Murnane Legal Wills and Estates

15/10/2026

🐾 Who will care for your beloved pet when you’re no longer here?

Our pets are more than just animals. They’re family. ❤️

But something many people don’t think about when making their Will is what will happen to their beloved pets if they pass away.

Who will take them in? Will they be cared for, loved and kept safe? And will the person you’ve chosen actually be in a position to look after them?

Sadly, without proper planning, pets can be left in uncertain circumstances at an already difficult time for those around them.

Much of this uncertainty can be overcome by preparing a Will which specifies who you wish to care for your pet/s. There are a number of strategies relating to how a Will can be drafted to make provisions for the right person to care for your pets.

DISCLAIMER: This video/article is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute specific legal advice or opinion. Although our aim is to provide you with as accurate information as possible, you should not act or rely upon the information in this article without seeking the advice of an experienced lawyer who specialises in the particular area of law relevant to your inquiry. Please do not to hesitate to contact Murnane Legal to make further inquiries or to make an appointment to discuss the specifics of your situation.

13/10/2026

Too often when someone dies, there is no Will, or a poorly drafted Will with ambiguous clauses that is the spark to start the fire.

This article in The West outlines the easy ways to mitigate a family dispute after you have gone.

06/09/2026

In today's Herald Sun: An increasing number of Victorians are challenging their inheritance, with experts warning this will become more common as our population ages and assets rise in value.

It comes as new national research revealed almost one in five Victorians (17 per cent) have contested a Will or seriously considered it.

In Victoria, certain individuals have the right to challenge a will under the Administration and Probate Act 1958 (Vic). Those who can challenge a will typically include: https://www.murnanelegal.com.au/blog/eligibility-to-challenge-a-will-in-victoria

Why bother making a Will if it can be challenged anyway? https://www.murnanelegal.com.au/blog/8m5o8x9ez74vf29i4tn3juib2tirvf

12/08/2026

There is misconception that there is a single time limit to challenge a Will in Australia.

There isn't. It’s a dog's breakfast!

Each State and Territory has its own legislation and its own deadlines for making a family provision claim against an estate.

Here's a quick guide:

📍Victoria. 6 months from the date probate or letters of administration are granted.

📍New South Wales. 12 months from the date of death.

📍Queensland. Proceedings must generally be commenced within 9 months of death, with notice usually required within 6 months.

📍South Australia. 6 months from the date probate or letters of administration are granted.

📍Western Australia. 6 months from the date probate is granted.

📍Tasmania. 3 months from the date probate or letters of administration are granted.

📍Australian Capital Territory. 6 months from the date probate or letters of administration are granted.

📍Northern Territory. 12 months from the date probate or letters of administration are granted.

While courts in some circumstances can allow claims to proceed out of time, applicants should never assume an extension will be granted. These types of applications are like juggling knives with one hand.

For executors, beneficiaries and potential claimants alike, understanding the relevant limitation period is critical. Obtaining legal advice early can make all the difference.

28/07/2026

5 things NOT to tell your lawyer when making your Will (if you want to guarantee a messy fight over your estate...)

❌ "I've already given one child a lot of money... but let's not mention that."
❌ "My family all get along."
❌ "I'm cutting my child out. They know why."
❌ "I own everything personally." (...except the trust, company, SMSF and jointly owned assets.)
❌ "My overseas assets won't matter."

The reality?

The biggest estate disputes often don't arise because of what is in the Will, they arise because of what your lawyer was never told.

Good estate planning isn't just about drafting documents.

It's about understanding the family dynamics, the asset structure, prior gifts, overseas interests and the reasons behind key decisions.

The more complete the instructions, the better the advice and the better the chances of avoiding expensive litigation after you're gone.

27/07/2026

If you don't have an estate plan, someone else could be making the decisions.

Link to blog in comments

22/06/2026

Can you leave a gift to charity in your Will? What wording should be used? Can family members challenge it?

I recently had the pleasure of discussing some of the most common questions about charitable gifts in Wills. While this video was created with Plan International Australia, the guidance applies broadly to anyone thinking about leaving a lasting legacy with a gift to charity.

Whether it's a charity focused on children, health, education, medical research, the environment, animal welfare or your local community, a carefully planned gift can help continue the work you care about for generations to come.

As always, it's important to obtain legal advice to ensure your wishes are properly reflected in your Will.

08/06/2026

A terrific few days in sunny Brisbane for the STEP Australia National Trust & Estates Conference 2026.

It was a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers and gain insights into the latest developments and best practices, helping us continue to provide informed, up-to-date advice for our clients.

28/05/2026

Estate planning is about far more than just writing a Will. In this conversation with Peter Leggett on Generations, we explore how proper planning can help protect your intentions, reduce family conflict, and create clarity for future generations.

We discuss some of the most common issues families face - from succession planning and superannuation to trusts, undocumented loans, and intergenerational wealth transfer - and why leaving these conversations too late can lead to unnecessary disputes and unintended outcomes.

One of the key messages from the episode is simple: start the conversation early and get the right advice before problems arise.

If you want to better understand how to protect your family, your assets, and your legacy, we encourage you to watch the episode.

Peter Leggett and Mark Murnane discuss estate planning, wills, trusts, superannuation and family succession to help families protect wealth and reduce conflict.

15/05/2026

Take this as a sign to get your Will done before you head off on holiday ✈️