When one thinks of law firms a few images spring to mind. Musty old books, polished hardwood floors, oversized mahogany desks and lawyers pigeon-holed in their own space across more than one floor (of what is often an old stately building). It is a set up that is generally conducive for solitary practices. That is, […]
The ‘Great Australian Dream’ is well and truly alive with nearly 70 percent of Aussies living in a home they own outright or have mortgaged. With the family home being the largest asset that most of us will ever own, it is important to understand that the way this asset is registered can have implications […]
It is increasingly common to find that land is held in a family trust. As a strategy this holds many benefits (particularly those related to assets testing and taxation). However, if you are involved in such a situation it is critical that you understand the importance of having yourself, as a trustee, registered. When land […]
At some point in the future you will die. Death (along with taxes) remains one of the few things in life which you can predict. While this is hardly a revelation it is a truth that too many people ignore, especially when you remind them of the importance of having a Will and estate plan. […]
If you are reading this hoping to have some legal aspect of the AFL dealt with, I will apologise in advance. This blog is about sports. You see, perhaps the only thing that comes close to our passion about the law and Estate Planning, is our passion for sports. Especially Port Adelaide! 6 weeks into […]
A close friend approached me last week concerned that she had been nominated executor in her grandmother’s Will, she was uncertain exactly as to what this would entail. It is a familiar scenario. Every day executors are nominated in Wills. Usually the nominated person is aware of this, sometimes they are not (in which case […]
What is a Duplicate Certificate of Title and why is it important? A Duplicate Certificate of Title is the official document evidencing ownership of real property. The face of the document includes a description of the property, who holds ownership and any liens, encumbrances or easements which may be held over the property. The Duplicate […]
Last week South Australians were horrified by the allegedly vicious attack on two young, female backpackers at Salt Creek in the state’s south. The attack has initiated one of the most restrictive suppression orders granted in recent legal history. Maddalena Romano explains exactly what this means and answers the question, is this appropriate considering the […]
As is always the case, come 1 July of each year, solicitors are provided with notice of changes to fees in all jurisdictions including the family law jurisdiction. As solicitors we brace ourselves for this news. Too frequently there is concern, that the filing fees will become so excessive that our clients will not be […]
This week marks 40 year anniversary of the Family Law Act, which saw the shift of its focus on protecting society’s most vulnerable members. It should be noted that Family law is continually undergoing changes and there has been continual changes in the Act – as the diversity of families increase, so does the law […]