caitebrewer Enduring Power of Attorney, Informal wills, Law, wills

Qld passes legislation to allow for video witnessing of wills and EPAs

Last night the Qld Government passed legislation that is the first step to allowing wills and EPAs to be witnessed via video conference. But a warning, we're not quite there yet... The COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 (see reg 9) allows the Government to make regulations where an Act permits or requires the signing or … Continue reading Qld passes legislation to allow for video witnessing of wills and EPAs

caitebrewer Enduring Power of Attorney, estate administration, executors, Informal wills, Intestacy, Law, Legislation Updates, Probate

Electronic execution and witnessing of Wills and EPAs

An interesting article was published in The Australian today on electronic execution of documents (read it here). These times of COVID-19 restrictions have brought urgently to the forefront the need for law reform in the execution and witnessing of wills and enduring powers of attorney. Last week, the Queensland Registrar of Titles directed that for … Continue reading Electronic execution and witnessing of Wills and EPAs

caitebrewer Case Updates, Costs, Enduring Power of Attorney, estate administration, executors, Law, Superannuation

Court confirms attorney can make BDBN

Last Friday, Bowskill J of the Queensland Supreme Court held that a binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) made by attorneys was valid, in circumstances where the BDBN was confirming a nomination previously made by the principal. The judgment is very well reasoned and a relatively easy read. CAUTION - this case should not be treated … Continue reading Court confirms attorney can make BDBN

caitebrewer administrators, Case Updates, estate administration, executors, Family Provision, Law, Probate, removal of executors

Removal of executors at loggerheads

In a judgment delivered this morning, Davis J removed two executors who were at loggerheads, without any finding of fault or unfitness to occupy office.  His Honour found that the due and proper administration of the estate was best served by their removal and the appointment of an independent administrator. Read Re McLennan here.

caitebrewer Enduring Power of Attorney, STEP

What you missed at the Enduring Powers of Attorney Intensive

The Enduring Powers of Attorney Intensive hosted by STEP Qld held on  April 3 provided some valuable insights into the use of EPAs and the potential for their misuse. Ten takeaways from this seminar, for members who were not able to attend: Solicitors drafting EPAs should be aware that there may be a risk of disciplinary … Continue reading What you missed at the Enduring Powers of Attorney Intensive