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

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