Estate Planning

What is a Granny Flat Right?

WHAT IS A GRANNY FLAT RIGHT?

You can have a granny flat interest in any kind of dwelling, not just those typically referred to as a “granny flat” (a separate, self-contained building or living area attached to a home or property). It must be a private residence and your principal home.

You cannot however, have a granny flat interest in a property in which you have legal ownership (or your partner or a company or trust that you control).

A “granny flat right” or a “granny flat interest” is where you pay for the right to live in a specific home for life.

Granny flat interests are usually family arrangements providing company and support for older people, but they don’t have to be for social security purposes. They are created when you exchange assets, money or both for a right to live in someone else’s property for life. For example, you could:

  • transfer ownership of your home but keep a lifelong right to live there or in another private property; or
  • transfer assets, including money, in return for a lifelong right to live in a home.

The granny flat right only lasts for your lifetime. It’s not part of your estate when you die, so you can’t give it in your will as part of your estate plan.

DOCUMENTATION

A granny flat right does not have to be in writing however, given that amounts that can be paid for a granny flat right can be significant and they are usually funded by significant events like the sale of a family home, it can be a very good idea to get a lawyer to draw up a legal document so you have proof of what you and the owner have agreed to in relation to the granny flat arrangement.

A Granny Flat Right Agreement can include many things in addition to the amount paid, such as what happens if the property is sold, whether the right can be transferred to another property or what you may get back if you give up your granny flat right, as well as what regular contributions for rent, maintenance or outgoings (insurance, rates, phone etc) may have been agreed.

GIFTING RULES & THE REASONABLENESS TEST

In Centrelink/Department of Human Services terms, a “deprived asset”, also known as “gifting”, is where you give away an asset without getting something of at least equal value in return.

The value of a granny flat right is the amount paid, or the value of the assets transferred, in return for a life interest or life estate in a property.

Centrelink may apply the “reasonableness test” in determining the amount that should be paid for a granny flat right. This test is based on a formula based on a conversation factor relating to your age next birthday and the couple age pension rate.

If the amount paid is equal to or below the value determined by the reasonableness test, then there is no deprivation. However, if the amount you paid for the granny flat right is more than the cost or value of the granny flat right, the excess amount paid is considered to be a “deprived asset”.

This could affect the amount of pension you are paid.

Depending on the value of the granny flat right, you may be considered as a home owner for Centrelink (assets test) assessment purposes, even though you don’t own the home you have the granny flat right in.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Speak to us about how we can assist you to draft a Granny Flat Right Agreement to document your arrangements regarding the use and occupation of part of your home. We will liaise with your financial planner to cover off the financial and social security aspects as there may be other things you can do like contribute proceeds of sale to super.

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to documenting co-habitation and property use agreements and estate planning matters generally, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

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in Asset Protection / Dispute Resolution / Estate Planning / General / Property / Risk management  by 01 Mar 2026 0 comments

Changing your name

A person may change their name for various reasons, such when they marry, to hide their identity or to adopt a more ‘acceptable’ or popular name.

You can change your name without formally registering a new name. At law, you can change your name through use and becoming known by your new name however, there are often instances which arise where you may be required to provide evidence of change of name. For such reasons, you can register your change of name.

The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) is responsible for registering all changes of name in New South Wales. Prior to 1996, NSW Land & Property Information Service (formerly the Land Titles Office, and now NSW Land Registry Services) used to register Deed Polls Instrument Evidencing Change of Name.

Any individual over the age of 18 who was born in NSW, or permanent Australian residents living in NSW for at least 3 years, may register a change of name at BDM (unless you are a ‘restricted person’, such as an inmate, parolee, subject to a supervision order or a a forensic/correctional patent etc).

If you are a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years who satisfies these criteria, you may apply to register a change of their name. Children over the age of 12 however must consent to a change of name.

In NSW, you can only change your name once in a 12-month period and 3 times in your lifetime.

Most names can be registered, but not all. BDM will not register a name that:

  • is offensive;
  • is too long (exceeding 50 characters);
  • includes numbers and symbols such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Jnr, Snr; or
  • could be confused with an official title or rank, such as colonel, premier, judge, saint, queen, prince.

