Estate planning, it is not just a Will

Understanding when a relationship becomes legally recognised as de facto in Australia is more complex than many believe. This article examines the legal framework under the Family Law Act 1975, exploring how courts assess relationships of varying durations and what factors truly determine de facto status beyond the commonly misunderstood two-year threshold.

There's nothing in Australian law that disqualifies a beneficiary from being an executor of a Will.

A NSW Supreme Court decision reveals that even a properly signed and professionally drafted Will can fail if the process doesn't adequately establish that the document reflects the testator's true intentions. The case examines the critical distinction between document preparation and comprehensive estate planning, particularly relevant as online Will services become increasingly common.

This article from "Beanstalk Mums", discusses the divorce process if you cannot find your ex-spouse.

When no parenting orders exist in Australia, both parents hold equal legal authority over their child under section 61C of the Family Law Act 1975. However, the 2024 legislative changes have fundamentally...

Private Client Comparative Guide for the jurisdiction of Australia, check out our comparative guides section to compare across multiple countries

Equity is a powerful tool in the hands of a party to a family property dispute. This paper will examine the circumstances in which the courts will find the existence of constructive trusts or other equitable rights, how they will enforce them, and the effectiveness of this route in meeting the client's requirements.

When couples separate in Australia, superannuation is always included in the property pool and subject to division. Whether you keep your super, split it with your former spouse, or negotiate an alternative arrangement depends on mutual agreement or the court's assessment of contributions and future needs.

Separating from a partner is hard enough without also having to work out who’s staying in the family home. Some couples manage to keep living under the same roof for a while after separating, but that’s not always realistic, especially where things have turned hostile or there’s a risk of family violence.

Some members of the legal profession hold concerns that the Parramatta Registry may be closed altogether.

The Australian Government has released draft legislation proposing to ban non-compete clauses for workers earning below the Fair Work Act high-income threshold, currently $190,100 per year. The reforms are not yet law and are intended to commence in 2027, subject to legislation passing Parliament.

A NSW Supreme Court decision reveals that even a properly signed and professionally drafted Will can fail if the process doesn't adequately establish that the document reflects the testator's true intentions. The case examines the critical distinction between document preparation and comprehensive estate planning, particularly relevant as online Will services become increasingly common.

Discusses interest on late payments to the ATO & what your options are for reduction.

New Australian foreign investment rules came into force on 1 December 2015 f.

The Coalition has proposed an increase in penalties payable by directors commensurate with increases for union officials.

Pastoralists should identify the water and operational assets that matter to the station before activity begins, then ensure any access or commercial agreement clearly deals with monitoring, disruption, rehabilitation, liability and review. The legal position will depend on the mining or exploration licence (as the case may be), the pastoral lease, government policy, approvals and proposed activity, but early preparation gives a family stronger footing in discussions.

Western Australian local governments face new obligations under the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024, which introduces Information Privacy Principles and mandatory serious data-breach reporting. How should councils prepare their governance frameworks, policies, and incident-response capabilities to meet these requirements by the July 2026 and January 2027 deadlines?

Special Counsel, Lucy Ferreira discusses the importance of managing digital assets.

Court held it is no longer appropriate to notionally add back property to the asset pool.

A Spent Conviction Order can limit when a criminal conviction must be disclosed, but it does not erase the conviction. Understanding when disclosure is still required for employment, overseas travel, Working with Children Checks, and professional licensing is crucial for anyone with a spent conviction navigating these complex obligations.