Lachlan Vallance has once again been recognised by his peers in the Doyles Guide award for 'Recommended' Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer - Victoria, 2020. Read More
Congratulations to Lachlan Vallance of Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams for his amazing achievement of being listed in the 2020 Doyle's Guide as a Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer. Read More
Despite the coronavirus pandemic confining most of us to our homes, there is no need to put off making arrangements about what is to happen to our assets when we die, or who is to make important decisions on our behalf if we lose the capacity to do so. The Wills and Estates team at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams are continuing to assist clients with all aspects of estate and succession planning during lockdown 2.0. This includes the preparation of: Read More
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place governments are continuing to urge us to practise social distancing. In view of this, the Victorian Government recently enacted the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Electronic Signing and Witnessing) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations). The Regulations allow Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (among other documents) to be signed and witnessed electronically, so that witnesses can continue to perform their duties without being physically present. Read More
As we have worked through the immediate concerns about daily life - how to do the shopping, adjust our working habits, and keep in touch with loved ones – it might also now be time to return some issues to the ‘front’ burner regarding estate planning and other aspects of succession law. The following five issues relate to the challenges of COVID-19, and include not only increased vulnerability to the pandemic but also increased isolation, limited travel, access to loved ones and legal proceedings. Read More
People with limited decision-making capacity may soon have more power to manage their own personal and financial affairs under legislation which will this month come into effect in Victoria. The new guardianship laws aim to strike the balance between empowering and protecting Victorians whose capacity to make decisions is limited because of a disability. The Guardianship and Administration Act 2019 (Vic) governs the appointments and powers of guardians and administrators and introduces supportive guardian and administrator appointments. Read More