End-of-life planning

If you haven’t organised it already, it's crucial you appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney. Source: Getty

Estate planning

What happens if I lose capacity and don’t have legal documents in place?

These statistics are a sobering reminder that it is crucial to get your estate planning affairs in order, James Kelly writes.

Wills and probate lawyerJames Kelly

Estate planning

Blended families: How to avoid arguments over inheritance

Blended families: How to avoid arguments over inheritance

It's important to give careful thought to your estate plan, to avoid creating a situation where some feel unfairly treated or excluded, Marie Brownell explains.

Estate planning expertMarie Brownell

Children from a first marriage often miss out when assets are divided. Source: Getty

End-of-life planning

Storing your will: Really bad real-life ideas and how to avoid them

Storing your will: Really bad real-life ideas and how to avoid them

Making a will is a great first step but it's not the only thing you need to do to ensure your wishes are enacted.

Money ExpertMichael Spiegel

Sometimes it's just better to be explicit about where you've stored your will. Source: Getty.

End-of-life planning

Shocking tales of elder abuse prompt expert warning for over-60s

Shocking tales of elder abuse prompt expert warning for over-60s

It's not just physical either. Financial abuse is a serious issue among older Aussies.

Written byAnna Wall

Elder abuse is now the most common form of abuse and sadly the perpetrators are most often the victim’s friends and family. Source: Getty

End-of-life planning

‘Pre-paid funeral bond, funeral insurance or keep money in your super fund?’

‘Pre-paid funeral bond, funeral insurance or keep money in your super fund?’

There are two ways to pre-pay your funeral and there can be considerable Centrelink benefits, money expert Nick Bruining explains.

Money ExpertNick Bruining

In many cases, the financial benefits of funeral insurance are questionable. Source: Getty

End-of-life planning

Appointing an overseas executor of your will? Here’s what you need to know

Appointing an overseas executor of your will? Here’s what you need to know

While many Aussies have friends and family overseas, nominating a foreign executor to your will can be fraught with potential issues, Marie Brownell explains.

Estate planning expertMarie Brownell

If you are new to Australia and have no close connections to someone who can act as the executor of your estate, you can choose to appoint a professional practitioner, such as a lawyer or a licensed trustee company. Source: Getty

News

Pandemic pause? Over 60s have stopped planning or talking about death

Pandemic pause? Over 60s have stopped planning or talking about death

Have you been putting off this chat in the past 12 months or more? You're not alone. But it's important to have the conversation, as circumstances change.

Written byAnna Wall

Research has shown that while the majority of Australians have wills and end-of-life plans in place, we are avoiding having discussions about them with our families. Source: Getty

Funerals and bereavement

Cost of death: The most expensive cities to die in Australia

Cost of death: The most expensive cities to die in Australia

Here's the best way to plan for a funeral, and what to do if you can't afford one.

Written byAnna Wall

It certainly ain't cheap to die. Source: Getty

Politics

Tasmania will become third state to legalise voluntary assisted dying

Tasmania will become third state to legalise voluntary assisted dying

The new laws will allow anyone suffering from a terminal illness, with less than six months to live, the right to end their life legally.

Written byAnna Wall

It’s expected to take about 18 months to implement the new laws in Tasmania. Source: Getty

Estate planning

Want to help save lives? It’s easier than you’d think! Here’s how…

Want to help save lives? It’s easier than you’d think! Here’s how…

There's a real need for more Aussies to say ‘yes’ to organ donation. Marie Brownell outlines the steps to take - and, no, it doesn't involve your driver's licence.

Estate planning expertMarie Brownell

In Australia, family members are asked to provide consent to organ donation before it can proceed. Source: Getty

From our community

‘I’d like to be rooted’: Changing the way we think about death

by Brian Pickering

‘The death of my sister: Trying to make sense of it all’

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‘My son blames me for his grandmother’s death’

by Community Contributor

‘Mother’s last testament: Why I challenged my mother’s will’

by Community Contributor