Articles
We aim to provide you with proactive and strategic legal and practical advice. Our articles provide a range of interesting and helpful insights on a vast array of topics.
Foreign Resident Executors and Beneficiaries in your Will - Potential tax consequences
Appointing executors or beneficiaries who reside overseas in your Will can lead to significant tax and other financial consequences for your estate and your beneficiaries, as Binay Prasad, Accredited Specialist (Wills & Estates Law) explains.
Dealing with Property in a Deceased Estate
Property Lawyer Crystal Roman provides a snapshot of possible tax implications, such as land tax and CGT, for properties included in a deceased estate.
Hacked! Lessons from a Cyber Attack
In April 2023, a foreign cyber gang targeted the Australian office of international law firm HWLE and implemented a substantial data hack. The response, including through legal action in the Courts, has provided an interesting case study in how to respond to a cyber attack, as Managing Principal Mitchell Zadow explains.
Planning for incapacity
While it is not something that anyone wants to contemplate, it's possible that at some point in the future you or someone in your family will require assistance with making or implementing decisions regarding financial, medical or personal matters. Wills & Estates Lawyer Sarah Slattery outlines the benefits of having instructions in place to ensure your interests are protected.
Vacant Residential Land Tax - Is your property portfolio caught in the net?
Recent changes to Vacant Residential Land Tax capture all residential land in Victoria. Is your property portfolio caught in the net? Property Lawyer Jing Yuan Tay explains.
Recent articles
Changes to Unfair Contract Laws – Be Prepared!
Mitchell Zadow summarises the key changes to Australia’s unfair contract laws, which included a 12 month implementation period ending on 9 November 2023. If the changes affect your business and you haven’t reviewed your trading terms yet, act now!
When is Probate not required?
Wills & Estates Lawyer Sarah Slattery discusses the situations where Probate is not required in order for the Executor to administer a deceased estate.
"Thumbs-up" emoji just got serious!
Be careful of your emoji response in business communications. Don’t be caught out by a smile or a thumbs up! Litigation Lawyer Kevin Li explains.
Risks of purchasing property from an online market place
No matter the circumstance in which property is sold or purchased, there are processes that must be followed to ensure that the property transaction is legal and valid. Property Lawyer Crystal Roman summarises some key points to consider.
Taking Action Against Fraud – Protecting Your Assets and Rights
As fraudsters widen the breadth of their activities, vigilance can help reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam and a quick response may limit the potential harm. Litigation Lawyer Kevin Li explains.
Notices of Option to Renew: Landlord Obligations
When providing an option to retail tenant to renew a lease, landlords can reduce the risk of a dispute arising by confirming the notice is sent, delivered and acknowledged.
Lost Family Trust Deeds – an update
When an individual’s expectations in a Will are not met, this can lead to conflict with the Executors and other family members. Binay Prasad, Senior Associate and Accredited Specialist (Wills & Estates) looks at a VSCA decision in the matter of Vanta Pty Ltd v Mantovani.
How can I protect my child’s inheritance from a family law claim?
The Family Court has far reaching powers when dividing property (including an inheritance) between separating spouses. Expert legal advice is essential in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of a successful family law claim against an inheritance. Binay Prasad, Senior Associate and Accredited Specialist (Wills & Estates) explains.
What is a Part IV Claim?
When an individual’s expectations in a Will are not met, this can lead to conflict with the Executors and other family members, as Wills & Estates Lawyer Melinda Van Rooyen explains.
Lost Trust Deeds: a common problem
If the original trust deed is lost, misplaced or accidentally destroyed, this can lead to advserse financial and tax consequences. Binay Prasad, Accredited Specialist (Wills & Estates) provides an update following a decision in March 2023 by the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal.
The High Court clarifies Insolvency Law
The two recent High Court decisions should make unfair preferences work in a clearer way which is easier for all parties – and indeed the community as a whole – to understand and accept, as Mitchell Zadow, Accredited Specialist (Commercial Law), explains.
UNIDROIT Convention: International Wills
For the almost one third of Australians with family ties overseas, an International Will may be a useful tool for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
