News
Due Diligence When Buying a Residential Property – What Does It Involve?
Buying a home is likely one of the largest financial transactions you will make. When you find the ‘right’ property, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement that comes with it. However, before signing a contract and committing to the deal, it is...
Company Directors and Conflicts of Interest
Company directors have a legal obligation to avoid conflicts of interest. Identifying and managing potential conflicts are essential steps for all company directors. When a conflict exists, a company director should seek professional advice from an experienced legal...
5 Estate Planning Tasks You Can Do Today
Estate planning is about taking control of your future and looking after yourself and your loved ones. It’s about protecting what you have, and planning for the inevitable, and the unforeseen. Many people put it off, thinking it’s only for the wealthy or elderly, but...
Appointing a Solicitor as Executor of Your Will
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your Will after you die. As your legal personal representative, the executor’s duties include identifying and protecting your assets, collecting and paying debts, applying for probate (if...
Commercial leasing tips for landlords – repairs, maintenance and make good provisions
If you own commercial premises that you rent out, a carefully drafted lease agreement is essential. Commercial lease agreements are usually prepared by the landlord (or their legal representative). This is an opportunity to ensure the lease is structured to protect...
Beyond the Basic Will: When You Need a More Complex Estate Plan
A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. For many Australians, a simple Will, leaving everything outright to a spouse or dividing it equally among the children does the job adequately. It provides clarity and avoids the uncertainty of dying...
What is an ‘Interest’ in Property?
When discussing property law, the concept of an ‘interest’ is significant. An interest in property refers to a legal stake or other right that an individual or entity holds in a particular piece of real estate. This article explores the definition of property...
Succession Arrangements for Family Companies
Family businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy, contributing over 70% of the nation's GDP and employing a significant portion of the workforce. However, their long-term success can be fragile, with only a fraction operated by the third generation....
How do I Protect my Estate from a Family Provision Claim?
Estate disputes are surprisingly common in Australia. Laws across different jurisdictions allow eligible individuals to challenge a deceased’s Will if they believe they have not been adequately provided for. In such cases, a successful claim might result in the terms...
Understanding Client Legal Privilege in Litigation
Client legal privilege, also known as legal professional privilege, is a fundamental legal principle recognised under both common law and legislation in Australia. This privilege protects the confidentiality of communications (both oral and written) between a client...