Free Grief Webinar
I recently participated in a webinar “Talking differently about Grief” hosted by the NSW Law Society and presented by Wendy Liu, a specialist grief counsellor.
Wendy offers specialist grief and counselling services and what I liked most about Wendy’s approach was the acknowledgement that although we will all grieve a loss at some point in our lives, we each experience grief differently. This is why saying “I know what you are going through…” is not always helpful.
If you would like to understand a little more about grief Wendy has a free pre-recorded webinar available on her website here.
Report into the Public Trustee of Queensland’s fees and charges released
The Public Advocate released her report today to the Attorney-General, The Honourable Shannon Fentiman MP on the review of the Public Trustee of Queensland’s fees and charges.
The Public Trustee provides financial management services to vulnerable Queenslanders, as well as will and estate administration services.
There were 32 recommendations made in relation to the Public Trustee’s services and engagement with its customers.
We understand the Public Trustee has already commenced a review of its operations, and fees and charges. One new initiative is the publication of Official Solicitor to the Public Trustee of Queensland fees and charges which are available here.
One of the key reforms includes the establishment of a Public Trustee Board to provide oversight and direction to the Public Trustee.
The full report may be accessed here.
Electronic lodgement of probates
The Supreme Court of Queensland has introduced electronic filing of applications for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration in the Brisbane Registry.
Willwise is subscribed to the electronic lodgement platform. The secure electronic filing platform streamlines the process of applying for a grant.
It is important to note that applications for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration made via the electronic lodgement platform will issue electronically.
We congratulate the Supreme Court Probate Registry on this initiative.
Electronic lodgement of applications is reserved for members of the legal profession.
If you would like Willwise to assist you with your probate application please call us on 07 3008 7714, book an appointment directly here, or request an appointment here.
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death & Conversations about dying
This is the last episode of The Pineapple Project’s Podcast on death.
How do we talk to our loved ones about death? In what would have to be one of the most difficult conversations to have Jan Fran provides some personal tips and calls on the experts to offer suggestions and ideas on how you can talk about your death with those who matter most to you.
Click on the podcast icon below to link directly to the ABC broadcast.
Duration: 28min 18sec
Broadcast: Wed 1 Apr 2020, 2:00am
Credits
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound Engineers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme Composer: Russell Stapleton
Host: Jan Fran
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
A production of ABC Audio Studios.
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death & the Workplace
Grief and the workplace is not something that is openly discussed often.
What do you say to your colleague who has recently lost a family member, friend or pet?
If you have experienced a loss do you have the right to take leave from work to attend the funeral?
When is the right time to return to work after experiencing the death of someone close to you?
Click the podcast icon below to open a link directly to the ABC website where you can listen to episode 7 of The Pineapple Project Podcast on Death in the Workplace.
Duration: 26min 21sec
Broadcast: Wed 25 Mar 2020, 2:00am
Credits
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound Engineers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme Composer: Russell Stapleton
Host: Jan Fran
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
A production of ABC Audio Studios.
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death & Social Media accounts
In series 6 of The Pineapple Project Podcast Jan Fran investigates what happens to your social media profile after your death.
Digital assets and digital accounts are often overlooked in the estate planning process. It’s important to consider who you’d like to have access to your social media accounts after your death and what would you like them to do with those accounts?
Click on the podcast icon below to link directly to the ABC’s website and podcast.
Duration: 19min 16sec
Broadcast: Wed 18 Mar 2020, 2:00am
Credits
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound Engineers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme Composer: Russell Stapleton
Host: Jan Fran
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
A production of ABC Audio Studios.
Do I need to obtain a Grant of Probate?
Do I really need a grant of probate?
I am often asked by executors whether they really need to obtain a grant of probate.
Unfortunately the answer is generally – it depends.
It will depend on where the assets are located, the value of those assets, and the type of assets (e.g. land, shares, bank accounts, artwork).
Other factors that may influence whether an executor applies for a grant include:
- concerns about the validity of the deceased’s will;
- inability to locate the original will; and
- concerns of a claim against the estate.
It is important to seek legal advice early on in the estate administration process to determine whether a grant should be obtained.
I suggest you put together a list of the estate assets and liabilities, or gather all the paperwork up, before seeking legal advice.
Willwise has a Probate and Estate Administration Checklist available for download.
I am happy to talk to you about the estate you are administering to help you determine whether a grant of probate will be required. You are welcome to call, email or schedule a quick 15 minute on-line appointment.
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death & Decisions in the ICU
What health care would you want to receive if you were unable to communicate your wishes? Who would be your voice?
How do you make a health decision for someone else?
In this episode of The Pineapple Project Podcast on Death we listen in on stories about tough decisions made in ICU.
Queensland residents might consider whether an Advance Health Care Directive adequately documents your wishes for health care if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Click the podcast icon below to link directly to the ABC website where you can listen to episode 5 of the podcast series.
Duration: 23min 35sec
Broadcast: Wed 11 Mar 2020, 2:00am
Credits
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound Engineers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme Composer: Russell Stapleton
Host: Jan Fran
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
A production of ABC Audio Studios.
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death – Funeral planning
In this episode of The Pineapple Podcast they discuss funeral planning.
Have you ever had to arrange someone’s funeral? Do you know what questions you should ask the funeral director?
Click on the podcast icon below to link directly to Series 4, Episode 2 of the ABC’s The Pineapple Podcast to listen to some other people’s experiences with funeral planning.
Duration: 26min 41sec
Broadcast: Wed 19 Feb 2020, 2:00am
Credits
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound Engineers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme Composer: Russell Stapleton
Host: Jan Fran
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
The Pineapple Project Podcast: Death – There’s a body, what next?
What happens once someone dies?
Who orders the death certificate?
In Episode 1 of Series 4 of The Pineapple Project Podcast host Jan Fran goes in search of the answers.
Click the podcast link below to listen to the ABC’s podcast.
Duration: 21min 49sec
Broadcast: Wed 12 Feb 2020, 2:00am
Host: Jan Fran
Producers: Karla Arnall and Clare O’Halloran
Sound designers: Angie Grant and Krissy Miltiadou
Theme composer: Russell Stapleton
Executive Producer: Rachel Fountain
Manager ABC Audio Studios: Kellie Riordan