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NSW residents and International Wills
Since giving effect to the Hague Convention on International Wills in the NSW Succession Act 2006, NSW residents with assets in a foreign country, such as the UK, have had the advantage of being able to make a will in NSW that can be administered in the UK. To comply...
Transferring Property Between Family Members – Key Considerations
Transferring property between family members is a common practice, often driven by a desire to facilitate inheritance, support loved ones, or streamline estate planning. While the intention behind such transfers is usually rooted in familial bonds, navigating the...
First Home Buyer Assistance (NSW)
Buyers in New South Wales (NSW) often struggle to purchase their first homes, hardly surprising given that the average property price in the state is now over a million dollars. To help first home buyers into the property market, the NSW Government has offered various...
7 Top Questions about Family Provision Claims in NSW
When someone passes away, questions about inheritance naturally arise. In cases where someone has not been adequately provided for following the death of a loved one, Family Provision Claims exist to help make the situation fairer. This article discusses some of the...
Moving in together? Are we now in a de facto relationship?
Just because a couple is living together it does not automatically mean they are in a de facto relationship. There are many different factors in determining whether two people are living in a de facto relationship, such as whether they share bank accounts, are in a...
The importance of estate planning before capacity becomes an issue
We should all plan for our future. Certainly, we should all have a current will, especially those of us who need to make special arrangements for the care of children or pets. Many of us would also benefit from making a formal arrangement to account for a time when we...
First steps after separation – some practical considerations
The breakdown of a relationship, whether by choice or circumstance, can be complex and challenging. In Australia, the Family Law Act 1975 sets out the legal framework for divorce, the division of property and parenting arrangements after a relationship breaks down. An...
Helping Your Kids Step into the Property Market
Buying a first home has always been a financial challenge, but housing affordability in Australia has declined so much in recent decades that younger generations are struggling to gain entry to the property market at all. As a result, more parents wish to take...
Your family law matter – keep it off social media
Do you have a grudge with your ex? Think twice before airing it on social media! Social media is commonly referred to as modern day ‘Surveillance’ for family law matters. What you post on your social media accounts may be used against you to damage your credibility by...
Is a testamentary trust right for you?
One of the most loving things that you can do for your family is make plans for what happens after you die. This is particularly important if you have children or vulnerable adults who depend on you financially. A testamentary trust might be the right tool to help you...