Making a Will is important, particularly if you are part of a blended family. A blended family is a family in which one or both partners have a child or children from a previous relationship. Careful estate planning now should ensure that all of your intended beneficiaries are provided for when you die and that… Read More
The term “buying off the plan” usually refers to purchasing a property that is not yet registered as a separate lot with the government department responsible for land title registrations, or not yet built. Buying off the plan can refer to the purchase of a block of vacant land that is part of a subdivision,… Read More
The criminal process starts with the investigation of an actual or alleged crime. The power for New South Wales Police to search, arrest and detain a person for interrogation comes from the Law Enforcement (Powers & Responsibilities) Act 2002 which sets out when and in what circumstances these powers may be used. The rules aim… Read More
The loss of a family member is always a difficult time, but it can become more distressing to learn that you have not been included in the family member’s Will. Generally, a person may leave their assets to whomever they wish. However, the law recognises that there are those who relied on the deceased for… Read More
Buying a commercial property (such as a warehouse, office building or retail space) is more complicated than buying a residential property. There are complex contract terms, detailed planning information and additional legal and commercial implications if the premises are leased. In this article we set out some of the key issues in relation to buying… Read More
Unlike married couples, de facto partners cannot apply for a divorce when their relationship breaks down. Their property affairs and arrangements for the future care of their children however may be finalised by agreement, with the assistance of their legal advisors or, if necessary, through Family Court proceedings. Couples in a de facto relationship generally… Read More
Why, you might ask, would marriage or divorce have anything to do with your Will? Why indeed! The reality is that only about one in two Australians, whether married or divorced, have a valid Will. Of those who do, many haven’t looked at their Will since they signed it, and perhaps have forgotten what it… Read More
Drink driving continues to be one of the main causes of road fatalities and injuries, responsible for 30% of fatalities and 9% of serious road injuries in Australia. If you consider the statistics it is clear why successive Governments and the Police support strong laws and why the Courts impose tough penalties. In this article… Read More