Mediation is a valuable and widely utilised method for resolving legal matters. This alternative form of dispute resolution is particularly valuable when it is desirable to maintain a relationship with the other party after the dispute, as is often the case in family law matters. Mediation offers a collaborative and less adversarial approach to addressing family law issues related to separation, divorce, parenting, property division, and more.

Identifying and understanding easements in a property transaction is an important part of the conveyancing process.

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 of your Will being adjusted in favour of the claimant. However, there are steps you can take to help protect your estate from a family provision claim so that your final wishes are respected.

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 experienced family lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and guidance when it comes to navigating these laws.

A “Heads of Agreement” is one of those legal terms that you may come across for the first time and find yourself doing a quick Google search. To make things more confusing, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with terms such as “Letters of Intent” or “Memorandum of Understanding”.

So, what do these terms actually mean?

A conveyancing transaction involves transferring legal title (ownership) of real estate from one party to another. For most people, buying or selling property is one of the highest-valued transactions they will ever make, and the legal work is usually referred to a licensed conveyancer or solicitor. But do you need one?

As with any property investment, there are pros and cons when buying off the plan, and key considerations to help prospective purchasers minimise risk and make informed decisions.

Building their own home is a dream for many people, but it can be a more intimidating prospect than simply buying an existing house. One of the first and most challenging steps is to find the right plot of land. Unfortunately, this task does not end when you find vacant land (a difficult enough task in many Australian locations). Before buying the parcel of land, it is crucial to understand the relative ease or difficulty involved in building on this land, as this can have a significant impact on the cost of the build.

It is important for everyone over 18 to have a Will to make sure their wishes are followed and their assets are distributed as they would want after they die.

If you don’t have a Will your assets will be divided according to how the law dictates in the rules of intestacy, that is, when you have not made a Will.  If you die intestate it is very likely that your estate will not be distributed as you would have desired.

Contracts are fundamental to the operations of a business and set out the reciprocal promises made between parties to a commercial transaction. It is virtually impossible to do business without some type of a business contract.

Strata living has become a cornerstone of urban life, offering convenience and potentially more affordable housing options for many Australians. Living in a strata scheme can offer benefits such as shared amenities and a sense of belonging within a community. However, owning a strata unit is different from owning a freestanding house. It involves shared responsibilities and collective contributions to ensure the upkeep of community spaces. Due diligence and careful consideration are essential to ensure potential buyers can move forward confidently with a decision to purchase a strata unit.

When someone passes away, questions often arise about inheritance. In cases where a person believes that they have not been adequately provided for by a deceased family member (whether or not a Will was left), certain laws may enable them to make a family provision claim to help make the situation fairer.

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but the legal jargon involved in contracts and the conveyancing process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.

While it is possible to create a Will without a lawyer by using online resources or DIY kits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of this approach. A Will is a critical legal document, and errors or omissions can have significant consequences for your loved ones.

A penalty clause is a term in a contract that imposes a penalty on a party that breaches a contractual obligation. It is important to know that penalty clauses are generally unenforceable under Australian law. However, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish penalty clauses from other similar clauses that are enforceable.

Navigating the responsibilities that follow the passing of a loved one can be overwhelming. Amidst grief, there are legal and administrative tasks to manage, and one of the legal considerations when managing an estate is whether probate is required.