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Host Stefan is joined by Peter Azam, Senior Associate in Coulter Legal's Corporate & Commercial team to cut through the media noise on the budget's proposed tax reforms.   They cover the removal of the 50% CGT discount and the shift to cost base indexation, the loss of the pre-1985 CGT exemption from 1 July 2027, the proposed 30% minimum tax on capital gains, and what the changes could mean for discretionary and testamentary trusts. Peter also shares practical steps to take now, from checking tax residency and structures to getting valuations and asset records in order.   These reforms are not yet law, and tax is only one part of good succession planning. This episode is general information only and not legal, tax or financial advice.

Your Super is not automatically captured by your Will, and how it is paid out on death can make a big difference to what your beneficiaries actually receive. Stefan Manche is joined by Tax Law Senior Associate, Peter Azam, to unpack the three points at which super can be taxed, why adult children often wear a tax bill, binding versus non-binding nominations, self-managed fund complications and reversionary pensions. General information only, not legal or financial advice.

Superannuation is often a sleeper asset, yet for many Australians it’s one of the largest components of their wealth. In this episode, Stefan and Lauren unpack what actually happens to your super when you pass away, who can legally receive it, how binding nominations work, common traps, tax consequences, and why coordinating your super with your estate plan is essential.

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, Stefan and senior associate Lauren Solomonson unpack the often-overlooked world of guardianship and administration orders in Victoria. They explain how VCAT steps in when someone loses capacity without powers of attorney, the difference between guardians and administrators, real-life examples, and why proactive planning is essential.

In this essential episode, we discuss what legal capacity means for making wills and powers of attorney, why it's increasingly critical with an ageing population, and how to manage situations where cognitive decline is involved. Learn about common warning signs, proactive measures, and what happens if capacity is in doubt.

In this insightful episode, we explore family provision claims, eligibility criteria, and what courts consider when disputes arise over estates. Join us as we unpack real-life cases, highlighting unusual scenarios and practical considerations that can significantly impact inheritance outcomes.

When financial trouble hits, personal and corporate insolvency can put your wealth and legacy at risk. In this episode, host Stefan Manche is joined by Senior Associate Charlie Clark to unpack how insolvency affects individuals, company directors, and estates. From director duties and personal guarantees to strategies like testamentary trusts and asset restructuring, learn how to safeguard your assets from creditors, liquidators, and future disputes.

Many parents help their adult children buy a home, but is it a gift or a loan? In this episode, we dive into the legal and financial risks of the "Bank of Mum and Dad" with Senior Associate Rachelle Eytan. Learn why formalising agreements is crucial, how to protect your assets from divorce and estate disputes, and what to consider before lending money to family. Don't make costly mistakes—plan wisely!

What happens to your inheritance if your relationship breaks down? In this episode of Where There's a Will, There's a Way, host Stefan Manche sits down with James Maxwell, Principal Lawyer in Family & Relationship Law at Coulter Legal, to explore the intersection of estate planning and family law. They discuss how inheritances are treated in divorce, whether prenups (binding financial agreements) can protect assets, and the difference between gifts and loans from parents. Packed with expert insights and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning their financial future.

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Stefan Manche welcomes special counsel Georgina Parisis to explore the world of share farming agreements. They discuss how these agreements benefit both landowners and farmers, the risks of handshake deals, and why proper documentation is essential for smooth operations and succession planning. Whether you're a farmer, landowner, or involved in agribusiness, this episode provides key insights on protecting your interests and planning for the future.

In this episode of Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way, host Stefan Manche, Principal Lawyer at Coulter Legal, is joined by Senior Associate Lauren Solomonson to unpack the recent and significant changes to probate filing fees in Victoria. They break down the new fee structure, discuss the financial impact on executors, and explore how these changes could reshape estate planning strategies. If you're an executor or planning your estate, this is an essential listen to understand how these new costs may affect you.

In this thought-provoking episode of Where There's a Will, There's a Way, host Stefan Manche and guest Lauren Solomonson explore a topic often overlooked until it's too late: what happens to your social media and digital accounts after you pass away? With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok holding years of memories, it's vital to plan your digital legacy. Discover the risks of unmanaged accounts, including identity theft and emotional distress for loved ones, and learn practical steps for memorialising or deleting accounts on popular platforms.

Join Stefan Manche, Principal Lawyer and Head of Wills, Estates, and Succession Planning at Coulter Legal, as he dives into the complex yet essential world of estate administration. Together with guest Lauren Solomonson, this episode demystifies the legal and emotional challenges of managing a loved one’s estate. From the initial steps after a passing to distributing assets, you'll gain a clear understanding of the process, common pitfalls, and expert advice to navigate this journey confidently. Whether you're an executor, administrator, or just curious, this podcast offers invaluable insights tailored to empower and inform.

In this episode of the "Where There's a Will, There's a Way" podcast, host Stefan Manche sits down with Senior Associate, Lauren Solomonson, to explore the complexities of informal Wills in Victoria. Lauren shares her experiences navigating the nuances of Wills that don't meet formal requirements and explains the legal processes involved in validating these documents. Whether you're dealing with a Will that might be informal or simply want to understand the potential risks of DIY Wills, this episode provides essential guidance to ensure your estate planning is on solid legal ground.

Unpack the complexities and importance of bequests in this discussion. Join our seasoned legal experts Stefan Manch and Lauren Solomonson as they explain how to create bequests that reflect your wishes and stand the test of time. Discover practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring your assets are distributed exactly as you intended.