In this episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown on 4BC with Sofie Formica, Estate Litigation Senior Associate Duncan McDougall delves into the complexities of estate planning for blended families, a growing reality for many Australians.
From second marriages and de facto relationships to stepchildren and dependents, modern family dynamics can create legal complications if estate planning isn’t handled with care. 
Duncan explains why a “simple Will” often won’t provide adequate protection for individuals in a blended family, especially when there are competing interests or assumptions that “everything will work out.”
Duncan and Sofie covered key topics such as:
•	Why stepchildren and de facto partners may have a legal right to contest a Will,
•	The benefits of testamentary trusts and mutual Wills to reduce the risk of disputes in blended families,
•	Common misconceptions about Wills being “final”, and why eligible people can still challenge them, and
•	The statutory time limits for bringing a claim against an estate in Queensland.
Duncan also answers real listener questions about bloodline trusts, the role of statutory declarations in supporting the wishes outlined in a Will, and legal strategies that can help ensure intentions are upheld after you’re gone. 
Offering practical advice for anyone in a blended family, Duncan encourages people to seek tailored legal guidance and revisit their estate plans as their relationships and circumstances evolve. 
Whether you're trying to protect your children’s inheritance or minimise the risk of disputes, this episode is a timely reminder that estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. 


11th June - Duncan MacDougall

When it comes to estate planning, most people assume it’s as simple as writing a Will, but there’s a lot more to it.

In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, Wills and Estates Senior Associate Xara Coassin joins Robyn Hyland to walk listeners through the key things people often don’t realise they need to consider before completing an estate plan.

From understanding how your assets are owned, such as jointly held property, superannuation, and trust assets, to appointing the right people as executors, guardians, or attorneys, Xara outlines the practical decisions that make up a complete and effective estate plan.

She also shares what to bring to your first appointment with an estate planning lawyer, how different life events can impact your plan, and why DIY Wills and online Wills often lead to costly mistakes for loved left behind after you pass away.

Whether you're doing your estate plan for the first time or reviewing your Will after a significant life change, this episode offers valuable insights to help you prepare properly and avoid common pitfalls.

Law Talks - Xara Coassin - What To Consider Before Making A Will

In a special episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown on 4BC Brisbane, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Estate Litigation Senior Associate Duncan MacDougall, joined Sofie Formica live from the iconic Ekka in Brisbane to unpack a legal term many have heard but few fully understand – probate.
Broadcast amongst the buzz of the showgrounds, Duncan explained that probate is essentially a “golden ticket” for executors – a court’s official confirmation that a Will is valid, and that the person named is authorised to manage the deceased’s estate. Without it, banks, share registries, nursing homes, and the Titles Office often won’t release funds or transfer assets.
While not every estate requires probate, Duncan outlined when it becomes necessary, including:
•	When estate assets exceed certain thresholds.
•	To access certain financial accounts, accommodation bonds, or real property.
•	When there’s any dispute about the validity of a Will.
He also warned of the risks of skipping probate, which can leave executors personally liable if claims on the estate arise at a later date. 
The conversation touched on estate planning best practices – including why families should openly discuss Wills and executor appointments while everyone is still alive. Sofie noted how these weekly segments often spark important family conversations, even on topics people typically avoid.


13th August 2025 - Duncan MacDougall

In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Wills & Estates Partner Angela Harry joins Robyn to unpack a question many families face after losing a loved one: why does it sometimes take months – or even years – to finalise an estate?
Angela explains the key steps in administering an estate – from locating the Will, applying for probate or letters of administration, identifying and collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, through to distributing inheritances. 
She outlines the most common causes of delay, including:
•	Disputes between executors and beneficiaries
•	Challenges to the validity of the Will
•	Difficulty locating or identifying assets (especially those overseas)
•	Delays in dealing with financial institutions, government agencies, or the court process
•	Unresolved debts and unpaid taxes
Angela also shares practical tips to help speed up the process, such as having an up-to-date Will, appointing an organised and capable executor, keeping a clear record of assets and liabilities, and seeking early legal advice.
Whether you’re an executor tasked with managing an estate or planning for your affairs, this discussion offers valuable insights to help navigate what can often be a complex and emotional process.


Law Talks - Angela Harry - Why It can Take So Long To Finalise An Estate

Imagine this: you want to make sure your partner can keep living in the family home after you pass away, but you also want the property to go to your children eventually. How do you balance both wishes fairly?