In the case of marriage, if you wish to take your husband’s name, a formal change of name is not always required as a Marriage Certificate will usually suffice as evidence of the change however, in the case of re-marriage, if you continued to use your married name, unless you formally registered your married name with BDM, you must use your name as it appears on your birth certificate when you re-marry.

It is an offence to alter or use an additional or other name with the intention to act fraudulently or with an intention to deceive. Persons found to have done so may be subject to criminal proceedings.

Changing your name is relatively easy, provided you have the proper documentation.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au 

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

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in Estate Planning / General  by 01 Jan 2026 0 comments

Who gets your Superannuation when you die?

On your death, your superannuation balance will not necessarily be dealt with in accordance with your wishes as stated in your Will. Read that again… slowly, then read on.

Unless you have a valid beneficiary death benefit nomination in place that directs your superannuation fund’s trustee as to who to pay your super balance to, your trustee may have a discretion as to who to pay it to.

The trustees of most retail super funds have a discretion as to who to pay a benefit to. Usually, the fund rules specify the member’s dependents as the class of beneficiaries to be considered first, with the trustee to determine the amounts/proportions but imagine what happens if you are perhaps separated (but not divorced) and you are living with another person (as a de facto) – a dispute could easily arise. What if you have children? What would/should the split be?

To minimise disputes and avoid applications to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal or the Supreme Court, make a nomination. There are generally 2 types: Non-binding and Binding

NON-BINDING NOMINATIONS

A non-binding nomination is an indication to your trustee of your preferences but it is, as it states – non-binding so the trustee can ignore it. This can be a good idea if there are significant changes in circumstances before your death where you haven’t got around to updating your nomination. The trustee’s discretion could prevent it going to your ex spouse or avoid the situation of you accidentally omitting one of your kids from a benefit.

BINDING NOMINATIONS

A binding nomination is exactly that – binding (provided that it is valid as at the date of death). There are 2 sub-categories of binding nomination: lapsing and non-lapsing.

  • LAPSING – Many funds provide for the lapsing type – and unfortunately these need to be renewed every 3 years or the nominations lapse.
  • NON-LAPSING – Most Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and some retails funds allow in their deeds for nominations that never lapse (unless you update it). Older SMSF Deeds and their Rules do not allow for the non-lapsing type and may need to be updated.

There are requirements for making any nomination legally valid, witnesses etc.

Speak to us about your estate planning and ensure your wishes are properly documented.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like any further information in relation to Wills, estate planning, superannuation death benefit nominations or updating SMSF deeds , please contact us on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au

in Commercial Law / Estate Planning / General / Litigation / Probate / Superannuation / Tax Planning  by 01 Aug 2025 0 comments

How digital assets are dealt with on your death

In the digital world we live in, the majority of our time is spent online, so we build up a substantial base of assets that exist online or in the “cloud”. These assets include:

  • Email accounts
  • Cloud bases storage systems like DropBox, Google Drive, OneDrive and Apple iCloud
  • Cryptocurrency wallets
  • Social media accounts (like FaceBook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok… and the stupid SnapChat
  • Streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount Plus and Disney
  • Domain names, websites and blogs… and even gaming accounts
  • Photos/videos and music libraries
  • other intellectual property

The problem with each of these things is that there is no single way to transfer or deal with them on your death, in your Will or otherwise.

The Terms of Services of social media accounts don’t usually allow transfer of ownership but often do have an in memoriam type mode that can be put in place through the platforms on someone’s death but they often need to be pre-arranged by the deceased before their death (for example setting a ‘legacy contact’ or equivalent).

Many, such as the streaming services, operate on a personal license basis and thus do not allow transfers of accounts, so more of a practical matter intaking control of them (login and password) rather than transferring ownership in a legal sense.

Another problem is that many of the organisations that own and control these platforms are in different countries that may not recognise an Australian grant of probate.

Wishes in relation to digital assets can be expressed in a Will in much the same way as other tangible assets like houses and cars, but consideration needs to be given to the relevant terms of use and licensing agreements and the practical matters involved. Often the wish is to have accounts closed or deleted.

One major practical step to take control of these digital assets that executors and administrators should consider is not cancelling the deceased persons mobile phone as this is often used to get reset codes and other authentications.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information in relation to Wills and estate planning, contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Estate Planning / General / Intellectual Property / Online Issues  by 01 Jul 2025 0 comments

Why have a Will?

