Brooke Vitnell - Solicitor & Conveyancing

27/04/2026

An inheritance tax (aka “death tax”) is being floated ahead of next month’s federal budget.

This is your aspiration that's being taxed and taxed again. There is nothing more offensive to hardworking Australians than to have their life's work and aspiration taxed after their death. As bereaved families move through the Probate or Letters of Administration process a 27% tax will absolutely eat into their potential inheritance! This is a national disgrace if this is rolled out yourlocallawyer

24/04/2026

Lest We Forget.
Those who have fought for our nation and protect her today deserve our sincere and profound respect.

21/04/2026

Although The Wall Street Journal is a US paper, there are some key takeaways for family law matters.

One of the most confronting things for male and female clients is trying to get into another property - purchasing or even a rental once their family home is sold.

A good solicitor will make their best efforts to assist their client in navigating this next season also.

I always take a proactive approach in ensuring my clients next chapter they feel equipped. If required, I am pleased to assist them with their finance, the property law for their purchase and their updated estate planning.

Marriage is an economy of scale. And divorce means confronting harsh realities about the cost of being solo.

Ileana Garcia and her husband lived in a five-bedroom brick colonial home with a dining-room table that could seat a dozen people.

Just before her divorce was finalized in 2023, she downsized from her home of more than two decades in suburban New York to a nearby apartment. She still likes having people over, but at her 55th birthday party recently, everyone had to crowd around her kitchen island.

“There wasn’t enough room for everyone to sit,” said Garcia, who works in software sales. “That part sucked.”

The toughest part: Her rent is $5,000 a month. That is even more than the mortgage payments she and her husband paid with a combined income that was twice what she earns now.

Garcia knows she is fortunate financially. She earns about $250,000 a year—around what she was making when she was married. But without her ex-husband’s salary, it feels like she took a huge pay cut.

For others, the lifestyle adjustment after divorce is more extreme.

Read more: 🔗 https://on.wsj.com/4cpcZa7

01/04/2026

Thank you PRD Port Stephens we were so pleased to help this wonderful couple quickly secure their first home in Anna Bay 🌊

17/03/2026

If you do not have an estate plan in place there is a high chance the ATO will take a large slice of your hard earned superannuation before your kids get any of it.

Please always consult with an experienced estate planning solicitor to discuss your Will and plan for your estate - including your super - after you are gone.

Thanks the The Australian who are committed to educating Australians on what is happening.

Families face losing tens of thousands to inheritance taxes due to widespread misconceptions about how superannuation works with wills and estate planning. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4rGEakZ

15/03/2026

NSW Trustee and Guardian need to be upfront with the costs they charge for acting as Executor of a Will and for Power of Attorney.

Some huge sums I am hearing about which can be easily avoided!

Twelve years before her death, Margaret Greaves used the NSW government’s free will service, bequeathing all assets to her son, Tony. It was a decision that would cost him nearly $60,000.

14/03/2026

I love what I do! It is an honour and a privilege to assist our clients during a stressful time of bereavement.

12/03/2026

Fascinating how land was sold back in the day!
Thanks for sharing Maitland Heritage and Memories

10/03/2026

This article with News.com.au highlights the importance of a valid Last Will and Testament.

After his sudden and tragic passing, this young man did not leave a Will.

His divorced parents are in court feuding over who gets to make decisions about his funeral and interment.

A very sad situation for all, and could have been avoided with a Will and instructions as to funeral and interment.

The death of a beloved young tradie has led to an ugly court battle.

09/03/2026

In a defacto relationship that is in decline?

Another great article in The Australian on defacto relationship myths;

Myth 1:

“We aren’t married so I am safe”

People believing that nothing could be claimed by their ex if they were not married.

That’s incorrect – de facto partners can seek property adjustments through the court.

Myth 2:

“My assets from before I met them are safe”

People are also surprised to learn that assets owned before the relationship, and even superannuation, can form part of the asset pool.

Myth 3:

“It’s a 50/50 split”

Another misconception is that assets are automatically split 50-50. Australia does not use a fixed formula, outcomes depend on contributions and future needs.

Myth 4:

“The property is in my name only, it’s safe”

Another myth, particularly common among de facto couples, is that ‘if it’s in my name, they can’t touch it.

The family law property pool includes everything, regardless of whose name is on the title or whether it was acquired before the relationship started.

Myth 5:

“We each have our own house”

This is a BIG one. People could still be considered to be in a de facto relationship even if they were not living together permanently.

If you date someone and spend a lot of time with them and are in and out of each other’s houses for five years, then you say let’s move in together, then split up a year later, the problem is then that the court can look at the five years beforehand and extend the [de facto] period.

What can you do to protect yourself? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🤷‍♂️

If you’re in a relationship at about 1.5 years in - talk to a good family law solicitor. I’d love to help!

This post is not formal legal advice, for legal advice specific to your matter contact my team today 📞
(02)49818333

Two years living together triggers marriage-like legal obligations, yet couples don’t understand the financial consequences. Read more: https://bit.ly/4b8MZxG

29/01/2026

Please stay safe and follow all directives from Medowie Rural Fire Brigade and Williamtown/Salt Ash Rural Fire Brigade at this time

05/01/2026

As we enter into 2026, I will re-introduce myself to those who have recently started following this page!

I am a passionate, experienced and energetic local solicitor who provides a cost-effective, tailored and individual experience for each of my valued clients.

I can assist you with all:

✔️Family Law & Divorce
✔️Property Law & Conveyancing
✔️Wills & Contested Estates
✔️Power of Attorney & Enduring Guardianship
✔️Probate & Deceased Estate Administration

I’d love to meet you and assist you with your legal matter 👋🏻

Contact me and my friendly team (we re-open officially on 12 January for 2026)

📞(02) 4981 8333
📍6/5 Peppertree Road, Medowie NSW 2318
📧[email protected]
👩🏼‍💻brookevitnell.com.au