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
If you have recently separated, one of the concerns you will probably have is the size of your legal bill after your property matters are sorted. Below are our top tips for keeping your family law property costs down without skimping on sound legal advice. Tip 1 – do the groundwork yourself A specific process… Read More
The responsibility for remitting Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) generally falls on the party making a ‘taxable supply’. In a property transaction, this has traditionally meant the vendor or developer (supplier), unless the contract provides otherwise. From 1 July 2018 purchasers of ‘new’ residential property must deduct the GST… Read More
An estate plan involves more than signing a Will and storing it in a ‘safe place’. Estate planning requires a holistic approach in consideration of a person’s present circumstances and foreseeable future. A plan needs to consider who matters, what you have now, what you may have in years to come, and what your final… Read More