Rod Genders is a senior Australian lawyer specialising in Wills and Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Trusts and Guardianship and Inheritance Claims and Contested Estates in South Australia. His boutique specialist law firm, which was founded on 1848, is one of the oldest and most respected in Australia. Rod is an international author and speaker. Rod is the 3rd generation of Genders in the law and has been practising specialised law since the mid 80’s. For over 10 years he served on the Council of the Law Society of South Australia and is a senior member of its Succession Law Committee. For 8 years Rod was a founding committee member of the South Australian branch of the London-based Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and was the founding Chair of the international STEP Digital Assets Special Interest Group. For over 25 years Rod has chaired a private committee enquiring into the affairs of protected persons. He is a member of the Law Council of Australia, a member of the Notaries Society of South Australia and an associate member of the American Bar Association.

what is an enduring power of attorney and why do i need one

What is an Enduring Power of Attorney and why do I need one?

what is an enduring power of attorney and why do i need one

Most people have heard of a legal document called Power of Attorney, but not many understand the different types of Powers of Attorney, how they work, when and how to create one, the terms to include or whom to appoint as your agent.

This is an example of where a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Powers of Attorney are a specialised area of law.

Don’t be fooled into believing the lady at the hairdresser or the bloke down the pub who says that it is easy to do this yourself.

understanding the exclusion of superannuation from deceased estates

Understanding the Exclusion of Superannuation from Deceased Estates

understanding the exclusion of superannuation from deceased estates

As we approach our golden years, it becomes increasingly crucial to ensure our hard-earned assets are protected and distributed according to our wishes after we pass away.

Estate planning plays a pivotal role in achieving this, and it’s essential to understand why superannuation does not automatically form part of a deceased estate in Australia.

In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this exclusion, provide practical advice, and empower you to take charge of your estate planning.

covid wills need review

COVID Wills Need Review

filling-registration-form-coronavirus-mask-lying-near-by

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a huge spike in Australians rushing to put their affairs in order, however a lot of the Wills that were created during this time may not be worth the paper they are printed on.

Rod Genders is a senior Australian lawyer from the oldest law from in South Australia (Genders and Partners established 1848), which specialises in Trusts, Wills and Estates.

He warns about the following common problems that he is seeing in his law practice from mistakes made by people in their COVID-era estate planning.

estate planning for company directors

Estate Planning for Company Directors

estate planning for company directors

When people make their Will, they typically concentrate on their personal assets, and they sometimes forget about their business assets & responsibilities.

If you are a director of an Australian company, then you need to know that you have responsibilities relating to that company, which can include:

Personal liability of directors for unpaid company taxes;

Personal liability of directors for unpaid company superannuation;

why diy wills are so bad

Why DIY Wills are so bad

why diy wills are so bad

The Western Australian Supreme Court publicly stated in a 2014 judgment that “Homemade Wills are a curse,” and inevitably lead to protracted and expensive legal battles in family disputes involving substantial estates.

The Court said the legal issue around the proper determination of the deceased’s Will could have been avoided if he had “consulted a lawyer and signed off on a Will that reflected his wishes”.

top 10 cyber tips

Top 10 Cyber Tips

top 10 cyber tips

Update Your Computer Operating Systems And Software Cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities in out of date software to compromise computer systems.

Why make it easier for them?

Regularly updating your operating system is a fundamental cybersecurity measure.

essential considerations for your family trust

Secure Your Family’s Future: Essential Considerations for Your Family Trust

essential considerations for your family trust

As the end of the financial year approaches, it is crucial for adult Australians who have a family trust to take proactive steps to ensure the smooth distribution of their trust’s capital and income.

With the potential to significantly impact your family’s financial well-being, making informed decisions about your family trust is essential.

This article aims to provide practical advice and recommendations to empower you to take action.

urgent alert for will-makers

Urgent Alert for Will-makers

urgent alert for will-makers

In 2023 South Australian law regarding Wills and estates is about to undergo a massive change.

For a long time, people have complained that it is too easy for gold-diggers to challenge a Will – especially adult children who are not deserving.

Think: estranged adult child who never visited or supported their old mum in any way, only turning up to claim a share of mum’s estate after she died.

people behaving badly

People Behaving Badly – part 5

people behaving badly

Mr B granted power of attorney to his daughter M.

B had significant medical issues and was highly vulnerable.

When B lost his capacity, and needed to move into a nursing home, M sold her father’s home under power of attorney.

However she did not use the money to pay the upfront capital cost of a Refundable Accommodation Bond.

weird probate Issues

Weird Probate Issues Part 10

weird probate Issues

Here we go again. Because our posts Weird Probate Issues and More Weird Probate Issues are so popular, we have decided to keep going with the series … can you believe we are up to Part 10!

The Wills of famous celebrities can teach us some valuable lessons about what NOT to do. It is common for the rich and famous to have estate plans, but celebrities make mistakes too and sometimes they can be costly.