We recently had a client seeking advice when they were faced with a whopping bill from Telstra for almost $15,000.00 after they accidently cut a Telstra cable while undertaking some home renovations. We thought it was a good time to provide you all with a reminder – if you are doing any works on your...
Since March 2016, when the Civil Partnerships Act 2011 (the Act) commenced, couples (including same sex couples) who meet certain eligibility requirements are able to register a civil partnership. The definition of a ‘civil partnership’ under the Act is ‘a legally recognised relationship that, subject to this Act, may be entered into by any 2...
With a growing aging population, the issue of elder abuse is becoming more prevalent in our society, and while domestic violence issues between spouse and de facto couples are often highlighted in the media, elder abuse has remained somewhat ‘under the radar’. However, in the past year there has been a particular focus on this...
When purchasing real property with another person (or several others), you will need to instruct your solicitor how you wish to hold the property after settlement. Broadly, you can hold the property either as ‘Joint Tenants’ or as ‘Tenants in Common’, however within these two options, there are many different configurations which can be tailored...
If you own assets in multiple jurisdictions then it would be prudent to make sure that your estate planning is as thorough as possible to ensure that all of your assets can be dealt with as smoothly as possible upon your passing. We are seeing an increasing number of clients who hold property in multiple...
Land valuations are issued annually by the Valuer-General in accordance with the Land Valuation Act 2010, and cover all rateable properties in Queensland. Issued prior to 31st March each year, the valuations are chiefly used to assess and calculate the council rates applicable for the property, however they are also used for the calculation of...
If you have a superannuation interest, it is important that you consider who will receive the benefit of the fund and any associated insurance benefit when you pass away. A binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) allows you to nominate the person or persons who you wish to receive your benefits after your death (provided they...
Sending cheques for ‘Full and Final Settlement’ In the past, a cunning way to settle a matter was to send a cheque to a debtor for a reduced amount with an enclosing letter expressing that the cheque was tendered on a full and final settlement basis. In cashing the cheque the debtor accepted these terms...
Making a Will without the assistance of a professional is not advised. The main goal in creating a Will is to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled after death. Even the most simple or self-explanatory do-it-yourself kit can leave errors or gaps, which will mean that the executor of your Will won’t be able to...
With the increase of Gold Coast residents moving overseas, particularly after a relationship breakdown, the question often arises in the practice of Family Law of, ‘how can we deal with Australian property whilst residing overseas?’ Australia is not privy to any international agreements or conventions recognising and/or enforcing foreign Family Court orders in Australia in...