WHAT IS A WILL?

A Will is a legal document that outlines how you wish to have your assets distributed on your death. You get to choose who administers your estate for you and who and how your beneficiaries are to receive your assets.

Generally, to make a Will, you must be over 18, have proper mental capacity and sign a document in the presence of 2 independent witnesses.

If you pass away without having a valid will in place (called ‘dying intestate’) then the provisions of the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) will apply and your estate will be divided up without regard to your wishes.

Take control of who controls your estate and who inherits by putting in place a will today.

EXECUTORS

An executor is the person you appoint in your Will to deal with your estate on your death and to ensure that your wishes are carried out.  Often, people appoint 2 executors or provide for an alternate executor so that if one person is not willing (for example, due to age or infirmity) or able (for example, if they are dead or incapacitated) to act, then the other/alternate executor can act.

WHAT CAN A WILL INCLUDE?

Any asset that you own can be deal with in your will, whether bank accounts, motor vehicles, boats, jewellery or any other item. Particular items can be left to particular people, the whole of your estate can be left to one person or to several people in various fractions or percentages and conditions of gift can be imposed, such as paying out encumbrances such as mortgages.

Real property (houses and land) that is owned as ‘joint tenants’ (as is often the case for married couples) cannot be left by Will because when one joint owner dies, it automatically passes to the surviving owner. Where land is owned as tenants in common, it can be transmitted by Will. There can be good reasons for holding property in either way.

Life insurance and superannuation benefits are not able to be dealt with by a Will where specific beneficiaries have been nominated by policy owner. If the estate is nominated as beneficiary, a nomination has lapsed (they often lapse after 3 years) or no nomination has been made, the proceeds will usually be paid to the estate and distributed under the Will however, the trustee or the insurer may have discretion as to who to pay the benefit to. Your financial advisor would be able to advise you in relation to any superannuation death benefit nominations.

Often, wishes are expressed in Wills such as those relating to cremation or burial and directions regarding guardianship of infant children.

WHEN IS A NEW WILL REQUIRED?

If you get married or if you get separated or divorced from your spouse or partner or if your family circumstances change (for example, through a birth or a death or if you have a significant change to your finances, like an inheritance, bankruptcy, changes in business structure etc), you should make a new Will.

Your Will should be regularly reviewed (every few years at least) to ensure it still reflects your current wishes.

TESTAMENTARY TRUSTS

Consider whether your beneficiaries would benefit from having Wills with Testamentary Trusts as they can offer significant and ongoing benefits, including:

  • asset protection from creditors, and
  • taxation advantages such as income splitting.

This is particularly useful where your beneficiaries are in business and have their own asset protection measures in place, if they are ‘at risk’ or where you have income producing assets. Speak to us about how testamentary trusts can benefit your family.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Craig Pryor is principal solicitor at McKillop Legal. For further information in relation to estate planning, business succession or any other commercial law matter, contact Craig Pryor on (02) 9521 2455 or email craig@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Estate Planning / Probate / Tax Planning  by 01 May 2025 0 comments

Advantages of Testamentary Trusts

WHAT IS A TESTAMENTARY TRUST?

A Testamentary Trust in simple terms is a trust that is established by a person’s Will (and Testament), as opposed to a trust created during someone’s lifetime, like a family trust, discretionary trust, units etc.

Unlike with a “basic” Will – pursuant to which where beneficiaries receive the benefit of any gift personally – with a Testamentary Trust, the beneficiaries receive the benefit of the gift, but rather than having it legally owned by them personally, a trustee holds the relevant asset in trust for them.

Wills with Testamentary Trusts are recommended by many lawyers, accountants and financial advisers for various reasons but the advantages of Testamentary Trusts include asset protection and taxation advantages.

ASSET PROTECTION POSSIBILITY

Because of the legal ownership differs from the beneficial interest, Testamentary Trusts can offer beneficiaries significant and important advantages such as asset protection. As the trustee of the Testamentary Trust owns the asset (not the primary beneficiary personally), creditors and trustees in bankruptcy of the relevant beneficiary cannot gain access to the asset, so it can remain for the benefit of the intended beneficiary and their family etc.

