Ellison-Whyte Law

19/08/2026

Your home. Your business. Your family. Your investments. Your legacy.

A $50 online Will isn’t an estate plan.

At Ellison-Whyte Law, we help clients put proper structures in place so their wishes are clear, their loved ones are protected and unnecessary problems are avoided later.

No unnecessary legal jargon. No cookie-cutter advice. Just thoughtful legal planning tailored to you.

Plan now. Protect later.

Book a consult at https://www.ellisonwhytelaw.com.au/book-now/

17/08/2026

ABC Law Report has released a fascinating six-part podcast series exploring succession planning, wills and estates — including what can happen when families, money, property and expectations collide after someone dies.

It’s a really accessible listen and a good reminder that estate planning is about much more than simply having a Will. It’s about thinking ahead, documenting your intentions properly and reducing the potential for uncertainty and conflict for the people you leave behind.

If succession planning or updating your estate plan has been sitting on your “I really should get around to that” list, this series may give you the motivation to finally tackle it.
🎙️ Over My Dead Body — ABC Law Report
Worth a listen.

From courtroom dramas to miscarriages of justice, to how the law affects you — and so much more. The Law Report is your accessible guide to the big legal stories unfolding in Australia and across the world.

07/08/2026

but we ARE taking:
- the will you've been "meaning to do" since 2022
- that contract someone sent you with zero context
- the family law thing you've been avoiding googling at 2am

go to ellisonwhytelaw.com.au/book-now to schedule your consult today.

fixed fees. no surprise invoices. no lawyer speak. we translate legal into human, then we go enjoy our weekend (respectfully)

see you monday ⚖️

28/07/2026

No paperwork. No interest rate. Just "pay us back when you can." It's the most common way Australian families help with a deposit — and one of the easiest ways to end up in a family law dispute, an estate dispute, or a fight with a bank down the track.

Here's the thing most people don't realise: if there's no written agreement, a court can treat that "loan" as a gift. That means if your child separates from their partner, the money you lent them can be treated as a joint asset — not something that gets paid back to you first.

A simple loan agreement costs very little to put in place. It can save your family years of stress.

If you're thinking about helping a child into their first home, get advice before the money moves — not after.

This is general information, not legal advice — every family's situation is different, so get advice specific to yours.

22/07/2026

Most people think leaving money straight to their kids is the safest option. Sometimes it's the opposite. 👇
A testamentary trust costs nothing to build into your will — but it can protect an inheritance from separation, bankruptcy, and business risk, and save your family real money in tax along the way.
In this week's episode of The Unsolicitor's Opinion, I break down:
✅ What a testamentary trust actually is
✅ Who genuinely needs one (and who doesn't)
✅ What the new 2026 trust tax reforms mean for your family
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ij8tX1BwTIRQz36bn4LcY
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z9rmN__7PhE?si=gjHWpLuHZo8Oe7Oy
Link in bio for both.
This is general information, not legal advice — every family's situation is different, so get advice specific to yours.
KnowYourRights LegalTips TheUnsolicitorsOpinion EWLaw

22/07/2026

Two Victorian families. No Will. Two outcomes that changed everything. Swipe to read their stories — then ask yourself when you last reviewed yours. 🔗 Book a consultation at the link in bio.

20/07/2026

The day your child turns 18, every parental right to step in quietly disappears.

Most young adults don't know that an Enduring Power of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Maker exist — or why those documents matter for them. Not for their parents. For them.

It's their choice to make. The conversation is yours to start. 🔗 Link in bio.

29/06/2026

Today, Australia's anti-money laundering laws changed. Significantly.

For nearly two decades, banks and financial institutions were the only businesses required to comply with Australia's financial crime laws.
Lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, and real estate agents — the professionals who sit at the centre of almost every major financial transaction — were outside the regime entirely.

That gap closed today.

From the 1st of July 2026, these professions are now regulated under the same anti-money laundering framework as the banking system. It's called Tranche 2 — and it's the biggest expansion of Australia's financial crime laws since 2006.

What does it actually mean?

Around 80,000 new businesses are now reporting entities under Australian law. Every lawyer, conveyancer, accountant, and real estate agent providing certain services must now have a formal compliance program, conduct risk assessments, screen for sanctions, and report suspicious transactions to AUSTRAC.

This affects every Australian who buys property, runs a business, manages an estate, or uses a professional to structure their financial affairs.
This week on The Unsolicitor's Opinion, I've broken it all down in plain English — what changed, why it matters, and what it means for you.

New episode out now. https://www.ellisonwhytelaw.com.au/podcast/e01-202627-australias-anti-money-laundering-laws-just-changed-heres-what-you-need-to-know/


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05/06/2026

okay real talk — if you're buying your first place, your parents are going guarantor, you're living with a partner (married or not), or you literally just turned 18 — you need legal sorted.

your super doesn't automatically go to who you think it does. your de facto partner may have property rights you don't know about. and that contract you signed? yeah, someone should've read it.

we make it simple. no judgment. no jargon. just clarity when life gets complicated.

head to our bio and book in today if you want us to cover your situation.

02/06/2026

Introducing Ashley Shanks – Solicitor, Family Law

We are delighted to welcome Ashley Shanks to the team at Ellison-Whyte Law as our newest Solicitor he will be managing our Family Law portfolio.

Ashley brings with him an extraordinary career spanning more than 40 years of service in leadership, management and military operations, including an exceptional career as a Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver. Throughout his career, Ashley has led teams in some of the most demanding and high-pressure environments imaginable, developing a reputation for integrity, discipline, strategic thinking and calm decision-making.

After completing his legal studies and being admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Ashley has embarked on the next chapter of his professional journey—helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most challenging transitions.

As head of our Family Law portfolio, Ashley combines his extensive leadership experience with a practical, client-focused approach. He understands that family law matters are often emotionally complex and deeply personal. His focus is on providing clear advice, compassionate support and strategic solutions that help clients move forward with confidence.

Ashley embodies the values we hold dear at Ellison-Whyte Law: professionalism, service, resilience and genuine care for our clients.

Please join us in congratulating Ashley on this exciting milestone and welcoming him to the team.