Legal Insights
![Life Interests and Land Tax – Abraham v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 351](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1781495969191-WI6OURXNSIACHPL2DIO8/unsplash-image-C1OaYNWprjc.jpg)
Life Interests and Land Tax – Abraham v Commissioner of State Revenue [2026] VCAT 351
The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) recently considered whether a widow (Applicant) held a life estate in possession in a holiday home, and if so, how that interest should be treated for Victorian land tax purposes. The decision highlights the importance of including appropriate provisions in a will, where the will provides a right to use or occupy a particular property.
Preserving Intergenerational Wealth Reconsidered: Key Implications of the Full Court’s Decision in Caldwell and Caldwell
Preserving intergenerational wealth is a key consideration when establishing trusts. However, the most recent decision in Caldwell and Caldwell [2026] FedCFamC1A 81 questions the strength of asset-protecting structures in family law proceedings.
Broad Powers, Unintended Consequences: Trustee's Authority to Remove Appointor Upheld
Appropriately considering the successive control of discretionary trusts, at both a trustee and an appointor level, is a critical component in succession planning. The recent Queensland Court of Appeal decision of Staley v Hill Family Holdings Pty Ltd highlighted this, after broad variation powers resulted in the removal of an appointor by a trustee which could have been avoided had the succession of the trust been properly addressed.
The Courts supervisory powers: ensuring the proper administration and due execution of trusts
In the case of Dryandra Investments Pty Ltd v Hardie by her guardian ad litem Ian Torrington Blatchford [2024] WASC 24, the Supreme Court of Western Australia examined a key aspect of estate planning and structuring: ensuring proper succession for the roles of appointor and guardian. The decision underscores the risks that arise when these crucial roles are overlooked, and succession is not addressed by an appointor or guardian before they lose capacity or pass away.
Estate Planning in the New Financial Year – Put Your Tax Return to Use
Take advantage of your tax return this new financial year by investing in your estate planning, and ensure that your hard-earned assets are distributed according to your wishes, with the help of our Wills and Estates team.
Exemption from SMSF Stamp Duty - Property Transfer to Superannuation Fund Beneficiaries
A transfer of real property from a superannuation fund to a beneficiary of the fund
Succession Planning for the family farm webinar
Succession planning in relation to the family farm can be a difficult exercise. Comprehensive planning and the careful structuring of ownership can alleviate many problems that might otherwise arise.