In this episode of Brisbane's Legal Lowdown, on 4BC, Attwood Marshall Lawyers' Estate Litigation Senior Associate Duncan MacDougall joins Sofia Formica to discuss two vital estate planning tools – the life interest and the right to reside.

These arrangements can provide security for a surviving partner, child, or parent, while ensuring the property ultimately passes to the chosen beneficiaries.

Duncan explains:

The key difference between a life interest and a right to reside is that one offers lifetime occupation, while the other usually comes with specific conditions.
When these tools are useful, particularly in blended families, later-in-life relationships, or when caring for a dependent.
The conditions that apply – from what happens if the person moves into aged care or enters a new relationship, to who pays for maintenance, insurance, or rates.
Why careful Will-drafting matters – poorly worded or absent clauses can lead to disputes, with family members fighting over rights and expectations.
The importance of revisiting your Will as your circumstances and relationships evolve.


Duncan shares real-world examples of how these provisions play out and highlights why open conversations with loved ones and getting professional legal advice are vital. Without clear directions, executors and beneficiaries can end up in costly and stressful disputes.

20th August - Duncan MacDougall

Disputes during the administration of a loved one’s estate are more common than many families realise. Even when a Will is in place, emotions can run high, and disagreements often arise over who should act as executor, whether the family home should be sold, or how sentimental items should be divided.
In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, our Wills and Estates Partner Angela Harry joined Robyn Hyland to unpack some of the most frequent challenges families face and how the law helps to resolve them.
Angela explained that the choice of executor lies solely with the person making the Will. While family members may feel overlooked or believe they are better suited to the role, courts will only intervene in limited circumstances if family members have a different view as to who should be acting as the executor. 
Executors can only be removed where there is clear evidence of misconduct, severe delays, or mismanagement, not simply because of family tension.
Beneficiaries can apply to the court to have an executor removed, but the process is complex and costly. Angela emphasised that lawyers often try to resolve concerns before court action is necessary by identifying whether issues can be settled through negotiation or mediation.
One of the biggest flashpoints arises when families disagree over whether to sell the family home or how to divide personal belongings. Angela noted that disputes often centre on items with sentimental rather than monetary value. In these cases, executors must follow the instructions in the Will, but independent legal advice can help calm emotions and facilitate fair solutions.


Law Talks - Angela Harry - Family disagreements following the death of a loved one

Law Talks Episode: Lessons from the Andrew Findlay Estate Dispute
In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Estate Litigation Special Counsel, April Kennedy, joins host Robyn Hyland to revisit one of Australia’s most high-profile estate disputes – the case involving Sydney businessman Andrew Findlay. 
Since April and Robyn first discussed this case late last year, there have been further developments. Andrew’s former partner, Liz Kemp, appealed the Supreme Court’s decision; however, her appeal was dismissed. This decision provides essential insights into why the original ruling stood firm.
Andrew Findlay tragically passed away in 2023 in a boating accident, leaving behind a legal battle that quickly made national headlines. Liz Kemp relied on an older 2015 Will that appointed her as executor and beneficiary, while Andrew’s family argued a later informal electronic Will drafted in 2019 should be considered Andrew’s final Will. That unsigned Word document left his $14 million estate to his three young children and appointed his cousin as executor. 
The Supreme Court admitted the 2019 informal Will to probate, finding there was sufficient evidence of Andrew’s intention, despite the lack of formal signing. Liz challenged that ruling, but her appeal was dismissed, and she was ordered to pay 75 per cent of the estate’s legal costs.  
April explains why this dispute continues to capture public attention:
•	It was a high-profile case: Andrew was a well-known Sydney businessman with significant assets at stake.
•	Estate planning in the digital era: The case highlights the growing risks of relying on online or DIY Wills without legal advice.
•	Family dynamics: The proceedings pitted Andrew’s former partner against his own children, creating a highly emotional and complex situation. 
April emphasises that this case is a powerful reminder of the importance of:
•	Updating your Will after major life changes, such as separation or the sale of assets.
•	Properly signing and witnessing your Will to avoid costly disputes.
•	Choosing your executor carefully, as they will play a vital role in administering your estate.
•	Seeking specialist legal advice rather than relying on generic online templates, which may fail to reflect your personal circumstances.
This extraordinary case shows how devastating and expensive estate disputes can become, both financially and emotionally, when estate planning is not handled with proper care and advice.