Often, beneficiaries that are in business for themselves have implemented asset protection measures so as to keep their assets safe from claims by third parties. The last thing that such a beneficiary may want is to receive an inheritance in their personal name, effectively undoing all of their efforts to safeguard their assets!

Testamentary trusts can offer beneficiaries significant taxation advantages and a level of asset protection.

Testamentary Trusts can be drafted so as to have the beneficiary effectively control the trust and for that control to be relinquished on the occurrence of certain events, such as bankruptcy or divorce/marital separation, with a nominated person or persons to act in the role of trustee whilst such incapacity remains.

POTENTIAL TAXATION BENEFITS

Rather than taking a gift in a personal capacity as would usually be the case with a more “simple” Will, with a Will incorporating Testamentary Trusts, beneficiaries may have the ability to split income earned amongst other people in their family such as spouses, children, grandchildren or any other company or trust in which they have an interest.

Where a deceased estate has income producing assets (such as an investment property or a share portfolio), under a more simplistic will, the beneficiary personally receiving that gift would have the income earned from such asset/s added on top of the income they receive from their employment or their own investments. This could mean that they go into the next marginal tax bracket and pay significantly more tax.

A Testamentary Trust allows the income earned in the trust to be split amongst the various family members, many of whom are likely to either not be working (so the tax-free thresholds become available) or earn lower incomes (and are therefore in lower taxation brackets).

Children under 18 years of age that receive income from a Testamentary Trust are taxed at marginal rates as if they are adults (as opposed to the how income from standard discretionary / family trusts, where can be taxed at unearned income penalty tax rates) so for a family with a non-working spouse and several children, significant income can be received by the family whilst very little or no tax may be payable on the testamentary trust income.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information in relation to estate planning, business succession or any other commercial law matter, contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au.

in Asset Protection / Business / Estate Planning / General / Insolvency & Bankruptcy / Probate / Risk management / Tax Planning / Trusts  by 05 Jan 2025 0 comments

Statement of Testamentary Intention

Section 100(2) of the Succession Act 2006 (NSW) provides that a written statement made by a deceased person during their lifetime which may explain or justify the provisions of a will is admissible in evidence.

This means that a Court can have regard to the Deceased’s wishes and intentions as expressed in such statements, often called a “Statement of Testamentary Intention“, in making a decision regarding the distribution of their estates such as where a Family Provision Order has been sought (an order which effectively alters the division and distribution of a deceased person’s estate, deviating from that stated in their Will to which Probate has been granted).

Where a person makes a Will that they think may ultimately be contested (such as where an estranged child is left out of the Will), then a Statement of Testamentary Intention can be executed at the same time, whereby the person making the Will sets out their reasons for excluding that person as a beneficiary.  A Statement of Testamentary Intention is often made in the form of an Affidavit or Statutory Declaration, but it can even include an audio-visual recording of the person making the Will made with their consent, statements made orally to another person or even a contemporaneous email, but a written and sworn statement is usually the best if time permits.

The risk in making a Statement of Testamentary Intention is that if for example:

  • it is not documented properly;
  • was not made contemporaneously with the Will; or
  • where a significant period had elapsed between the making of the s.100 Statement and the time of the Deceased’s passing (that is, it is not up to date – as the reasons may have been eroded by later interactions and events etc, such as where a relationship has been repaired)

then it can lack evidentiary weight and can even act to benefit the excluded person, such as:

  • if it notes matters that would ordinarily be considered ‘hearsay’ (such that it can be objected to being admitted into evidence);
  • where unsubstantiated opinions or slurs are used; or
  • where there are factual statements or reasons given that can be shown to be incorrect

as they can undermine the basis of the will-maker’s decision to exclude a person and bolster the plaintiff’s case against the estate.

Usually the reasons for excluding a beneficiary from a Will should not be stated in the Will itself, but if they are to be documented, should be set out separately in the s.100 Statement so that the Executor can decide whether or not to use it in evidence.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au 

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

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in Dispute Resolution / Estate Planning / General / Litigation / Probate / Risk management  by 01 Nov 2024 0 comments

Caveat on Probate

If you have an interest in the estate of a deceased person, and:

  • wish to challenge the validity of a Will, for example:
    • as it is informal (in that it doesn’t comply with the usual requirements for execution); or
    • because you genuinely believe it to be a forgery;
  • have serious doubts as to the testamentary capacity of the person that made the Will at the time it was made;
  • have evidence of a later document purporting to be the deceased person’s Will; or perhaps
  • claim that a Will was executed under undue influence or pressure,

then there is a process by which you can put the Court and the person propounding that Will in an Application for Probate or Letters of Administration with the Will Annexed on notice.

