IMPORTANT: Changes which will impact all sellers from 1 January 2025
The ATO have announced that for all contracts dated 1 January, 2025 onwards:
all sellers are required to obtain this clearance certificate from the ATO prior to settlement, regardless of the price the property is sold for; and
the amount to be paid will increase to 15%.
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New Family Law Amendments to Decide Who Keeps the Family Pet
A further amendment to the Family Law Act has been introduced by the Albanese Government last week, and interestingly, it includes family pets. The proposed amendment would see the Family Law Court consider pets as “companion animals” and grant the Court the power to make Orders on who keeps the pet, or if it is to be sold.
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Beware of the Email!
As email is more and more largely depended on in society, it is a common target for cybercriminal activity. If someone gains unauthorised access to your email account, they then have access to your private communications. A cybercriminal could steal your sensitive information, or even commit fraud and send emails pretending to be you or send you emails pretending to be someone else.
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Payment options for Family Law matters
There is no denying that Family Law proceedings can be expensive. This cost creates a significant gap between those who can comfortably afford to pay for a solicitor, and those who are eligible for Legal Aid.
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What can you do with your spare titles on your farm?
Mackay Regional Council has a Tradeable Development Rights Policy (“TDR Policy”) which has been in place for a number of years. For those who haven’t heard about the policy before, it is designed to provide an opportunity to owners of agricultural land to amalgamate their titles (i.e., converting two smaller lots into one larger lot), whilst receiving a financial benefit from this by selling their extra ‘Title Right’ to other landholders who are eligible to subdivide their land (convert a larger lot into two smaller lots) in areas where development may be acceptable.
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Buying Machinery and Equipment – How To Best Protect Your Investment
Buying machinery and equipment can mean a huge investment for a business. But, did you know that if you buy machinery or equipment from someone, they may not have the right to sell it? Just like a bank takes a mortgage over land and has the right to sell it at any time if there is a default; banks and other parties, such as equipment financiers or suppliers, can take a Registered Security Interest over personal property, and can repossess or sell it too. Misty Di-Filippo, Commercial Lawyer explains exactly what the Personal Properties Security Register (PPSR) is, and what steps you need to take before you make your next purchase.
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What are the signs of domestic violence and where can you go to get help?
We have found over time that there is a social aversion to identifying ‘domestic violence’ when in a relationship. Both victims and perpetrators are scared to use the term, as though it will make the experience real rather than opening a doorway to help.
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Changes to REIQ House & Land and CTS Contracts - June 2024
Newsflash: The REIQ House & Land and CTS Contracts have been updated.
Whilst any contracts prepared on previous versions are still binding, it is always recommended to use the most recent updated contract to take advantage of the new terms:
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Can I see my child with a DVO in Place?
We are commonly asked by clients if they can see their child if there is a Domestic Violence Order in place with the other parent listed as a party. The answer to this will ultimately depend on how the Order is worded.
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Know your boundaries (Part 2)
If a landowner wants to construct a dividing fence and wants the neighbour to contribute towards such cost, they first need to serve the neighbour with a specific notice called a Form 2 “Notice to Contribute for Fencing Work”. This notice needs to be served on the neighbour personally or by registered mail for it to be considered validly served and delivered.
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Know your boundaries (Part 1)
Land is typically the most valuable asset we own. But how do you know where your land ends and your neighbour’s land begins? In Queensland, property boundaries are defined by survey marks that can be found at the boundary corners. Often these survey marks are white pegs in the ground. The peg often has a reference mark, such as an iron pin buried nearby or a nail to help re-establish the corner in the future.
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What are Consent Orders?
When you think ‘Family Law’, you probably think of Court rooms and heightened emotions. However, that is not always the case. There are also a large number of separated couples that are able to reach an agreement between themselves, and only require solicitors to formalize the agreement. This is done through Consent Orders. Consent Orders are drafted by solicitors to reflect the terms of the agreement reached between the parties, and these documents are filed with the Court. These Orders can be made in relation to parenting or property matters, or both.
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Duty of Disclosure
In all family law matters, both parties are bound by the duty of disclosure. Whilst the duty of disclosure is more often referred to in financial cases, it is equally relevant to parenting matters. In all cases, parties are compelled to provide the other party with all documents that are relevant to the proceedings on hand.
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Rental Law Reforms – Rent Increase Restrictions
On 1 July, 2023, new legislation was enacted to limit the frequency that a landlord can increase the rent payable under a lease to not more than once every 12 months.
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Back to School for Separated Families
The countdown is on for back to school. In between visiting shoe shops and stocking up on books and pencils, it is important to consider what you can do behind the scenes to ensure your child has the most seamless transition back to school.
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The First Day of School for Co-Parents
Your child’s first day of school is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Sending them off to the unknown can be daunting, and what comes with that is the increased emotions in communicating with your child’s other parent.
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New Year Parenting Resolutions
Does the thought of speaking with your child’s other parent fill you with dread? If so, it may be time to add “working on your co-parenting relationship” to your list of New Year resolutions.
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Finally making the call to separate
Maybe this Christmas was the straw that broke the camel’s back and you’ve made the call to finally go your separate ways. This decision isn’t easy, especially if you have children, but it’s often the one that is needed.
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Separation over the Christmas holiday period
According to research , divorce comes in at the second most stressful life event closely followed by the almost identical event of marriage separation: these events only being less stressful or traumatic than the death of a spouse.
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Parenting Arrangements over Christmas
For those who are experiencing their first festive season as a single parent or those who are “seasoned” hands, here are tips/reminders to avoid conflict to ensure that the children don’t have to endure battling parents
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