News
Parenting orders for non-parents – who can apply?
A parenting order is not only designed to apply to parents or guardians of a child, non-parents can also apply for parenting orders to be able to spend time with or care for a child. The Family Law Act allows a grandparent or any other person concerned for the child’s...
Common misconceptions about estate planning
An estate plan involves more than signing a Will and leaving it in a safe place. An effective estate plan requires consideration of several matters and ongoing review to ensure it reflects your testamentary wishes and covers unexpected events. In this article we look...
New laws for Short-Term Rental Accommodation NSW
The New South Wales Government has introduced a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation, titled State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) Amendment (Short-Term Rental Accommodation) 2021 (STRA). The framework regulates...
What a Will Kit doesn’t do
There are various ‘Will Kits’ available online – most are cheap or ‘free’ and all you need to do is download them and fill in the blanks. Many websites boast that you can prepare your Will ‘without spending hundreds of dollars on legal fees’. Simple, right? Not...
Buying a business – some handy hints
So you have found a business and you have your heart set on buying it. Or maybe you work for a business that looks like it is being sold. Congratulations, that’s great news! However, before you rush off to hand over the purchase price or greet the new owner of the...
Buying and selling a property at the same time
Buying or selling property is widely accepted as one of life’s major stress factors. When you buy and sell property at the same time and try to complete both transactions together this can add considerably to your stress levels. This is known as a simultaneous...
Fact or fiction – top 5 myths about family law property settlements
Most people know someone who has been affected by a family breakup. It is usually a very stressful and emotional time where people are anxious about the divorce, the property settlement and the emotional wellbeing and care arrangements for children. Unfortunately this...
We’re still friends, why do we need a ‘legal’ property settlement?
Many couples separate on good terms, which is great. The breakdown of a relationship can be difficult, however putting differences aside to move forward can be beneficial, particularly where children are concerned. Ex-partners who remain on good terms may choose to...
Traps to avoid in Commercial Leases
Commercial leases form part of many business transactions and commercial property is a popular investment choice. Whether you are a tenant or landlord, there is much to consider when entering into a commercial lease. Some commercial leases are classified as ‘retail’...
No more paper title deeds – what you need to know about e-conveyancing
Settlements used to require lawyers and banks to meet up to check and swap documents and bank cheques. The documents had to then be lodged with the Land Registry Office and government authorities had to be notified about the transaction. The recently introduced...