Have you heard of a death doula? What about an end of life doula or death walker? These terms describe a person that supports families and individuals in grief, bereavement, and death literacy. While birth doulas are fairly common in today's society, end of…

As you reach the later stages of life and see grown-up children building their own lives, it's common to reflect on the legacy you will leave behind for our loved ones.  A testamentary discretionary trust ("TDT") is a powerful…

As we journey through life, certain milestones demand attention and prompt us to consider future plans. One such milestone occurs as children grow up and our focus shifts towards securing our own well-being and financial stability. It's…

Your life is so much more than just a bit of paperwork. Your thoughts, feelings, stories, and guidance deserve to be recorded for your kids and the people looking after them. All these important bits that make you you don't go in your Will [that's a…

Who do you trust to parent your kids? It's a BIG ask.A testamentary guardian steps in to care for + made decisions for your kids if you die. Nominating a testamentary guardian in your Will is a big step to protect your…

In 2022 a Four Corners investigation rocked Queensland as it exposed a series of alarming practices within the Public Trustee. The report highlighted exorbitant fees, questionable financial decisions, and the detrimental impact on individuals who sought assistance from this trusted…

Creating a Will is an essential step to secure your assets and ensure your loved ones are taken care of after you die. In today's do-it-yourself era many people are tempted to draft their own Wills without seeking professional guidance. There are DIY Will…

Sending a bunch of flowers is a traditional sympathy gift. But what if your thoughtful gift causes your recipient to feel overloaded? Or exacerbates their grief? Here we look at why sending flowers may not be the best choice, and what to consider sending…

Who will manage your child’s inheritance if you die? It's important to get this person right, as they'll be responsible for striking a balance between providing your child with a secure childhood and preserving the inheritance as a nest egg for your child's adulthood.The person…

Someone else living in your house? We don’t mean the kind of uninvited house guest that eats your food and sleeps in your bed (um, rude!).Is there someone living with you that relies on you for accommodation? Perhaps a parent, grown up child, or…

Statistics show poor planning increases the likelihood of your business failing. It’s up there with financial mismanagement, insufficient market research, and poor leadership.Every business is different, from operation to structuring. What do you have in common with all other business owners? You’ve invested a lot of…

Your life story is a page turning best seller. Picture a loved one…maybe your spouse or parent. Someone that holds a truly special place in your heart. Now imagine that person wrote their life story for you. Not just where they were…

How to be your own worst enemy in one short sentence…“If I can’t make my own decisions then whatever happens is fine”.Do you have an opinion on where you live? Who you live with? Who…

A legacy is leaving a lasting impact on those around you after you’re gone – family, friends, cause or charity, business, small community, or world at large. The importance of to whom or what you’re leaving a legacy and on what scale depends on your values. There’s…

If you’re a fan of American movie and tv drama you might associate the word “attorney” with lawyer (Elle Woods? Saul Goodman? Marshall Eriksen?). When we refer to an attorney we actually mean the person or people you appoint to…

Financial protection and guidanceOne of the beautiful truths in life is that we are all different. We all have our own quirks and complexities, and some of us need more financial guidance or protection than others. We can factor those needs into your estate…

When I think about heartfelt gifts I have received, my Grandma’s wedding ring instantly comes to mind. Grandma died before I was born but I enjoyed a very close and loving relationship with my Grandad (our eldest is named in his honour!).…

You’re a legacy legend and had your Will done! The next step in keeping up that great work is regularly reviewing your Will. That just means regularly reading through your Will.Why? To ensure your Will remains up to date with your wishes and circumstances…

Do you know the Oprah episode “You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!”?  Well in your estate plan you can gift to whomever you like and however many people, charities, or entities you like!Unfortunately, pets miss out on a gift. …

Testamentary discretionary trusts and….Play School? It’s the mash up you never knew you needed.Testamentary discretionary trusts can be a powerful tool for estate planning. There are a range of benefits and protections for different family circumstances. Think tax advantages, protection in high-risk occupations, and…