News
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...
Traps to Avoid when Buying a Property – Pre-contract Inspections
Buying a home is the biggest investment or financial outlay that most of us will make in a lifetime. It is critical to your financial future that you make well-informed decisions when you purchase a property, whether it be for your own home or an investment. The...
When Can I Terminate a Contract?
Knowing when and how to terminate a contract is crucial for all business owners in Australia. Various reasons may justify the termination of a contract, such as breach by another party, frustration, mistake, and force majeure. However, terminating a contract is a...
Attending Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution – what to expect
Separating couples should make reasonable attempts to agree on the future living arrangements, care and responsibility for their children. The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) provides that, unless there are extenuating circumstances, dispute resolution is compulsory if...
Deceased Estates – What Happens When Executors Don’t Agree
When someone dies, their assets are usually distributed according to their will. The person responsible for managing and distributing these assets is the “executor” of the deceased estate. In some cases, a will appoints more than one person to act as executor, and...
Buying a property at auction – Things you need to know BEFORE the auction day
Buying a property can be an intimidating process, especially at an auction where you are competing with other buyers and there is no cooling-off period. Many properties are sold at auction, particularly in a rising market, so it is important for buyers to understand...
Divorce, de factos and superannuation splitting
Once a couple is separated, their superannuation (super) is treated as property under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and the value of the couples’ super benefits will be taken into account when determining a property settlement. Laws regarding super splitting apply to...
Will Contests and Estate Disputes – an Overview
In Australia, there are legal avenues available to individuals who wish to contest a will or challenge the distribution of an estate. Although regrettable, such disputes are often unavoidable and sometimes essential to ensure fair outcomes. Understanding these legal...