What this means for you If your family trust gives a company a share of trust income but does not actually pay it across, the High Court has confirmed this is not automatically treated as a loan back to the trust. That matters, because being treated as a loan could trigger an unexpected tax bill...

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. A well-drafted will gives you control over how your assets are distributed, who looks after your affairs, and how your wishes are honoured after you’re gone. But what happens when you decide to leave a family member, such...

Helping you choose the right support at the right time Deciding how to receive care as you or a loved one grows older is one of the most important conversations a family can have. For many Australians, the choice comes down to two options: home care, where support is brought to you at home, or...

If you’ve stopped working in your early 60s and are receiving JobSeeker Payment (JSP) while waiting to access your super or the Age Pension, there’s an important rule you need to understand. The conditions attached to JSP can directly conflict with the rules for releasing your superannuation, potentially leaving your retirement savings locked away longer...

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: a guide for self-funded retirees If you’re a self-funded retiree of age pension age, you may be entitled to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). The card can unlock a useful set of discounts and with a little planning, it can be easier to qualify for and hold onto than...

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Many retirees dream of taking a “lap of Australia” in a caravan. A common question is what happens to the Age Pension and the family home if you leave it for a year. Will the home stay an exempt asset for Age Pension purposes? For Age Pension means testing, the principal home is generally an...

In Australia, the law recognises that a will maker may sometimes fail to make adequate provision for close family or dependants. In that situation, certain people can ask the Supreme Court for a share, or a larger share, of the deceased’s estate. This is usually called a family provision claim or a claim against a...

As Australians live longer, many older adults are looking for housing that supports a comfortable and connected lifestyle. Two of the most popular choices are retirement villages and land lease communities. Each offers its own mix of costs, benefits, and lifestyle perks. Retirement villages Retirement villages are designed for people aged 55 and over who...

When someone passes away without a valid will, this is known as intestacy. In this situation, the law in each state and territory sets out a formula for how your estate is divided. These rules often follow a standard order – spouse first, then children, then other relatives, but they may not align with what...