The Underestimated Risk Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but the impact differs starkly between generations. While seasoned lawyers leverage AI to augment their capabilities, many early-career Australian lawyers risk professional failure through uncritical dependence on AI-generated content. The core issue isn’t technological adoption—it’s quality control. The ability to assess the accuracy, appropriateness, and...

Inheritance disputes are on the rise across Australia, and Victoria is no exception. With over 10% of wills facing legal challenges and 74% of disputes resulting in modified distributions, it’s essential for Victorian families to plan carefully to protect both their assets and family relationships. The Victorian Legal Landscape Victoria’s succession law is governed primarily...

Transferring personal assets into a family trust is a popular vehicle for wealth protection and estate planning. The advantages are well-publicised—asset shielding, tax planning, succession control—but the legal mechanics behind the transfer are often overlooked. As accountant Geoff Gartly notes, family trusts can serve as a flexible and central structure for managing investments. This post...

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) obligations are a critical part of the legal and conveyancing landscape in Australia. For legal professionals, these responsibilities are not just about ticking boxes; they are about protecting your practice, upholding the integrity of the financial system, and combating serious crime. This practical guide will walk you through...

In today’s digital economy, Australians are accumulating wealth in unprecedented forms—cryptocurrency, online businesses, monetized social media accounts, and cloud-stored collections of personal data. Despite their financial and sentimental value, digital assets are frequently overlooked in estate plans, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to loss, disputes, and tax consequences. Why Digital Assets Matter in Estate Planning Digital assets—anything...

Navigating estate planning in blended families is rarely straightforward—especially when estrangement is involved. You might believe you’ve made your intentions clear in your will, but Victorian law gives certain family members, including estranged children, the right to challenge it under Part IV of the Administration and Probate Act 1958. At Hayton Kosky, we regularly advise...