PB Ritz Lawyers

28/05/2023

A bit of Sunday afternoon fun with an important message!

11/09/2017

French Supreme Court rules a testator's Will is null and void because it wasn't in his handwriting!

On the death of the testator the brother of the deceased brought an action in the courts, challenging the validity of the will, arguing that it had not been made in accordance with due procedure.

How so? Article 970 of the Civil Code is quite specific in stating that to be valid a will must in the handwriting of the testator... Interesting!

French Will Must be in Own Handwriting

23/08/2017

If you have children from a previous relationship and a new partner, this article is for you. The vast majority of will dispute claims are brought by adult children in a blended family situation. Thankfully there are simple estate planning techniques you can use which will significantly reduce the likelihood of a dispute!

IT shouldn’t be allowed to happen but commonly does.

20/04/2017

$2m Mosman home for sale - proceeds to charity!

Charitable gifts in Aussie Wills are on the rise. We are frequently surprised by the generosity of our clients!

What is your favourite charity?

http://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/selling/josephine-virgona-bequeaths-mosman-home-to-charities/news-story/9b14534907d51ef2c89d94a7da45c3ea

IN AN astonishing act of generosity, the late owner of a multi-million dollar Mosman house has pledged the entire proceeds of its upcoming auction to charity.

13/10/2016

Check out our article on Advanced Wills, also known as Wills with Testamentary Trusts, and how they can be used to minimise tax!

This special type of will can stop your children recklessly spending their inheritance.

24/11/2015

When billionaire Robert Holmes a Court died suddenly aged 53, the world was stunned to find that he had not left a valid will. The resulting legal wrangling took nearly 20 years to resolve, seriously straining family relations...

Do you have a valid Will? What about your parents and grandparents? Take action now. Don't wait until it's too late.

http://www.smh.com.au/money/planning/robert-holmes-a-courts-big-mistake-dying-without-a-will-20151117-gl1cxl.html

When billionaire Robert Holmes a Court died aged 53, he did not have a valid will. The result for his family was devastating.

09/10/2015

R U OK? This Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. Take the time to check in with a friend, relative or colleague who you think might be in need of some extra support. For help starting the conversation check out https://ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

You don’t need to be an expert to have a meaningful conversation with someone you’re worried about. Nor do you have to fix or solve their problems. You just need to ask how they’re going; listen without judgement; encourage action; and follow up.

09/10/2015

Another day, another Will dispute involving a celebrity's deceased Estate.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3256228/Ex-wife-son-Richie-Benaud-launch-court-action-against-second-wife-late-cricket-legend-s-estate.html

The ex-wife and son of Australian cricketing legend Richie Benaud will try and resolve their legal battle with his second wife in private mediation.

08/10/2015

Estate disputes are expensive and emotionally charged. They can cause irreparable damage between family members and are highly stressful for all parties involved.

Estate disputes typically concern blended families or situations where a will maker has cut certain family members from their Will.

The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a successful claim being made against your estate.

Send us a private message to learn more about how you can protect your loved ones interests.

05/10/2015

Another high profile Will dispute matter, this time concerning the estate of the late Robin Williams. The parties reached an out-of-court settlement to end the dispute. This is a good outcome for Robin's family members and displays responsible representation from the lawyers involved.

In NSW it is compulsory for parties to attempt to settle Will dispute claims out of Court before a judge will hear the dispute. Settling out of Court is beneficial for the parties involved - relationships can be better preserved, legal fees are kept to a minimum, and generally the parties are more satisfied with the outcome as there is greater certainty.

It is not always possible for a claim to settle out-of-court. As a start both parties need to be Willing to negotiate.

Need Will dispute advice? Send us a private message.



http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/03/robin-williams-widow-children-estate-settlement

Susan Williams and adult children from previous marriages expect judge’s approval on settlement that keeps Susan in San Francisco area home