The Wills and Estates Transmission

de Groots Wills and Estate Lawyers
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The Wills and Estates transmission podcast brought to you by de Groots, specialist Wills and Estate lawyers

  1. 18/12/2025

    Episode 28: Murder is not an estate planning strategy

    This is a lighhearted conversation about a serious topic. We are not aiming to offend. The conversation delves into the Troja case, where a woman was found guilty of manslaughter for killing her husband. The discussion highlights the implications of the forfeiture rule, which prevented her from inheriting anything from her husband's will, redirecting the inheritance to her mother-in-law instead.

    16 min

  2. 26/10/2025

    Episode 27: Mental Health for Lawyers

    In this episode of the Wills and Transmissions podcast, hostTony speaks with junior lawyer Isabel Ayoub about the critical issue of mental health in the legal profession. They discuss the unique pressures faced by junior lawyers, the importance of support systems, and the need for a positive approach to well-being. Isabel shares insights from her experiences and a recent conference on lawyer well-being, emphasising the need for open conversations about mental health and practical strategies for maintaining it in a high-stress environment.

    15 min

  3. 16/10/2025

    Episode 26: Mitigating Financial Elder Abuse

    In this episode of the Wills and Estate Transmission podcast, Julia Tutt discusses the importance of understanding and properly executing an enduring power of attorney (EPOA) to manage financial affairs during one's lifetime. Julia emphasises that EPOAs are crucial for estate planning, especially with the generational wealth transfer underway in Australia. She advises appointing trustworthy attorneys, preferably more than one to prevent financial elder abuse, and highlights the significance of legal advice to avoid confusion and misuse of the document. Julia also stresses the importance of open communication within families and staying updated with technological advancements to maintain financial independence and reduce vulnerability.

    27 min

  4. 16/09/2025

    Episode 25: Capacity and Red Flags to look for With John de Groot

    Continuing the series, in this episode, Tony speaks again with John de Groot, Partner at de Groots, about one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in estate planning: capacity.   Capacity issues are increasingly common as our population ages, and they play a critical role in determining whether wills, enduring powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents are valid.   John explains the legal definition of capacity, the “red flags”solicitors need to look out for, and the fine balance between respecting a client’s autonomy and protecting against undue influence or incapacity.

    13 min

  5. 04/09/2025

    Episode 24: AI, the Law & Digital Assets with John de Groot

    In this episode, we are joined by John de Groot, Partner and Co-Founder at de Groots Wills & Estate Lawyers, to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on thelegal profession and estate planning.   Key TopicsCovered:   AI in LegalPractice – Why relying on AI for court submissions has already caused serious issues, including hallucinated cases and quotes.   Court Responses How the NSW Chief Justice now requires affidavits and witness statements to confirm AI was not used.   Practical Uses ofAI – Positive examples of AI in law, from drafting managing director role descriptions to generating detailed executor checklists and even funeral arrangements.   The Human FactorWhy empathy, sympathy, and the trusted adviser role remain irreplaceable despite AI advancements.   Fraud & Identity Theft The rising risks in estate administration, including email scams and beneficiary impersonation, plus practical steps lawyers use to safeguard client funds.   Digital Assets & Cryptocurrency Real-world examples of lost digital wealth and why planning for crypto access is now essential in wills.   Technology & the Courts How COVID-era changes, such as remote witnessing and electronic filing, continue to shape the legal process.

    11 min

  6. 30/07/2025

    Episode 23: The Art of the Bequest

    Tony Skinner and Kate Varcoe discuss the complexities of making bequests, particularly to institutions like the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Kate, a lawyer and future collective member of QAGOMA,explains the different types of bequests, including pecuniary legacies, specific assets, and residue. She emphasises the importance of clear communication with bequest officers to ensure funds are used effectively and correctly. Kate also highlights common issues, such as incorrect beneficiaries or unsuitable assets, and advises on the need for careful consideration and specialist legal advice to avoid administrative and tax complications.

    16 min

  7. 24/06/2025

    Episode 22: Contesting a Will in NSW what you need to know

    In this podcast episode, Tony and Maree Harris discuss theintricacies of contesting a will in New South Wales. They explore the differences between contesting andchallenging a will, the role of the Supreme Court, the steps involved in contesting a will, the evidence required for a claim, and the importance of seeking legal advice early in the process. The conversation emphasises the high likelihood of settlingdisputes through mediation and the significance of understanding one's rights and entitlements in estate matters.

    23 min

  8. 21/04/2025

    Episode 21: The importance of Advance Health Directives (AHDs) Part 2

    Dannielle continues the discussion on the importance of and the legally binding effect of Advanced Health Directives (AHDs), their role in guiding healthcare decisions, family disputes and the conditions under which they take effect. An AHD must be witnessed by a justice of the peace or similar to be valid. It can include refusals of life-sustaining treatments under specific conditions, such as terminal illness or persistent vegetative state. The AHD should be stored securely and shared with trusted individuals and healthcare providers. Legal advice is recommended for those unsure about the irdirectives. Disputes among family members can arise, but the AHD's decisions must be followed unless contrary to good medical practice.

    23 min
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About

The Wills and Estates transmission podcast brought to you by de Groots, specialist Wills and Estate lawyers

Information

  • Creator
    de Groots Wills and Estate Lawyers
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © de Groots Wills and Estate Lawyers
  • Show Website
    The Wills and Estates Transmission