In 2025, shocking reports exposed an end-of-life service targeting vulnerable Australians. In this article and a recent 4BC Brisbane interview, Attwood Marshall Lawyers’ Accredited Aged Care Professional and Senior Paralegal, Bindy Marshall, explains why anyone who has had legal documents prepared by unqualified advisers should urgently review them.
News headlines published in The Guardian, ABC News, and 7 News have exposed a predatory practice involving individuals targeting vulnerable people, offering end-of-life “advice” without the qualifications, authority, or oversight to do so.
These individuals lack credentials and have gained an alarming level of access and influence over people’s lives.
Allegedly, the unqualified advisers inserted themselves into people’s personal affairs, prepared legal documents, and influenced critical decisions.
It’s an issue we recently discussed on 4BC’s Brisbane’s Legal Lowdown.
A real case raising serious concerns
Recent media reports have focused on allegations against a Queensland-based individual accused of operating an unregulated end-of-life “advisory” service.
According to reports, this person allegedly:
- Held seminars and approached residents in retirement communities,
- Presented himself as a trusted professional, including as a legal or financial adviser,
- Prepared Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney for clients, and
- Became closely involved in people’s personal and financial affairs.
Authorities are also investigating links between these activities and far more serious allegations, including unlawful assisted dying arrangements.
While these matters are still progressing through the legal system, what has already come to light is deeply concerning, including reports that more than 150 people may have signed critical legal documents prepared by someone without proper qualifications.
It highlights a sobering truth: many people assume that if someone is offering this type of service, they must be legitimate or know what they are doing.
Why is this such a serious problem?
At first glance, these services can appear convenient, even compassionate. These services can be presented in a way that feels more accessible than visiting a lawyer, particularly for older Australians or those navigating complex health decisions.
But when it comes to estate planning and end-of-life decision-making, there is very little margin for error.
Legal documents must meet strict requirements. Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney are not informal documents and must be prepared properly to ensure they are valid, reflect the person’s true intentions, and cannot be challenged when they are needed most.
Enduring Powers of Attorney carry enormous responsibility
An Enduring Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents a person can sign. It allows you to appoint someone you trust to step into your shoes and make decisions on your behalf about your finances, health, and living arrangements if you lose capacity.
If an Enduring Power of Attorney is incomplete, unclear, or poorly drafted, it can lead to someone making decisions for you that do not align with your best interests or disputes arising between family members.
In serious cases, you or your family may need to apply to a tribunal to overturn the document or have your chosen attorney removed from their position entirely. It could also lead to the Public Trustee being appointed to financially manage the affairs of your loved one.
When an unqualified person becomes involved in someone’s personal affairs, there is a heightened risk of undue influence, conflicts of interest, and financial exploitation.
The warning signs you should never ignore
If you are approached by someone about estate planning or end-of-life decisions, the following red flags should not be ignored:
- Someone presenting as a legal professional but unable to verify their credentials,
- Excessive fees for simple documents,
- Pressure to sign documents quickly or without independent advice,
- Legal documents being prepared outside of a law firm, or
- The person becomes overly involved in personal, financial, or family matters.
If something feels off, it usually is.
Why reviewing your estate planning documents matters
One of the most alarming aspects of these recent reports is how many people may be affected, with reports suggesting over 150 individuals have signed critical documents prepared by an unqualified adviser.
If you or a loved one has:
- Attended a seminar offering end-of-life advice,
- Signed estate planning documents without advice from an experienced lawyer, or
- Signed paperwork you don’t fully understand,
It is critical to have those documents reviewed as soon as possible.
Once capacity is lost, your options become far more limited. Fixing an invalid or unclear document may require court or tribunal involvement, adding stress, delay, and cost for your family.
If you have parents or loved ones in retirement communities, it is important to ask them who helped prepare their documents and ensure they did not fall victim to the recent scams. Always check that the adviser is reputable and properly qualified.
A simple conversation today can prevent significant distress in the future.
Attwood Marshall Lawyers – supporting you through every stage of life
Attwood Marshall Lawyers regularly assists individuals and families with their estate planning documents and with transitioning to aged care needs.
Our team takes the time to understand your situation and how to help you plan for the future with confidence.
If you need advice about aged care or estate planning, contact our friendly team anytime. Get in touch with our Aged Care and Wills and Estates Department Manager, Donna Tolley, on direct line 07 5506 8241, by email dtolley@attwoodmarshall.com.au or by free call on 1800 621 071.
Our offices are conveniently located at Southport, Coolangatta, Robina, Kingscliff, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, so you can meet with your lawyer at a location that suits you.
