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Blended families are increasingly common, but when it comes to estate planning, they bring a level of complexity that a simple Will often can’t address. If you have a spouse and children from a previous relationship, you’re not just deciding who gets what. You’re balancing competing priorities, protecting relationships, and

When you appoint an attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney – or if someone is appointed as your administrator by QCAT – you are giving them significant authority to manage aspects of your life. A common question we are asked is: Can my attorney, administrator or guardian get a

When people think about estate planning, they often assume it’s just about having a Will. In reality, a comprehensive estate plan is much more than that. It’s a complete strategy to protect your assets, your loved ones, and your wishes both during your lifetime and after your death. At Nurture

At Nurture Law, we understand that when expectations are not met, especially after the death of a loved one or within complex family arrangements, it can lead to legal and emotional strain. One powerful but often misunderstood area of law that can help in these situations is equity. This blog

If you’ve ever needed legal help, you’ve probably heard the words solicitor and barrister – and wondered, “Wait, aren’t they both lawyers?” You aren’t alone! Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they describe different roles within the legal profession. Both solicitors and barristers are qualified lawyers – they just

When you’re involved in a civil court matter in Queensland, including estate disputes, you might have a legal responsibility known as the duty of disclosure. This duty is designed to keep the process fair and transparent, ensuring both sides have access to the same information. In this blog, we break

Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. Many of us are part of blended families – where stepparents help raise their stepchildren, and relationships are built on love rather than blood. But when it comes to inheritance law in Queensland, things can get a little complicated. Unlike movies where

It’s a common surprise when someone passes away and their family discovers that a house or investment property does not actually form part of the Will. The reason? It depends on how the property was owned. In Queensland (and across Australia), there a two main ways people can co –

When planning for the future care and financial security of a loved one with a severe disability, many families face the challenge of balancing adequate support with preserving access to government benefits. Special Disability Trusts (SDTs) can be an effective solution. These trust structures allow families to safeguard assets while

Most of us don’t like to think about a time where we might not be able to make our own decisions. But planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about making sure your wishes are respected, your loved ones aren’t left guessing, and your affairs are managed the

When someone passes away, emotions can run high. Grief, memories, and money often mix, and even the closest families can find themselves disagreeing about what’s fair. Whether is about the Will, an inheritance, or how an estate is being managed, disputes can easily turn stressful and expense. That’s why mediation

It’s a common question we receive from new enquiries: “We already have wills — we just need to update them.” On the surface, this sounds simple. Perhaps an executor has changed, a beneficiary needs to be added, or circumstances have shifted since the wills were prepared. However, estate planning is

Should I Use AI to Write My Will? Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. It can draft emails, summarise meetings, generate business plans and even write poems. So it’s not surprising that many people are asking: “Can I just use AI to write my Will?” It’s an important question —

Have you ever said, “I just need a simple Will”? It’s one of the most common phrases we hear, and it makes perfect sense. Most people aren’t trying to create anything complicated. They just want something sensible, affordable and done properly. The problem? What sounds “simple” on the surface often

As a parent it is important to understand the complications that can occur if you don’t have a proper estate plan in place.  Just having a will isn’t enough to ensure your children are cared for in the event you are incapacitated. When you have children, estate planning stops being

DonateLife Week is a national initiative that encourages Australians to have a life-saving conversation – the conversation about organ and tissue donation. Running from Sunday 28 July to Sunday 4 August 2025, this annual awareness week invites all of us to reflect on the power of giving a gift that

With the rising cost of living and an ageing population, many families in Queensland are turning to multi-generational living. Granny flat arrangements, where an elderly parent contributes money to live with or near family, can be a beautiful solution that allows loved ones to stay close, while sharing care and

Administering a deceased estate is a significant responsibility. As an executor or administrator, you’re tasked with ensuring that the estate is properly managed, including its legal and financial affairs. One of the most crucial aspects of this process is meeting tax obligations. While it might feel overwhelming, being informed and

If you’re a business owner, director, trustee, or member of a self-managed super fund (SMSF), your estate planning needs go well beyond writing a Will.  At Nurture Law, we work with clients who have built their lives and legacies through hard work, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment. Many of them own

At Nurture Law, we often encounter families facing one of life’s more delicate challenges – how to ensure the wishes of a loved one who lacks the capacity to make a will are still respected. Whether due to illness, injury, or disability, some individuals are unable to make their own

