Kenney Legal

30/08/2026

We talk to families about this every single week, and it always comes back to the same worry: "What happens to my family if something happens to me?"

Here's the truth- a will is a great start, but it's not the whole picture.

A Power of Attorney means someone you trust (a partner, a sibling, a grown-up child) can step in and handle things like bills, property, and day-to-day decisions if you're not able to. No court, no delay, no strangers making calls about your life.

A Letter of Wishes is the add-on bit people forget about, and honestly, it's one of our favourite to talk about. It's not a legal document - it's just you, writing down what actually matters. Who gets Nans best baking dishes. What you want for the kids. The little things that a solicitor's form could never truly capture, but your family will be so grateful to have in your own words.

We're a small, family-run firm ourselves, so we get it- this isn't about paperwork, it's about looking after the people you love.

If you've been meaning to sort this out but keep putting it off, we're just a message away.

29/08/2026

Buying a first home is becoming increasingly difficult, which means being asked to go guarantor can feel like one way to give children that opportunity.

But it’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.

When you go guarantor, you’re not simply helping strengthen your child’s home loan application. You’re taking on a real financial and legal responsibility.

In fact, MoneySmart’s advice is to treat going guarantor as though you’re taking out the loan yourself.

Why?

Because if your child can’t make the repayments, you may become responsible for the debt. And if your home has been used as security and you can’t meet that obligation, the lender may be able to sell your home to recover what’s owed.

MoneySmart also warns that a guarantee can:

• affect your own ability to borrow in the future
• potentially affect your credit record if the loan isn’t repaid
• put an asset used as security at risk
• have financial and legal consequences you may not have anticipated.

None of that means helping your child buy their first home is a bad idea.

It simply means that before you risk your house to help them buy theirs, make sure you understand exactly what that risk looks like.

If you’re required to obtain independent legal advice or a solicitor’s certificate as part of a guarantee, don’t look at it as another box to tick for the bank.

Ask questions. Understand what you’re signing. Make sure you’re comfortable with it.

Because helping your kids get ahead is one thing.

Putting your own financial future on the line without understanding the consequences is another.

If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Kenney Legal
Conveyancing | Estate Planning | Independent Legal Advice

27/08/2026

We all know how a family group chat can go 😂

You ask one simple question and somehow 47 messages later, you’re no closer to an answer.

It’s funny when it’s about organising dinner. Not so much when the decisions are about someone’s home, money and belongings.

One of the reasons we’re so passionate about estate planning at Kenney Legal is that a good Will isn’t just about who gets what. It’s about making things a little easier for your family when the time comes.

The clearer your wishes are, the less your family is left trying to work out what you would have wanted.

We’re a small, family-run firm, so we understand these aren’t always the easiest conversations to have. But getting it sorted now can save a lot of questions later.

And hopefully, the family group chat can stick to arguing about dinner. 😂

22/08/2026

Anyone else wish it was 1999?!🙋‍♂️

20/08/2026

🏠 Do you have to wait for probate before selling a house?

It’s a question we hear regularly from executors, and the answer often surprises people.

In many cases, an estate property can be listed for sale and even placed under contract before probate has been granted.

The important distinction? Settlement will generally need to wait until probate is granted, giving the executor the legal authority required to complete the transfer.

For families dealing with an estate, understanding this early can help avoid unnecessary delays, particularly when probate and the sale of a property need to happen at the same time.

Our latest blog explains:

• When an estate property can be listed
• Whether an executor can sign a Contract of Sale before probate
• Why settlement usually needs to wait
• What happens if there is no Will
• Practical steps executors should consider when selling estate property.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.kenneylegal.com.au/blog/can-you-sell-a-house-before-probate-is-granted

At Kenney Legal, we assist executors across Victoria with probate, estate administration and the sale or transfer of estate property.

⚖️ Probate + Conveyancing, handled in one place.

Selling a deceased estate property can often begin before probate is granted. An executor may usually appoint an agent, market the property and even sign a contract of sale while the probate application is being processed. However, settlement will generally need to wait until probate has been grante

18/08/2026

“Surprise! You’re my executor.” 😳

Probably not the best way for them to find out.

Being an executor can be a big responsibility. There can be paperwork, banks, property, debts, beneficiaries and plenty of decisions to deal with , often while grieving themselves.

Yet it’s surprisingly common for someone to be named as an executor without ever actually being asked.

Before you put someone’s name in your Will, have the conversation.

Ask them if they’re comfortable taking on the role, explain why you’ve chosen them, and make sure they know where your important documents are kept.

A five-minute conversation now can save a lot of confusion later.

And if they say no? That’s okay too. Better to know now than when the time comes.

If you have questions about your role as an executor or how to appoint someone, please reach out for a no obligation conversation.

13/08/2026

A timely reminder that your Will does not necessarily control your superannuation.

This ABC article highlights the importance of having a valid death benefit nomination in place and ensuring your superannuation arrangements form part of your broader estate plan.

A good prompt to check whether your nomination is current and still reflects your wishes.

New research shows most Australians have not made a legally binding death benefit nomination to ensure their superannuation goes to who they want it to when they die. And many funds do not make it easy.

06/08/2026

Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common??

How you own it directly affect what happens when you pass away.

A property purchase is a good time to review your Will and make sure your estate plan still reflects your wishes.

06/08/2026

🏡 Do you know how you own your home?

It might sound like a technical legal question, but we've seen this catch families by surprise after someone passes away (or even when drafting their own Will!)

Many people assume their Will determines what happens to their share of the family home.

Sometimes it doesn't.

If you own your property as Joint Tenants, your share usually passes automatically to the surviving owner- regardless of what your Will says.

If you own it as Tenants in Common, your share forms part of your estate and passes according to your Will.

We've had conversations with families who were genuinely shocked to discover how their property was owned, simply because no one had ever explained the difference!

If you're not sure which one applies to you, it's worth finding out before it becomes an issue for your loved ones.

A five-minute conversation today could save a lot of confusion later.

📞 If you'd like us to explain how your property is held, or you're buying a property and want to understand your options, we'd be happy to help.

30/07/2026

Marriage and separation don’t affect your Will in the same way.

In Victoria, marriage will generally revoke an existing Will, while separation alone usually won’t.

If your circumstances have changed, make sure your Will still reflects your wishes.

Send me a message if you’d like your estate plan reviewed.