The Vicca Law Podcast: Protecting Legacies. Resolving Conflicts.

Vicca Law

Welcome to The Vicca Law Podcast, where expertise meets insight. Join us each week as host Lidia Vicca, Director of Vicca Law explains the complexities, intricacies and (dare we say) fun side of estate planning and estate administration in Queensland.

  1. 5d ago

    Season 3 Ep. 39 BONUS Episode: Testamentary Trusts

    29 October 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 39: What to Do as a Child of Someone Who has Died?What if you could leave your children an inheritance while also putting structures in place to help protect it for their future? In this bonus episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, Lidia Vicca explores testamentary trusts and why they have become an increasingly important consideration in estate planning. Unlike a simple will that distributes assets directly to beneficiaries, a testamentary trust allows an inheritance to be held and managed under a trust structure established through a will. Lidia explains the three main reasons families consider testamentary trusts: asset protection, potential tax advantages and flexibility. She discusses how these trusts can be structured to support minor children, adult beneficiaries, people who may struggle with financial management and families concerned about relationship breakdowns or financial difficulties. The episode also explores the costs of maintaining a testamentary trust, the importance of choosing appropriate trustees and why specialist estate planning advice matters. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What is a testamentary trust? How does a testamentary trust work in Queensland? What is the difference between a simple will and a testamentary trust will? Can a testamentary trust protect my children's inheritance? Does a testamentary trust protect assets during divorce? Can a testamentary trust protect an inheritance from bankruptcy or creditors? What are the tax benefits of a testamentary trust? Can minor children benefit from a testamentary trust? Who controls the assets in a testamentary trust? Can each child have their own testamentary trust? Can a trustee be different from a child's guardian? Can a testamentary trust help a beneficiary who struggles with money? What are the ongoing costs of a testamentary trust? Is a testamentary trust worth including in my will? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 39 BONUS Episode: Testamentary Trusts

  2. Oct 21

    Season 3 Ep. 38 What to Do as a Child of Someone Who has Died?

    22 October 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 38: What to Do as a Child of Someone Who has Died?Losing a parent is an incredibly difficult experience. Alongside the grief, there can be uncertainty about what needs to happen next, who is responsible for making decisions and whether you have a role in administering your parent's estate. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, Lidia Vicca explains the practical and legal steps adult children may need to consider after a parent's death in Queensland. From locating the will and identifying the executor to protecting estate assets, understanding probate and letters of administration, and knowing your rights as a beneficiary, Lidia provides guidance on navigating the estate administration process. She also discusses what happens when a parent dies without a will, the importance of understanding family provision time limits, and when to seek legal assistance if disagreements arise between family members. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What should I do first when my parent dies in Queensland? How do I find out if my parent left a will? Who is responsible for administering a deceased parent's estate? What happens if my parent dies without a will? Can a child apply for letters of administration in Queensland? Do I need probate when my parent dies? What happens to my parent's house and bank accounts after death? What are an executor's responsibilities after a parent's death? Am I entitled to a copy of my parent's will? What rights do children have as beneficiaries of an estate? How long do you have to contest a will in Queensland? What happens if siblings disagree about estate administration? When should I contact an estate lawyer after a parent's death? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 38 What to Do as a Child of Someone Who has Died?

  3. Oct 14

    Season 3 Ep. 37 Conflict Between Your Adult Children

    15 October 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 37: Conflict Between Your Adult ChildrenWhat happens when your adult children do not get along, and how could their conflict affect your estate plan? Family disagreements can become particularly difficult when a parent dies or loses the capacity to make decisions. Existing tensions between siblings can lead to disputes about inheritance, estate administration, financial decisions and the responsibilities of executors or attorneys. In this episode of the Vicca Law Podcast, Lidia Vicca explores how parents can plan for conflict between adult children before problems arise. From choosing an appropriate executor and avoiding joint testamentary trusts to appointing attorneys under an enduring power of attorney, Lidia explains practical considerations that can help reduce disputes, protect family relationships and avoid unnecessary legal costs. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What should I do if my adult children do not get along? Should I appoint children who are in conflict as joint executors? Can I appoint an independent executor instead of my children? What happens if siblings disagree during estate administration? How can I prevent inheritance disputes between my children? Should children who do not get along share a testamentary trust? How can I structure my will to avoid siblings jointly controlling assets? Should I appoint both children under my enduring power of attorney? What happens if siblings disagree about a parent's financial or personal decisions? Can an attorney be removed in Queensland? How can an attorney protect themselves against allegations of wrongdoing? Can estate planning help prevent family disputes after death? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 37 Conflict Between Your Adult Children

  4. Oct 7

    Season 3 Ep. 36 Children and Your Will

    08 October 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 36: Children and Your WillIf you have children, your will does much more than decide who receives your assets. It is also an opportunity to record your wishes about guardianship, consider how your children will be financially supported and plan how and when they receive their inheritance. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explores two important considerations for parents preparing a will: guardianship and gifting. From choosing the right guardian and reviewing that decision as your family changes, to using testamentary trusts and considering unequal or more complex inheritance arrangements, this episode explains why estate planning for parents is rarely as simple as “everything to the children equally”. Common Questions Answered in This Episode How do I appoint a guardian for my child in my will?Who should I choose as guardian for my children?Can grandparents be appointed as guardians?Do I need to tell someone I have nominated them as guardian?Can I change the guardian named in my will?Should the guardian and trustee for my children be different people?How can I financially support a guardian who takes care of my children?At what age should children receive their inheritance?Can a testamentary trust protect a child’s inheritance?Can a child contest a will in Queensland?Should children receive equal inheritances?How should I provide for a vulnerable child in my will?What should I consider when leaving an inheritance to an estranged child?How does a family business affect inheritance between children? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 36 Children and Your Will

  5. Sep 30

    Season 3 Ep. 35 Who is a Child for the Purpose of the Succession Act?

