
Crucial Roles in Wills
Crucial Roles in Wills A Will is a written document which declares a person’s testamentary intentions (how you would like your estate to be distributed on your death). For a Will to be valid in Victoria it [...]
Learn How To Make A Claim Against A Will
Learn how to make a claim against a Will (or how to avoid one) by Jacqui Brauman Since a couple of years ago, Victoria has had narrow categories of people who are allowed to make a claim [...]
What Happens If I Die Without A Will?
What Happens If I Die Without A Will? by Jacqui Brauman If you die without a Will, you die ‘intestate’. Each State has its own laws about intestacy, so if you die in Victoria without a Will, [...]
The Truth About Insolvent Estates
The Truth About Insolvent Estates What happens when someone dies insolvent, meaning that they have more debt than assets? The first myth is that the executor will be liable for the debts. This is not true, if [...]
Estate Proceeds Trusts
Estate Proceeds Trusts: a case study by Jacqui Brauman This case study will illustrate what an estate proceeds trust is, and how it can be used when the Will was a basic Will that didn't set up [...]