Law Talks - April Kennedy - Andrew Findlay Case Follow Up

In this episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Senior Associate and Accredited Aged Care Professional, Larisa Kapur, joins Jason Matthews (filling in for Sofie Formica) on the afternoon show to talk about one of the most challenging stages many families face – the move to aged care.

Too often, people wait until a crisis forces them to act. A sudden hospital stay or a decline in health can mean being told you can’t return home and must move into care. In these moments, families scramble with limited options, long waitlists, and few choices about where their loved one will live or the type of care they’ll receive.

Larisa explains that planning ahead of time changes everything. When you prepare for the future, you stay in control and can decide the type of accommodation you want to live in, the location that suits you, and the quality of care you want to receive.

Rather than making rushed decisions under pressure, you have the time to make informed choices.

Larisa answers some questions sent in by listeners about aged care fees and the upcoming changes to the Aged Care Act.

As the discussion comes to an end, Larisa also highlights the importance of getting legal documents in order before an individual moves into aged care, including their Will and Enduring Power of Attorney. These documents ensure your wishes are respected and your affairs are managed smoothly as you transition into care.  

27th August - Larisa Kapur

Jeff Garrett shares his concerns about the scrapping of the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4, highlighting the negative impact on Coolangatta businesses, staff, and clients, particularly with lost connectivity to the airport.

Jeff Garrett talks to ABC Radio about GC light rail stage 4

Queensland’s road toll continues to climb, with more than 200 lives already lost in 2025, following a tragic year in 2024 where over 300 fatalities were recorded. Despite many vehicles now offering greater safety features and our roads continuously being upgraded, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed each year, leaving families and communities devastated.
In this episode of Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Compensation Law Senior Associate, Henry Garrett joins Sofie Formica to talk about why the crisis on our roads shows no signs of slowing down and what can be done to change the trajectory.
In this episode, Henry discusses:
•	Queensland is on track for its deadliest year in more than 15 years, with driver distraction and mobile phone use among the most significant dangers to road safety.
•	Lessons from overseas, including how Helsinki has drastically reduced road deaths by introducing lower speed limits and improving infrastructure.
•	What really happens after a motor vehicle accident, why many people go into shock, struggle to know what steps to take, and how creating a paper trail (photos, rego plate details, police reports) is crucial.  
•	How the Nominal Defendant Scheme assists victims of hit-and-run or uninsured crashes, and what’s expected of claimants to help identify vehicles involved.
•	The rights of families who lose a loved one in a crash, including claims for loss of financial support and domestic services. 
Henry also shares practical takeaways for all road users: slow down, put your phone away, and if you are involved in an accident, document everything and seek advice promptly.
This conversation is a sobering reminder that too many lives are being cut short on Queensland roads, and that everyone has a role to play in making them safer. 


3rd September - Henry Garrett - Brisbane's Legal Lowdown 4BC

In this episode of Law Talks on 4CRB (89.3FM), Estate Litigation Special Counsel, April Kennedy, joins Robyn Hyland to discuss an unusual case that reached the Queensland Supreme Court: whether a handwritten love letter could be accepted as a person’s final Will.
The case involved Stewart Gray, who passed away in 2024. He made a formal Will back in 1989, leaving his estate to his father. But after his death, a letter he wrote in 1991 to a close friend, Sharon Mitchell, came to light. 
In it, Stewart professed his love and expressed a desire for Sharon and her young son to inherit his wealth. The son argued that this “love letter” should be treated as an informal Will, overriding the earlier formal Will. 
April explains that under Queensland’s Succession Act, the courts can recognise informal documents – including letters, text messages, even voice recordings – as a Will, but only in rare circumstances. 
The document must demonstrate a clear intention that it was meant to be the person’s final testament. In Stewart’s case, the court ruled that the letter did not meet this threshold. 
The discussion also highlighted the legal requirements for a valid Will. 
April stressed the biggest mistake people make is either not making a Will at all, or assuming that casual notes or personal messages will be legally binding. This case shows how uncertainty can easily lead to disputes, heartache, and costly litigation.

Law Talks - April Kennedy - Can A Love Letter Be Considered a Final Will

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11th June - Duncan MacDougall

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