Vanessa Varga - Wills & Estates Lawyer

29/06/2026

In a significant policy shift following strong feedback from the business and professional sectors, the Albanese Government has announced important changes to its proposed tax measures.

The Government has also confirmed that Testamentary Discretionary Trusts (TDTs) will be excluded from the proposed 30% minimum distribution tax on trusts.

This is a major win for you, our clients and Australian families and reinforces why Testamentary Discretionary Trusts remain one of the most powerful estate planning vehicles available.

For families looking to safeguard inheritances and create long-term financial security for future generations, this announcement provides welcome certainty and highlights the ongoing value of well-structured estate planning.

If you'd like to understand how a Testamentary Discretionary Trust could benefit your family's estate plan, feel free to get in touch.

23/06/2026

Vanessa joined Jo Laverty on ABC Adelaide 891's "News of the Day" panel, where she discussed a range of current issues, including emerging alternatives to burial and cremation, including human composting and alkaline hydrolysis.

Have a listen to Vanessa by clicking the link below and skipping to 37 minutes in (or 1:50 remaining time)

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/adelaide-afternoons/afternoons/106822222?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared

If today's discussion raised any questions, or if you'd like to discuss your estate planning and how your burial wishes can be incorporated into your arrangements, please contact us on 08 8212 2135.

Thank you to Jo and the ABC Adelaide team for another engaging conversation.

09/06/2026

Succession Education - have a listen to my segment

Did you miss Vanessa's interview with ABC Radio Adelaide this afternoon?

Vanessa recently joined ABC Adelaide Afternoons to discuss the importance of estate planning and how a little organisation today can make a significant difference for your loved ones in the future.

The discussion covered practical steps you can take to make your executor's role easier, including ensuring important documents, financial information and estate planning records are readily accessible when needed.

You can listen to the interview here:

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/adelaide-afternoons/

🎧 Vanessa's segment begins at approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes into the program (or with approximately 52 minutes remaining).

If you have questions about your estate planning, preparing a Will, or assisting an executor, our team is here to help.

09/06/2026

Succession Education - ABC Radio Adelaide today

Have you ever wondered whether your loved ones would know where to find your important documents if something happened to you?

Today, Vanessa will be speaking on ABC Radio Adelaide about the importance of getting your affairs in order and making life easier for the person appointed to administer your estate. From your Will and superannuation details to financial records and key documents, a little preparation now can save your family significant stress and uncertainty later.

Estate planning is not just about having a Will — it's about creating a clear roadmap for those you leave behind.

Tune in today at 2:05 PM to hear Vanessa discuss practical steps you can take to help your executor navigate the “final paper trail” with confidence.

21/05/2026

⚽️ Never in a million years did I think two of my greatest loves, football and the law, would one day collide in a judicial appointment.

I’m incredibly honoured to have been appointed Deputy Chair of the Football SA Judicial Bodies Panel.

Having played the game for more than 20 years, football has been a huge part of my life. It has given me lifelong friendships, resilience, community and so many unforgettable moments. To now give back to the sport in this way feels very special.

Thank you to Football SA for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to the role and to contributing to a game that has shaped so much of my journey. ⚽️

⚽ We are proud to announce that Vanessa Varga has been appointed as a Deputy Chair of the Football SA Judicial Bodies Panel. ⚽

In this important role, Vanessa will serve across the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, Arbitration Tribunal and Appeals Committee.

This appointment reflects Vanessa’s outstanding legal expertise, professionalism, and dedication to serving the South Australian community. It also recognises her longstanding connection to the game, having played for more than 20 years.

Please join us in congratulating Vanessa on this outstanding achievement! 🎉

20/05/2026

If you missed me this morning, click the below link and head to about 20 mins in 👇

Vanessa joined Adelaide Mornings on ABC Adelaide 891 to discuss the recent Federal Budget changes affecting discretionary trusts.

Have a listen to Vanessa by clicking the link below and skipping to 20:34 (with 1:34:00 remaining).

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/adelaide-mornings/mornings/106688828

If you have any questions about today's segment, or wish to arrange an appointment to discuss your Estate Planning, please call us on 08 8212 2135.

19/05/2026

Tune in this Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 9:20am as Vanessa Varga joins ABC Radio Adelaide 891 to discuss the recent Federal Budget changes affecting discretionary trusts and the question many Australians are asking — is this effectively a hidden death tax?

Vanessa will be sharing insights into what these proposed changes could mean for families, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an important and timely discussion.

16/04/2026

I chose early on to focus my practice and become a specialist, not a generalist. I did not build my career by trying to do everything, I built it by going deep.

Choosing to specialise in Wills and Estates law has been one of the most important decisions I have made.

Being one of only three Accredited Specialists in Wills and Estates in South Australia is something I am very proud of, and being recognised again in Best Lawyers Australia is incredibly meaningful.

Specialisation matters. Depth matters. Doing this work properly for families at some of the most important and difficult times in their lives matters.

Grateful, proud, and still very driven to keep raising the standard.

🎉 Congratulations to Vanessa Varga on this incredible achievement!

We are proud to see Vanessa recognised in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in Australia, as featured in The Advertiser’s list of South Australia’s top lawyers.

This recognition is a testament to Vanessa’s dedication, expertise, and outstanding contribution to Wills and Estates law. Being acknowledged through a rigorous peer-review process highlights the respect she has earned within the profession and reflects the high calibre of her work.

You can read the full article here: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/south-australia/best-lawyers-south-australias-top-lawyers-ranked/news-story/5695db6f50a88386b136c188bed42acb

A well-deserved achievement — congratulations, Vanessa! 👏

27/02/2026

Ten years of Varga Lawyers.

When I think about that original garage office in Ridgehaven, I don’t just see a starting point. I see risk. Belief. Long nights. Little boys who were much smaller. And a decision to back myself even when it hurt.

Building a firm is never a straight line. There have been seasons of confidence and seasons of doubt. Growth and growing pains. Wins that felt effortless and lessons that absolutely were not.

But the thread through it all has been simple - do good work, look after people, and keep going, like Dory “just keep swimming”.

To the team who stand beside me now, to the partners stepping into this next era, and to every client who has trusted us over the past decade — thank you.

Ten years in business is about more than survival. It’s about evolution.

And we’re only just getting started.

Celebrating 10 Years of Varga Lawyers

Ten years ago Varga Lawyers began in a small makeshift office in a garage at Ridgehaven. Our Founding Director had a clear purpose: to guide clients through life’s most important transitions with clarity, skill and care.

From those humble beginnings we expanded and established our city and Modbury offices.

Over the past decade we have supported families across estate planning, estate administration and estate disputes, building a firm grounded in professionalism, compassion and strength.

We have grown, adapted and strengthened with quiet resilience.

We are proud of what we have created and excited for what comes next.

I am incredibly proud of the team and the community who have shaped this journey.

The foundation is strong. The future is bright.

Here’s to ten years and the years ahead.