Where there's a Will there's a Way

Superannuation is often a sleeper asset, yet for many Australians it’s one of the largest components of their wealth. In this episode, Stefan and Lauren unpack what actually happens to your super when you pass away, who can legally receive it, how binding nominations work, common traps, tax consequences, and why coordinating your super with your estate plan is essential.

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, Stefan and senior associate Lauren Solomonson unpack the often-overlooked world of guardianship and administration orders in Victoria. They explain how VCAT steps in when someone loses capacity without powers of attorney, the difference between guardians and administrators, real-life examples, and why proactive planning is essential.

In this essential episode, we discuss what legal capacity means for making wills and powers of attorney, why it's increasingly critical with an ageing population, and how to manage situations where cognitive decline is involved. Learn about common warning signs, proactive measures, and what happens if capacity is in doubt.

In this insightful episode, we explore family provision claims, eligibility criteria, and what courts consider when disputes arise over estates. Join us as we unpack real-life cases, highlighting unusual scenarios and practical considerations that can significantly impact inheritance outcomes.

When financial trouble hits, personal and corporate insolvency can put your wealth and legacy at risk. In this episode, host Stefan Manche is joined by Senior Associate Charlie Clark to unpack how insolvency affects individuals, company directors, and estates. From director duties and personal guarantees to strategies like testamentary trusts and asset restructuring, learn how to safeguard your as...

Many parents help their adult children buy a home, but is it a gift or a loan? In this episode, we dive into the legal and financial risks of the "Bank of Mum and Dad" with Senior Associate Rachelle Eytan. Learn why formalising agreements is crucial, how to protect your assets from divorce and estate disputes, and what to consider before lending money to family. Don't make costly mis...

What happens to your inheritance if your relationship breaks down? In this episode of Where There's a Will, There's a Way, host Stefan Manche sits down with James Maxwell, Principal Lawyer in Family & Relationship Law at Coulter Legal, to explore the intersection of estate planning and family law. They discuss how inheritances are treated in divorce, whether prenups (binding financial...

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Stefan Manche welcomes special counsel Georgina Parisis to explore the world of share farming agreements. They discuss how these agreements benefit both landowners and farmers, the risks of handshake deals, and why proper documentation is essential for smooth operations and succession planning. Whether you're a farmer, landowner, or invo...

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Stefan Manche, Principal Lawyer at Coulter Legal, is joined by Senior Associate Lauren Solomonson to unpack the recent and significant changes to probate filing fees in Victoria. They break down the new fee structure, discuss the financial impact on executors, and explore how these changes could reshape estate planning strategies. If you...

In this thought-provoking episode of Where There's a Will, There's a Way, host Stefan Manche and guest Lauren Solomonson explore a topic often overlooked until it's too late: what happens to your social media and digital accounts after you pass away? With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok holding years of memories, it's vital to plan your digital legacy. Discover the r...

Join Stefan Manche, Principal Lawyer and Head of Wills, Estates, and Succession Planning at Coulter Legal, as he dives into the complex yet essential world of estate administration. Together with guest Lauren Solomonson, this episode demystifies the legal and emotional challenges of managing a loved one’s estate. From the initial steps after a passing to distributing assets, you'll gain a clea...

 In this episode of the "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" podcast, host Stefan Manche sits down with Senior Associate, Lauren Solomonson, to explore the complexities of informal Wills in Victoria. Lauren shares her experiences navigating the nuances of Wills that don't meet formal requirements and explains the legal processes involved in validating these documents. Whethe...

Unpack the complexities and importance of bequests in this discussion. Join our seasoned legal experts Stefan Manch and Lauren Solomonson as they explain how to create bequests that reflect your wishes and stand the test of time. Discover practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring your assets are distributed exactly as you intended.

In this special episode of "Where There's a Will, There's a Way," host Stefan Manche, head of the Wills, Estates, and Succession Planning team at Coulter Legal, introduces an exciting new offering: My Estate Plan. This holistic estate planning service is designed to ensure comprehensive and tailored support for clients' unique circumstances, needs, and wishes. Stefan explains...

In this episode of "Where There's a Will, There's a Way," host Stefan Manche, head of the Wills, Estates, and Succession Planning team at Coulter Legal, is joined by associate lawyer Kayla Kennedy to discuss the intricacies of estate planning for blended families. They delve into the challenges and risks, such as potential conflicts and claims on the estate, and explore effective...

In this episode of "Where There's a Will, There's a Way," host Stefan Manche, head of the Wills, Estates, and Succession Planning team at Coulter Legal, is joined by associate lawyer Kayla Kennedy to explore how significant life events impact estate planning. From marriage and parenthood to divorce and retirement, they discuss the key considerations and necessary updates to ensur...

In this episode of "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" from Coulter Legal, host Stefan and Tristan Burke, a lawyer in the wills and estates team, discuss Special Disability Trusts. They cover the trust's basic concept, its structure, and how it benefits a specific disabled beneficiary. The episode explains eligibility criteria, asset limits, and usage of trust funds for acc...

In this episode of the "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" podcast from Coulter Legal, host Stefan and Kayla Kennedy, an associate in the wills and estates team, delve into the intricacies of testamentary trusts. They discuss the benefits and complexities of incorporating trusts into wills, including asset protection, tax advantages, and the flexibility in managing estate asset...

In this episode of "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" podcast, host Stefan from Coulter Legal is joined by Jay Burke from Burke Britton Financial Partners. They delve into Jay's background, both personal and professional, as a father of five and a director at Burke Britton Financial Partners. The discussion focuses on the intersection of estate planning and financial plann...

In this podcast episode, the host Stefan and guest Kirsty Brealey, Special Counsel at Coulter Legal and an accredited specialist in Wills & Estates, discuss Contesting Wills and Estate Disputes. The conversation starts with an introduction to the topic and the distinction between contesting a will on the grounds of the validity of a will or seeking further provision. Kirsty explains who is eli...

In Episode 4 of Coulter Legal's podcast, "Death and your Will - Estate Administration Process," host Stefan and guest Sarah, Lawyer in the Coulter Legal Wills and Estates team, guide listeners through the complex process of estate administration. They cover the steps that executors should take, including obtaining a copy of the will, arranging the funeral, securing assets, and engagi...

In this podcast episode, Stefan and guest Yvette Krizmanic, Senior Relationship Manager at Australian Unity Trustees, discuss the role of an executor in a will, what you should consider when selecting executors, and the available options for will-makers. Stefan provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic, explaining that an executor is the person, people, or organisation appointed in a will...

In Episode 3 of this podcast, Stefan and Wills & Estates lawyer Tristan discuss what happens to your assets if you die without a Will, and why you should take control of your estate planning instead of leaving it to chance. Tristan explains the Intestacy Laws, which are designed to distribute estates as effectively as possible, but do not take into account complex family situations, large asse...

In this episode of this estate planning podcast, host Stefan is joined by guest Wills & Estates lawyer Tristan Burke to explore which assets are included in your estate and can be controlled via your Will. They discuss important distinctions between assets owned in a will-maker's sole name versus those held jointly, as well as assets held in trusts or companies. They also delve into the co...

In this episode of the podcast, Estate Planning 101, Wills & Estates Lawyer Sarah Minter joins host Stefan to discuss the difference between creating a Will and completing an Estate Plan. They discuss what documents might make up an estate plan and what the most important considerations for Estate Planning are, such as powers of attorney, complex wills, death benefit nominations, and tax conse...