Certificates of Independent Legal Advice
Understanding Certificates of Independent Legal Advice: What You Need to Know Q: What is a Certificate of Independent Legal Advice? A: A Certificate of Independent Legal Advice is a document provided by a lawyer, confirming that they have explained the legal and financial implications of a transaction—such as a loan, mortgage, or guarantee—to the client….
When Courts Get It Wrong: Lessons from a Recent Family Law Case on Parenting Orders
Family law is complex, especially when it comes to parenting orders that determine how children’s time is divided between parents. The primary focus is always on the safety and well-being of the child, but sometimes the courts can get it wrong. A recent case, Chiles & Petrenko [2024] FedCFamC1A 112 (12 July 2024), serves as a compelling…
Gender Identity Discrimination: Landmark Federal Court Ruling in Australia – 3 Key Takeaways
Gender Identity Discrimination in Australia has taken a new turn with a recent landmark Federal Court ruling. A recent Federal Court decision in Australia has brought significant attention to the evolving legal landscape surrounding gender identity and discrimination. The case, involving Roxanne Tickle, a transgender woman, and the social media platform Giggle for Girls, has…
New Property Tax Reforms in Victoria: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2024, Victoria will implement significant reforms to the taxation of commercial and industrial properties. We aim to guide you through these changes to ensure you understand their impact and can plan accordingly. Transition to a New Tax System Elimination of Traditional Duties: The familiar stamp duties on transactions involving commercial and industrial…
Navigating Victoria’s New Property Tax Terrain: A Deeper Dive into 2024 Changes
As the calendar flips to 2024, the property tax landscape in Victoria undergoes a notable transformation. The State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Act 2023, effective from 1 January 2024, introduces pivotal changes that will reshape property transactions, ownership, and development strategies across the state. Let’s unpack these changes to understand their implications and…
New Granny Flat Regulations in Victoria: Your Complete Guide to Building Small Second Homes
Navigate the latest granny flat regulations in Victoria with ease. Understand building requirements, permits, and occupancy rules for your secondary dwelling project. Hello Victorian homeowners and builders! The landscape for building small second homes, affectionately known as granny flats, is changing. The Victorian Government has taken strides to make this easier, opening up more options…
Why Skimping on a Family Lawyer Could Cost You More: A Must-Read for Navigating Family Law Costs in Australia
If you’re facing a family law issue, you might be tempted to cut costs by navigating the legal maze alone. But here’s the catch: not investing in a qualified family lawyer could end up costing you far more than their fees. Let’s break down why spending on a good family lawyer in Australia is a…
Foreign Residents Beware: Key Tips on Navigating Australia’s New Capital Gains Tax Rules
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian property law, foreign residents must stay alert. The Australian Federal Government’s adjustments to the Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW) regime, set to take effect from 1 January 2025, mark a crucial turn. Understanding these changes is vital, especially against the complex backdrop of Australian tax residency regulations. Grasping…
Navigating Australia’s New Unfair Contract Terms Laws: A Guide for Businesses
Introduction: What You Need to Know About the New UCT Law Hello, Business Owners and Managers! Big changes are afoot in Australian Consumer Law, specifically regarding Unfair Contract Terms (UCT), effective from 9 November 2023. This guide is crafted for you – to help make sense of these changes and what they mean for your…
Navigating Family Provision Claims: 5 Lessons from a Pivotal Victorian Case
Navigating Family Provision Claims: 5 Lessons from a Pivotal Victorian Case Introduction Family provision claims are a critical aspect of Australian family law, providing a mechanism for individuals who believe they have not been adequately provided for in a will to seek a fairer share of the estate. A recent Victorian Supreme Court decision in…