Speaker Profile: Do you (not just your clients) need to appoint a Guardian as well as an Attorney?

In the latest speaker profile in our series, we sit down with Kate Hanslow from Worrall Lawyers who is presenting the Do you (not just your clients) need to appoint a Guardian as well as an Attorney session at the upcoming 29th National Convention in Hobart.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Senior Associate Lawyer at Worrall Lawyers, a law firm based in Hobart. I completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degree with Honours from the University of Tasmania, and was admitted to practice in August 2007.

I joined Worrall Lawyers in January 2008, and since that time, I have practiced solely in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Litigation, and Estate Administration.

How long have you been affiliated with The Tax Institute?

I have used the resources and training opportunities offered by The Tax Institute since commencing practice, including attending a number of seminars. For Estate Planning to be completed well, it requires a high level understanding of the taxation implications of planning for death and incapacity.

Two of my colleagues at Worrall Lawyers are also Associates of The Tax Institute.

What does National Convention mean to you, and more broadly, to the tax industry?

The National Convention provides a great opportunity for advisors from a range of backgrounds meet together for networking and professional development, and I am excited at the opportunity to both attend and present at the Convention.

What is the topic that you are presenting at the 29th National Convention?

The presentation is titled "Do you (not just your clients) need to appoint a Guardian as well as an Attorney?" The aim of the presentation is to assist advisors to better understand the role of a Guardian, and how the functions of a Guardian differ from an Attorney.

We will look at the reasons why a Guardian needs to be appointed in addition to an Attorney, and examine the consequences of a person having failed to appoint a Guardian to act on their behalf.

What can attendees expect to learn from your session?

A number of myths about the appointment of Guardians and Attorneys will be dispelled, with the outcome hopefully being to reinforce to attendees the need to actively review their own Estate Planning arrangements, and to plan appropriately for circumstances of incapacity.

What new or hot topics will you cover?

Recent changes to legislation in the area will be examined, along with a discussion about the use of Advanced Care Directives.

How will attending your session help delegates help their clients?

This session will have relevance for attendees themselves, in highlighting the need for them to review and complete their own Estate Planning. It will also give attendees greater insight into an area which is often not raised with clients, but which is likely to affect many of their clients and their families in daily life. Understanding the area of Guardianship better provides advisors with the opportunity to "value add" when speaking with their clients about their Estate Planning.

Which other sessions at the conference are you most interested in attending?

I am particularly looking forward to attending Suzanne Mackenzie’s session about the payment of superannuation death benefits to adult children, as well as Adam Levin’s session on trusts and passing control, both of which are areas that I deal with in my daily practice, and are important areas to be proficient in when advising clients.

What do you like to do when you’re not knee-deep in tax?

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and, of course, travelling whenever I am able to.

29th National Convention 2014

You’re invited to join us in Hobart for the 29th National Convention 26-28 March 2014. The Tax Institute’s National Convention is widely recognised as the essential annual event for tax professionals. But hurry! Advanced pricing ends this Friday!


Find out more about the conference and register now.

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