NEWS
Do I need a Lawyer to buy a House?
A conveyancing transaction involves transferring the 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...
Help for First Home Buyers in Victoria
For many Australians, home ownership is a personal goal. Yet, for many first-time buyers, purchasing a home seems out of reach, especially as the housing market continues to rise. In Victoria, various support mechanisms now exist to ease the journey for first home...
Your family law matter – keep it off social media
Do you have a grudge with your ex? Think twice before airing it on social media! Social media is commonly referred to as modern day ‘Surveillance’ for family law matters. What you post on your social media accounts may be used against you to damage your credibility by...
Why it’s a bad idea to write your own Will
It is relatively easy to find a free Will template on the internet or to buy a Will “kit” from a newsagent or online. There are also websites that have “data collectors” that take your information and create a Will for you seemingly without any legal expertise...
Moving in together? Are we now in a de facto relationship?
Just because a couple is living together it does not automatically mean they are in a de facto relationship. There are many different factors in determining whether two people are living in a de facto relationship, such as whether they share bank accounts, are in a...
The importance of estate planning before capacity becomes an issue
We should all plan for our future. Certainly, we should all have a current will, especially those of us who need to make special arrangements for the care of dependents. Many of us would also benefit from making a formal arrangement to account for a time when we could...
Transferring Property Between Family Members – Key Considerations
Transferring property between family members is a common practice, often driven by a desire to facilitate inheritance, support loved ones, or streamline estate planning. While the intention behind such transfers is usually rooted in familial bonds, navigating the...
Family Law Property Settlements – Is a 50/50 split the starting point?
Following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship, it is common for separated parties to be unsure and therefore anxious about their entitlements in a property settlement and the assets they are likely to retain. This is only natural given that Family Law...
Will Contests and Estate Disputes – an Overview
In Australia, there are legal avenues available to individuals who wish to contest a will or challenge the distribution of an estate. Although regrettable, such disputes are often unavoidable and sometimes essential to ensure fair outcomes. Understanding these legal...
Buying Property with Someone Else – Considerations for Property Co-owners
Buying a property with someone else is a great way to share the fun, stress, and cost of the venture. Often people buy a house with their significant other, either to make a home or invest together. Others buy property with friends, relatives or business partners....