Estate planning is about more than just deciding who gets what—it’s about ensuring loved ones are supported while preserving wealth for future generations. One tool that can help achieve this balance is a portable life interest. This arrangement provides housing security for a surviving spouse or dependent while allowing flexibility

Estate planning can be complex, especially for blended families where there is a need to balance the interests of a surviving spouse and children from previous relationships. One tool that can help provide certainty and fairness in estate distribution is a Mutual Will Agreement. However, while these agreements can offer

For business owners, estate planning goes beyond the personal—it extends into ensuring the continuity, protection, and eventual transfer of their business interests. A well-structured estate plan is essential to safeguard your hard-earned legacy and minimise disruptions to your business and family in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Here are some

In today’s digital age, our lives are increasingly tied to online platforms. From social media accounts and online banking to cryptocurrencies and digital subscriptions, the assets we accumulate in the virtual realm hold significant financial, sentimental, and legal value. However, unlike traditional assets, digital assets often present unique challenges in

In Queensland, significant life events such as marriage and divorce can profoundly impact the validity and contents of your will. Understanding these effects is crucial to ensure your estate planning accurately reflects your current intentions and complies with State legislation.  Marriage and Its Impact on Your Will  Under the Succession

In today’s day and age our phones have become a treasure trove of our personal lives, holding everything from cherished memories to important documents and private information.  From countless photos and meaningful messages to essential files and notes, much of what defines our lives is now stored digitally. As a

Estate disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex, often involving family members with deeply held beliefs about their loved ones’ intentions. In Queensland, specific laws govern how disputes are handled, and understanding these can help families navigate sensitive situations with clarity and respect. What is an Estate Dispute? An

Being appointed as an executor of a loved one’s estate is a significant responsibility, especially during the emotionally difficult time following their death. Executors play a vital role in ensuring the deceased’s wishes are carried out and that the estate is managed correctly. Here’s a guide to help you navigate

Life is unpredictable, and while we often associate estate planning with later stages of life, the reality is that individuals as young as 18 can greatly benefit from having key legal documents in place. In Queensland, three of the most crucial documents for adults of any age are a Will,

In Episode 6 of the “Life, Loss and Legacy” podcast, Kelly Gatehouse of Nurture Law joined hosted by Jordan Vaka from Planning Solo. Listeners were guided through the complexities of estate administration with expert insights from Kelly. Here, we encapsulate some of the key points discussed: At Nurture Law, we

Do I need to update my will after separation or divorce? Separating can be incredibly stressful and there are many things to think about such as a property settlement and parenting arrangements. It is also important to review and update your will and enduring documents. Here are some important reasons

Superannuation death benefits can be substantial, and people often don’t realise that there is life insurance attached to their superannuation. When someone has not made a valid binding death benefit at the time of death, the superannuation fund decides how superannuation death benefits will be paid. They can decide to

When a person dies, their superannuation does not automatically form part of their estate. Unless a person has nominated a beneficiary, then the superannuation fund can decide who to pay the superannuation death benefits to. Superannuation death benefits can only be paid to the person’s estate or dependants which includes:

In Queensland, for a will to meet the formal requirements of a valid will, the will must be in writing, signed by the will maker and the will maker’s signature must be witnessed by at least two witnesses. The Court has the power to declare a document that doesn’t meet

When someone dies without a will they are said to have died ‘intestate’. In each jurisdiction in Australia, there are intestacy rules that stipulate how a person’s estate is to be divided if they die without a will. Here is a handy diagram showing how an estate would be distributed

More than 50% of Australians don’t have a Will and more than half of those who do acknowledge it needs updating.    Estate Planning in Australia Final Report, Charles Sturt University and The University of Adelaide (2017) This article explains some of the common reasons people put off making a

The reasons estates are challenged are as wide-ranging as families and relationships are diverse. Commonly estate disputes involve blended families (i.e. second spouse or step-children), children that haven’t had a relationship with their parent for some time and children who have problems managing money. This article explains some of the most common types of estate claims including

Choosing an executor is difficult and one of the most important decisions you will need to make when making a will. To put it simply, the role of an executor is to make funeral arrangements, obtain probate, collect in your assets, pay your debts and then distribute the estate to

Probate is a document that is granted by the Supreme Court of Queensland to an executor. Executors appointed in a will can apply for probate to be granted to them. A grant of probate is the Court’s official recognition that the executor has a right to administer the estate in