KHQ Lawyers - Wills & Estates

22/05/2026

For decades, testamentary trusts have been a cornerstone of estate planning, valued for their ability to provide both tax efficiencies and asset protection for future generations.

That may be about to change.

As part of the latest Federal Budget, the government has proposed a 30% minimum tax on distributions from both existing and new discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028. This is a move that could significantly impact testamentary trusts and long-term succession planning strategies.

In our latest insight, Joel Kurta, Laura Hussey, Rachael Hocking and Ines Kallweit unpack what these proposed reforms could mean, why they matter, and the key considerations for individuals and families moving forward.

Read the full article on our website: https://khq.com.au/blog/do-we-need-to-rethink-testamentary-trusts-after-2028/

31/03/2026

Our Wills & Estates team had a fantastic time at the annual Gold Rush Festival on Sunday, connecting with a wonderful community of golden retriever owners and enthusiasts!

Throughout the day, the team spoke with many attendees about the often-overlooked importance of making provisions for pets in estate planning. From practical considerations around ongoing care to the peace of mind that comes with having a clear plan in place, these conversations highlighted just how important it is to ensure beloved pets are protected.

If you would like to learn more about how to include your pet in your will, please contact our team on +61 3 9663 9877 or visit our website: https://khq.com.au/

27/03/2026

Undoubtedly your pet is a much loved member of your family. But did you know that legally they are treated as property? This disconnect can create real uncertainty when their owner passes away, leaving family members to make quick decisions in challenging circumstances, with informal arrangements or assumptions not always holding up when they matter most.

In our latest insight, Indianna Wickes, Kim Nguyen and Ines Kallweit explore the common issues that arise when pets are not considered in estate planning, and how clear, legally enforceable arrangements can help ensure their ongoing care reflects your intentions.

Read the full article on our website: https://khq.com.au/blog/pets-in-wills/

Is your dog in your Will? Come and speak with our Wills & Estates team at our stall at the annual Gold Rush Golden Retriever Festival this Sunday, 29 March. We’ll be there to answer your questions, with dog treats and a few giveaways on hand.

19/02/2026

Wishing a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year to all who celebrate.

The team at KHQ wishes you good health, abundance and strength in the months to come, and every success as you navigate the year ahead.

04/01/2026

KHQ’s Rachael Hocking was quoted in The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald in relation to a recent Victorian Supreme Court decision, Re Southey [2025] VSC 801, which considered what happens when a primary beneficiary named in a Will cannot be identified and may not have existed in the way the will-maker believed.

Rachael highlighted that while courts seek to give effect to a testator’s intentions, those intentions must be capable of practical operation. Where a beneficiary cannot be identified with sufficient certainty, gifts may fail, with significant consequences for how an estate is ultimately distributed.

The decision also draws attention to the increasing risks associated with online relationships in estate planning. As this case demonstrates, difficulties verifying identity, particularly across jurisdictions, can undermine even carefully prepared Wills and increase the likelihood of disputes.

Click here to read the article: https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-2-million-inheritance-and-the-online-romance-20251219-p5np15.html

If you would like advice on estate planning, Will construction or succession matters, please contact a member of our Wills & Estates team.

Months before he died, a man changed his will to leave most of his fortune to a person he’d never met.