Crabtree Legal

14/05/2026

Testamentary Discretionary Trusts After the 2026 Federal Budget: Still a Smart Estate Planning Tool

The Budget’s 12 May announcement introduces a 30% minimum tax on certain discretionary trusts, but that doesn’t erase the core benefits of Testamentary Discretionary Trusts. They still protect inheritances from relationship breakdowns, preserve control over distributions, and — critically — won’t increase tax for families already distributing to beneficiaries taxed at 30% or more. Some families will pay more tax under the new rules, but for many the overall outcome is unchanged.

Read the plain‑English breakdown on the Crabtree Legal website: https://www.crabtreelegal.com.au/testamentary-discretionary-trusts-after-the-2026-federal-budget-still-a-smart-estate-planning-tool.

And if you’d like help reviewing your Will or trust arrangements, then please get in touch.

Areas of Expertise · Commercial Law · Wills, Estate and Succession Planning. Simple and Complex Wills, including Wills incorporating Testamentary Trusts

23/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from Crabtree Legal 🎄

As we wrap up the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Crabtree Legal since we commenced operations in May. It’s been a privilege to serve our clients, collaborate with our partners, and to start the work of building a legal practice grounded in integrity and community.

We wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with rest, connection, and gratitude. May the new year ahead be blessed with peace, purpose, and new opportunities.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to supporting you in 2026.

18/11/2025

🔍 Protecting your children’s inheritance from divorce: lessons from Bernard v Bernard (2019)

At Crabtree Legal, we’re committed to helping families safeguard their legacy. In our latest article, we unpack the Family Court’s 2019 decision in Bernard v Bernard, which underscores how Testamentary Trust Wills can provide critical protection when inheritance risks being divided in divorce proceedings.

This case is a reminder that:
• Inheritance isn’t automatically quarantined in family law disputes.
• Testamentary Trusts can shield assets, ensuring children benefit as intended.
• Strategic Estate Planning matters—especially when balancing family dynamics, business interests, and long-term wealth preservation.

For parents and advisors alike, the Bernard decision highlights the importance of proactive planning. A well-structured Testamentary Trust Will can mean the difference between children receiving their full inheritance or seeing it diluted in a property settlement.

💡 If you’re considering how best to protect your family’s future, this case study is essential reading.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.crabtreelegal.com.au/protecting-your-childrens-inheritance-from-divorce-with-testamentary-trust-wills-the-bernard-v-bernard-case.

Areas of Expertise · Commercial Law · Wills, Estate and Succession Planning. Simple and Complex Wills, including Wills incorporating Testamentary Trusts

17/10/2025

Thanks for the opportunity to connect and collaborate 👥

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of presenting at The Executive Centre’s Perth Member Showcase lunch, where we explored the limits of AI in legal drafting for startups and SMEs. It was an energising session—full of sharp questions, shared experiences, and candid discussion about the risks of relying solely on automated tools for drafting shareholder agreements and other key legal documents.

From unenforceable clauses to loss of commercial protection, we unpacked the real-world consequences of using AI produced legal templates.

A heartfelt thank you to:
• The Executive Centre for hosting us so graciously.
• The business leaders and entrepreneurs who attended and contributed so thoughtfully.

At Crabtree Legal, we’re proud to support with transparent, fixed-fee services and practical legal strategies that empower business owners to grow with confidence.

📘 Read the full article here: https://www.crabtreelegal.com.au/thank-you-to-the-executive-centre-and-attending-business-leaders.

If you’re a founder, advisor, or investor keen to explore how legal frameworks can strengthen your business, I’d love to connect.

10/10/2025

🦀 Welcome to Crabtree Legal – proudly veteran-owned and based in Perth, WA!
Whether you're in need of a new Will / planning your estate, navigating a complex commercial matter or launching a new venture, it would be my pleasure to assist.
Feel free to reach out; your legal peace of mind starts here.
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