Published by Hayton Kosky Lawyers – Melbourne’s Trusted Estate Planning Experts Since 1991 When Sarah’s father passed away last year, she thought his handwritten will would be straightforward to execute. After all, he’d carefully listed his assets and named his beneficiaries in what seemed like clear, simple language. Twelve months and $45,000 in legal fees...

The phone call comes at the worst possible time. A loved one has passed, and amid the grief, you uncover a frustrating reality: the original will, which names you as executor, has vanished. The safe is empty, the solicitor has no record, and all you have is a photocopy. What now? If you’re in Victoria,...

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...

Let’s be honest — your lovingly polished antique sideboard? Your kids are mentally loading it into the trailer for a tip run. That crystal decanter set from Nana? They’re wondering if Vinnies will even take it. And your commemorative cricket ball collection? Sorry, Dad — no one’s fighting over it. Here’s the straight-up truth most...