Insights
Navigating the Silly Season: Family Violence and Intervention Orders
The ‘silly season’, as it is colloquially referred to, can often present quite a dangerous time with rates of family domestic violence hitting record highs.
It so follows that applications for family violence and apprehended domestic violence orders are prevalent at holiday time; and there are stark differences in the law and its application between Australian States.
Cruising into Contractual Complexities: A Case of EV Charger Expectations
Let's dive into an interesting case study where a potential penthouse buyer's enthusiasm for embracing electric mobility meets a plot twist. Picture this: our buyer is all set to snap up a swanky new penthouse off the plan. They've got two electric cars, so they ask the developer upfront if they can hook up an EV charger in the carpark. Exciting, right?
Unlocking Financial Security: The Power of Binding Financial Agreements
In the world of love and commitment, there's one thing we all hope for – the blissful promise of 'happily ever after.' But as we navigate the complexities of relationships, we must also be prepared for unforeseen challenges and twists in the journey. That's where a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) comes into play – a financial safety net that can provide certainty and peace of mind for your future.
Unleashing the Power of Testamentary Trusts: Demystifying Legal Jargon for a Secure Future
Testamentary trusts, testamentary discretionary trusts, TT, TDT - the legal terminology can be overwhelming, but at their core, they all signify a trust established in a will, springing to life after the willmaker's passing. Testamentary trusts bear striking similarities to family trusts, technically known as discretionary trusts, but they hold a unique quality: they remain dormant until the appointed time.
To GST, or not to GST, that is the Question
Selling Melbourne real estate involves some important considerations, one of which is whether the sale will create a Goods and Services Tax (GST) obligation for the vendor. We break down the GST implications for different types of properties.
The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)
With the rising cost of living, purchasing a home can seem out of reach for every-day Australians that cannot reach the minimum saving requirements to satisfy the eligibility of loan. Although Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is available to those buyers with less than the typically required 20% savings deposit, this is an expensive addition that may be able to be avoided under the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS).
Where there’s a Will, there’s a way
As a Balwyn based boutique family law firm, we are frequently called on to exercise our skills in the area of Wills and Estates; through the creation of wills and organisation of probate.
However, Wills can be confusing and sometimes daunting to those who have not created one before, or simply do not know where to start.
We have compiled the following ‘FAQs’ to guide you through the process, and to help you understand why creating a Will is so important.
What is Domestic Violence Leave?
Recently the FairWork Commission has backed a move to increase the number of days of paid domestic violence leave employees are entitled to, This sees a potential doubling of the five days introduced in 2018 to 10 days.
The National Employment Standards provide that employees are entitled to leave to deal with family and domestic violence arising from violent, threatening and other abusive behaviour from a close relative.
Navigating Family Court Litigation
Many of our clients are often find going to court confusing and intimidating. As Family Lawyers, we completely understand those trepidations and are here to support our clients in navigating their property and/or parenting matters through the litigation process.
Going Global: Overseas Attorneys & Assets
We often have clients who live in Australia and want to create an Enduring Power of Attorney appointing family members living overseas.
Additionally, the client often has assets also located overseas.
So, can a client appoint an attorney who is overseas and what about their overseas assets?