by Erika Hanrahan | Aug 19, 2026 | Insights
It’s a common and understandable assumption: “I’ve made a Will, so it covers everything I own.” For property and some bank accounts, that isn’t necessarily true, and the reason has nothing to do with the Will itself. Two Ways to Own...
by Erika Hanrahan | Aug 12, 2026 | Insights
A Power of Attorney gives someone significant legal control over your finances while you’re still alive. Most people know they should have one. Far fewer stop to think carefully about who they’re actually appointing, or what happens if that choice turns...
by Erika Hanrahan | Aug 4, 2026 | Insights, News, Uncategorized
AML/CTF Reforms Have Commenced — Here’s What You Need to Know If you have engaged a lawyer, accountant, or conveyancer in Australia before, you will likely already be familiar with providing identification as part of standard practice, such as a driver’s...
by Sarah Lamb | Jul 29, 2026 | Client focus, Cost of a Will, Estate Planning, Insights, Personal, Wills
In short: if you die without a will in NSW (known as dying “intestate”), your estate is divided by a fixed legal formula under the Succession Act 2006 — which may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you decide who inherits, who raises your children, and...
by Sarah Lamb | Jul 22, 2026 | Client focus, Cost of a Will, Estate Planning, Insights, Personal, Wills
In short: we charge a fixed fee for a straightforward will, while a will with a testamentary trust or more complex family, business or superannuation needs costs more. At Southern Waters Legal, we quote your fixed fee upfront at your initial consultation — before any...
by Erika Hanrahan | Jun 4, 2026 | Business Law, Capital Gains Tax, Estate Planning, Insights
The Crackdown on Discretionary Trusts The 2026-27 Federal Budget has dropped. Buried beneath the headline economic figures are some of the most significant changes to trust and estate taxation in recent years. If your Will includes a Testamentary Trust, or your family...
