If you believe a will is unfair, you may have legal options.

•  ​Family provision claims – If you were not adequately provided for and are an eligible person (e.g., a child, spouse, or dependent).
• Challenging the will’s validity – If there is evidence of undue influence, fraud, or lack of mental capacity.

Strict time limits apply, so seek legal advice quickly if you wish to challenge a will.

​No, Queensland does not have an inheritance tax. However, other taxes may apply:
 

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – If you sell an inherited property (exemptions apply, such as selling a primary residence within two years).
• Superannuation death benefits – Tax may apply if paid to a non-dependent.
• Income from inherited assets – Rental income or dividends must be declared for tax purposes.

We can help you understand any tax obligations related to your inheritance.

The team at Arthur Browne & Associates extend our heartfelt congratulations to Arthur Browne, who was recently recognised by the Queensland Law Society for an incredible 50 years of service to the legal profession.
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It’s an honour for us to have taken over the firm Arthur and Beth built with such integrity, professionalism, and dedication to his clients.  

SLIPS AND FALLS – PART 1
 
I slipped over in a shopping centre, can I make a claim?
 
You may be able to make a claim for compensation for injuries which you sustained from a slip and fall in a public place if the injuries were the result of negligence on the part of someone else.
 
You cannot make a personal injury claim if you have slipped and fallen and it was your own fault.  You have to be able to point to someone else as having caused or contributed to the injuries.
 
Things like carelessness, or failing to properly clear a walkway of hazards are examples of negligence.
 
Slips and falls can occur for a number of reasons.  It may be because of the floor surface being slippery or recently mopped, unsafe shoes, or spilt food/drink.  Here are a few of the most common ways that slips and falls occur:

• a freshly mopped floor
• drink/other liquid spills in a shopping centre
• fruit dropped in the fruit and vegetable area (grapes are a common one!)
• drink spills at restaurants/bars
• tiles or pavement outside in rainy weather

Jointly owned property usually passes directly to the surviving owner.
 

• Joint tenants – Ownership automatically transfers to the surviving owner and does not form part of the estate.
• Tenants in common – The deceased’s share is passed according to their will (or intestacy laws if no will exists).

If you're unsure how your property is structured, we can review your estate plan to ensure your assets are distributed as you intend.
 
You can read more frequently asked questions at our FAQ page

What a Weekend in Charters Towers!

​We were thrilled to be silver sponsors of the Rural Women Unite luncheon on the 6th September — and what a day it was! More than 500 women came together to raise funds for Virtual Psychologist, a service making mental health support accessible for rural and remote communities.