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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreThere 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.
Read MoreMackay 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.
Read MoreBuying 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreWhilst 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:
The House & Land Contract is now 19th Edition; and
The CTS Contract is 15th Edition.
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.
Read MoreIf 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.
Read MoreLand 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.
Read MoreWhen 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreYour 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.
Read MoreDoes 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.
Read MoreMaybe 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.
Read MoreAccording 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.
Read MoreFor 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
Read MoreBased on a recent inquiry an Exposure Bill has been created with several suggested amendments to improve the current family law legislation. This Bill aims to centre the best interests of the child, focus on the need to address family violence, child abuse and neglect and to simplify the current legislation
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