Dying intestate – the perils of not making a Will
A valid Will determines how your estate is dealt with after you die. Your Will can appoint an appropriate family member or trusted friend to administer your estate (your executor), nominate guardians for young children, determine who will receive your assets and give...
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 children or pets. Many of us would also benefit from making a formal arrangement to account for a time when we...
Alternative Dispute Resolution Explained
Litigation can be a costly and time consuming process and parties are increasingly seeking alternative forms of resolving disputes. This article provides an overview of the main types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and their respective benefits and...
Avoiding a Criminal Conviction with a Section 10 Order – What You Need to Know (NSW)
If you are facing criminal charges, you will likely be worried about the implication of a criminal record and how it may limit your opportunities in life. A criminal conviction can affect current and future employment, your ability to travel, and the capacity to...
Social media and family law – Just don’t do it!
Social media - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and the like - can be a lot of fun and have become an accepted part of modern life. Many of us use such forms of electronic communication to share the exciting, as well as the banal events in our lives, to express...
Can I Change the Locks After We Separate?
Separation is often a challenging and emotionally charged time in a person's life, usually accompanied by significant decisions regarding living arrangements. One common question that arises during this period is whether it is legally permissible to change the locks...
Family Law Reform – What You Need to Know
The Australian Parliament has recently passed significant changes to the Australian family law system aimed at ensuring that the best interests of children are at the centre of all parenting decisions. These amendments aim to foster a more efficient, equitable, and...
Coercive Control Offences in New South Wales
Recent research found that 99% of intimate partner homicides in New South Wales that occurred between 2008 and 2016 were preceded by evidence of “coercive control” within the relationship. In 2022, the NSW parliament introduced a law to criminalise coercive control in...
Facing Criminal Charges? What To Expect When Attending Court
Attending court for criminal charges can be a daunting experience. However, understanding what to expect can make the experience less difficult and intimidating. Types of Courts in Australia If you are facing criminal charges, you will receive a Court Attendance...
The benefits of mediation in a commercial dispute
Lawyers are often stereotyped as being interested in prolonging an expensive Court action. More often the opposite is true. We know that Court cases are expensive and that clients are fearful that legal costs could escalate to an intolerable level. Lawyers interested...