    01 October 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 35: Who is a Child for the Purpose of the Succession Act?Who legally counts as your child when it comes to your will and estate? The answer can be broader than many people expect, particularly for blended families. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains who may be considered a child for family provision purposes under Queensland succession law, including children, adopted children and stepchildren. She explores why the legal position of stepchildren is particularly important when preparing a will and how becoming part of a blended family can create estate planning considerations that are easily overlooked. Lidia also discusses what can happen to the stepchild relationship following the death of their biological parent and why simply leaving a stepchild out of a will does not necessarily mean they have no rights after death. Common Questions Answered in This Episode Who is considered a child under the Succession Act in Queensland? Can a stepchild contest a will in Queensland? Do stepchildren have the same right to make a family provision application? Do adopted children have rights to contest a will? Does a stepchild remain a stepchild if their biological parent dies? What happens to a stepchild’s rights after divorce? Do I need to consider my stepchildren when making a will? Can I leave a stepchild out of my will? How do blended families affect estate planning? Who can make a family provision application in Queensland? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 35 Who is a Child for the Purpose of the Succession Act?

  6. Sep 23

    Season 3 Ep. 34 Safeguarding Your Business for Longevity

    24 September 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 34: Safeguarding Your Business for LongevityWhat would happen to your business if you died or became unable to make decisions? Would someone have the authority to pay staff, manage the company and protect the value of the business? In this episode, Lidia Vicca brings together the key estate planning considerations for business owners who operate through companies and trusts. She discusses the documents that can help a business continue through an unexpected change in leadership, including a company constitution, company power of attorney, shareholders agreement and trust succession arrangements. Lidia also explores why owners of multiple trusts should periodically review whether each structure still serves its intended purpose, with input from their accountant and other advisers. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What happens to my business if I die or lose capacity? Does my company need a constitution? What is a company power of attorney? Who can make business decisions if the sole director becomes incapacitated? Why do business partners need a shareholders agreement? What happens to my shares if I die? Who controls a family trust after the appointor dies? What is a deed of succession for a trust? Should I review trusts that are no longer being used? How can I include business succession in my estate plan? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 34 Safeguarding Your Business for Longevity

  7. Sep 17

    Season 3 Ep. 33 Trustee of a Trust? What You Need to do in Your Will!

    17 September 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 33: Trustee of a Trust? What You Need to do in Your Will!If you control a family trust, what happens to that trust when you die? Trusts can be an important part of asset protection, business and family wealth structures, but they can also create additional estate planning considerations. Unlike assets held personally, trust assets do not simply pass to beneficiaries under your will. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains the different roles within a trust, including trustees, beneficiaries and appointors or principals, and why understanding who controls the trust is critical for succession planning. She also discusses the importance of reviewing the trust deed, planning for successor appointors and trustees, considering a deed of succession or variation where appropriate, and documenting your longer-term intentions for the trust. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What happens to a family trust when you die?Do trust assets form part of your estate?Can you deal with a family trust in your will?What happens when the trustee of a trust dies?What does an appointor of a family trust do?Who controls a family trust after the appointor dies?Can you appoint a successor appointor in your will?What is a deed of succession for a family trust?Why should you review your trust deed when preparing your will?Should a family trust be included in estate planning? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 33 Trustee of a Trust? What You Need to do in Your Will!

  8. Sep 9

    Season 3 Ep. 32 Director of a Company? What You Need to do in Your Will!

    10 September 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 32: Director of a Company? What You Need to do in Your Will!If you are a director or shareholder of a company, your estate plan needs to consider more than just your personal assets. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains what can happen to a company when a sole director dies, how a company constitution may affect succession, and why shareholders should have a clear plan for what happens to their shares after death. The episode also explores the importance of shareholder agreements, choosing appropriate executors, documenting your wishes for the future of the business, and planning for situations where another shareholder or key employee may take over. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What happens to a company when a sole director dies? Who becomes director if the sole director of a company dies? Does a company constitution determine who replaces a director? Can an executor become the director of a company? Do company shares form part of your estate? What happens to shares in a company when a shareholder dies? Do I need a shareholders agreement for business succession? Can I leave my shares to my business partner? How should business owners include their company in their estate plan? What happens to a business if the owner dies? Does someone owe you money? Your first step is demanding repayment! Download our FREE letter of demand template developed over 15 years of disputes practice: https://lidia-vicca.mykajabi.com/letter-of-demand Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow and share The Vicca Podcast. Visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to download our FREE Guide on 5 Things you NEED to know about Estate Planning! Ready to take the next step? Call us on 07 3138 9940 or visit our website www.viccalaw.com.au to book a FREE consultation. Don't forget to follow us on socials and keep up to date with the latest news: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    Season 3 Ep. 32 Director of a Company? What You Need to do in Your Will!
See All (128)

About

Welcome to The Vicca Law Podcast, where expertise meets insight. Join us each week as host Lidia Vicca, Director of Vicca Law explains the complexities, intricacies and (dare we say) fun side of estate planning and estate administration in Queensland.

Information