That process is basically, before the Court makes a grant, to:

  • formally file with the Court; and
  • serve on the known or potential applicant

a document called a “Caveat on Probate“.

The effect of a Caveat on Probate is that the Court will not make a grant of Probate in the estate without notice to the person who lodged it.

An executor that wants to proceed with an application for a grant of Probate can apply to the Court for a Caveat to be removed if they believe that the caveator has no standing or that there is no real dispute as to the validity of the Will. In such contested proceedings for probate, they are to be commenced by Statement of Claim seeking the grant in solemn form and the other parties may file Cross Claims as appropriate.

Obviously, there can be costs consequences that flow from improperly taking this step so advice ought to be taken before doing so.

Note that the Caveat on Probate is not the appropriate step to take if you do not challenge the validity of the Will but want to seek a family provision order.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au 

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

Stay up to date – LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

in Dispute Resolution / Estate Planning / Litigation / Probate  by 01 Sep 2024 0 comments

What is the role of an executor?

An executor is the person appointed by a Will to administer a person’s estate when they die.

The role of an executor is basically to ensure the deceased person’s debts are paid and that their assets are dealt with as is stated in the Will.

The first task for an executor, after tending to any funeral arrangements, is to secure the assets of the estate such as cash and jewellery. The next task is to obtain a grant of Probate.

To apply for Probate, the executor needs to determine what the assets of the estate are (so that your lawyer can prepare an Inventory of the estate property) and what liabilities the deceased person may have. This often involves searching the deceased’s person’s records and liaising with their accountant and financial advisors.

Following that, steps such as making life insurance claims, notifying banks, superannuation funds and checking the insurance status of large assets are taken. Some assets may need to be sold and tax returns may also need to be lodged.

The specific steps that need to be taken will to a large extent depend on the terms of the Will and the deceased person’s assets and liabilities.

Usually an estate is administered within 12 or so months of the date of death however things such as claims for family provision orders under the Succession Act and other matters adding complexity can delay this.

What if the named executor has passed away?

If a named executor has passed away, then depending on whether they obtained probate before their death, either that executor’s executor or any substitute executor named in the Will takes over.

If there is a Will but there is no person named as executor or no named executor or alternate executor that is alive, then Letters of Administration with the Will annexed can be applied for and the Court appoints an administrator (in place of an executor) to administer the estate as set out in the Will.

What if there is no Will?

If a person dies without leaving a Will, they have died intestate and the relevant legislation details how their estate is distributed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au 

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

Stay up to date – LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

in Estate Planning / Probate / Superannuation / Tax Planning / Trusts  by 01 Jul 2024 0 comments

Renouncing probate

Once a person has died, the executors named in their Will generally need to apply for Probate

Often the person making a Will has appointed all of their children as executors however, as many people relocate interstate or overseas for work, it may not be practical for one or more of them to act in the role of an executor of an estate.

Being out of the jurisdiction is not a problem in relation to being an executor, but it can slow down matters as getting documents signed and in dealing with institutions and things like verification of identity can be cumbersome. There is no requirement for a named executor to act as such.

There is a process that allows one or more of the named executors to leave it to  the other/s to deal with the estate – this is known as “renunciation“. So what is renouncing probate?

Renouncing probate simply means that you are renouncing the rights, powers and responsibilities of being an executor of a Will. Once you have renounced your role as executor, you may not later seek to be, or act as, executor of the estate unless the Supreme Court allows it.

To renounce your role, you must not have intermeddled (dealt with estate property) or undertaken any significant steps in relation to the estate.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, please contact McKillop Legal on (02) 9521 2455 or email help@mckilloplegal.com.au 

This information is general only and is not a substitute for proper legal advice. Please contact McKillop Legal to discuss your needs.

Stay up to date – LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Instagram

in Estate Planning / Probate / Trusts  by 01 Apr 2024 0 comments