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. 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?
  2. 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
  3. 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!
  4. 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!
  5. Sep 2

    Season 3 Ep. 31 What is in Your Personal Estate?

    3 September 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 31: What is in Your Personal Estate?When preparing a will, one of the most important questions is: what actually forms part of your personal estate? In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains the difference between assets you own personally and assets controlled through companies, trusts and self-managed super funds. She also explores why understanding this distinction is critical when preparing an estate plan or business succession plan. From personally owned property and bank accounts to company assets, trust assets and superannuation, this episode provides a practical starting point for understanding what your will can — and cannot — deal with. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What assets form part of my personal estate? Does property owned in my name form part of my estate? Do joint bank accounts form part of my estate? Does a company form part of my personal estate? Can I leave company assets in my will? Does a family trust form part of my estate? Can I control what happens to a trust through my will? Does superannuation form part of my estate? Does property held in a self-managed super fund form part of my estate? Why is business succession planning important for 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. 31 What is in Your Personal Estate?
  6. Aug 26

    Season 3 Ep. 30 I've Got Probate - Now What?

    27 August 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 30: I've Got Probate - Now What?Obtaining probate is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of administering a deceased estate. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains what executors and administrators need to do after receiving a grant of probate or letters of administration in Queensland. From accessing bank accounts and dealing with superannuation to managing property, tax obligations and estate expenses, this episode provides a practical overview of the next steps in estate administration. Lidia also discusses the importance of record keeping, opening an estate bank account, protecting estate assets, and understanding an executor’s responsibilities throughout the administration process. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What do I do after getting probate in Queensland? How do I access a deceased person’s bank accounts after probate? Should I open an estate bank account? What happens to superannuation after probate? How does an executor deal with property in an estate? Can an executor sell a deceased person’s property? Does an estate need to lodge a tax return? How long should estate administration take? What records does an executor need to keep? What are an executor’s responsibilities after probate? 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. 30 I've Got Probate - Now What?
  7. Aug 19

    Season 3 Ep. 29 Dying Intestate - What Do You Need to Do as a Loved One?

    20 August 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 29: Dying Intestate - What Do You Need to Do as a Loved One?When someone dies without a valid Will, they are said to have died intestate. For loved ones left behind, this can make an already difficult time even more complicated because there is no executor appointed and no written direction about how the estate should be administered. In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains what happens when someone dies intestate in Queensland, who may be entitled to the estate, who can apply for letters of administration, and why the order of priority matters. The episode also explores some of the practical difficulties families face when there is no Will, including identifying assets and liabilities, dealing with minor beneficiaries, and understanding who has authority to administer the estate. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What happens if someone dies without a Will in Queensland? What does dying intestate mean? Who inherits if there is no Will? Does a spouse automatically inherit everything? Who can apply for letters of administration? What happens if there are children but no spouse? Who administers an estate if the beneficiaries are minors? What happens if there is no spouse, children or parents? Does the government automatically get the estate if there is no Will? What should you do first if a loved one dies without a 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. 29 Dying Intestate - What Do You Need to Do as a Loved One?
  8. Aug 12

    Season 3 Ep. 28 Problems with the Will and What You'll Need to do for Probate

    13 August 2026 The Vicca Law Podcast Season 3 Episode 28: Problems with the Will and What You'll Need to do for ProbateWhat happens if a Will is damaged, incomplete, incorrectly witnessed, or the original cannot be found? In this episode, Lidia Vicca explains some of the most common problems that can arise when applying for probate in Queensland and how those issues may affect the process. From missing original Wills and damaged documents to unavailable executors and incorrectly executed Wills, this episode explores why seemingly small issues can create additional steps before a grant of probate can be obtained. Lidia also explains how affidavits and additional court applications may sometimes be used to address defects and why having a professionally prepared and properly stored Will can help prevent unnecessary complications for executors and beneficiaries. Common Questions Answered in This Episode What happens if the original Will cannot be found?Can you get probate with a copy of a Will?What happens if a Will has been damaged or unstapled?Does a Will need to be dated to be valid?What happens if a Will was not properly witnessed?Can marks or handwritten notes on a Will cause problems?What happens if the executor named in the Will has died?What happens if an executor does not want to act?What are letters of administration with the Will?How can you avoid probate problems with your 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. 28 Problems with the Will and What You'll Need to do for Probate

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.