This Month
How to give money to your child (but not their ex)
Most parents want to help their children build financial security. But without sensible conversations and documentation, a well-intended gesture can go wrong.
October
Ugly estate disputes are getting more common, but can be prevented
It’s most people’s worst nightmare: they die and their family fall apart, due to perceived unfairness. Here’s what to do to make sure your wishes are upheld.
How Renee lost thousands contesting her father’s will
Normally when a will is contested, court costs for all sides are paid for by the estate. But if a judge rules that a claim is baseless, that can change.
The ‘inheritocracy’ trap and why it might be killing wealth ambition
A new survey shows many young people think inheritance is key to success, but some are proving you can get ahead without help from the bank of mum and dad.
‘Rare’ victory for man with 10 siblings in $55m inheritance row
After working for minimal pay in the family takeaway shop for years, Tony El-Bayeh argued he was owed a share of the estate.
Will we still inherit the family home if dad remarries?
Blended families create complications when it comes to estate planning, especially if wishes are not made clear and wills are not properly structured.
An unexpected inheritance and ‘life-changing’ $2.25m sale
The “worst house on the best street” came up for sale after the long-term owner died and left it to a surprise recipient – his cleaner.
September
Lachlan Murdoch takes family media empire, paying siblings $5b to exit
The deal brings to an end almost two years of bitter legal wranglings over control, cementing Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son’s leadership at News Corp and Fox.
Jacqueline stands to inherit $43m. She sued her father’s estate anyway
The case of Ian Cotter’s fortune and his daughter’s inheritance highlights the increasing complexity of estate planning in a world of divorce and blended families.
August
Is a binding death nomination or reversionary pension best?
Here are the options when nominating the people who will benefit from your superannuation on the event of your death.
Should you tell the kids what’s in your will?
Many parents worry that revealing too much about their estate might discourage their children from building their own financial futures.
What the kids expect to inherit (and why they’re in for a rude shock)
Gen Z have great expectations – half hope to inherit half a million dollars or more – but the costs of living longer may be a shock for them and their parents.
These 4 inheritance traps are a threat to your family legacy
When money moves between generations, mistakes multiply. Here are four instances where inheritance went horribly wrong.
Save $5b a year with changes to ‘wealthy’ pensions: Labor adviser
The Department of Social Services this year warned new minister Tanya Plibersek that rich seniors were claiming the pension while also building inheritances.
5 inheritance blunders that worry wealthy families most
Fights over money can quickly hijack harmony. Don’t leave hard decisions until after you’re gone – or for the courts to resolve.
July
I’m inheriting $300,000 from my father. Will I have to pay tax?
Sometimes it’s better to distribute shares among beneficiaries rather than selling them and passing on the cash.
Too many wealthy home owners claiming age pension, Plibersek warned
Affluent retirees are being subsidised by low and middle-income earners while building their nest eggs, the Department of Social Services says.
My father left me out of his will. What can I do?
A court will not consider what is “fair” but whether your father had a moral obligation to provide for you.
Debelle gives economists an almighty pep talk, and a word of caution
The former RBA deputy governor says the next generation must crack the riddle of intergenerational wealth, and warns core concepts are becoming outdated.
You’re richer than you know: inside the inheritocracy
Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and Wealth reporter Lucy Dean on the surge in inherited wealth and how it’s changing what we think about business, money – and love.