Blog
What Should Be in a Working From Home Policy? A Guide for Australian Business Owners
As remote work continues to grow in popularity, many businesses in Australia are grappling with how to manage employees who work from home (WFH). Whether driven by employee requests, the changing nature of work, or external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the...
Binding Financial Agreements in Australia: Are They 100% Binding 100% of the Time?
In Australia, a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) is a legal document that allows couples to set out how their financial assets and liabilities will be divided in the event of a separation. BFAs can be entered into before, during, or after a relationship (including...
Testamentary Trusts: A Vital Tool for Blended Families and Complex Family Structures
Estate planning in today’s world requires more than just a basic will, particularly for families with complex dynamics, such as blended families or situations where children may be facing their own marital challenges. In these scenarios, a testamentary trust can...
Superannuation & Wills: How Your Retirement Funds Are Handled After Death
Superannuation is a significant part of most Australians’ wealth, but what many people don’t realise is that it doesn’t automatically form part of your estate when you pass away. Superannuation is held in trust by your superannuation fund, and its distribution is...
Social Media Law for Business Owners in Australia: What You Need to Know
In today’s digital world, social media is a critical tool for businesses to engage with customers, build brand loyalty, and drive growth. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X offer businesses opportunities for instant communication, marketing, and...
My Business Partner Isn’t Pulling Their Weight! What Can I Do?
Running a business with a partner can be a rewarding experience, combining skills, resources, and perspectives to drive success. However, what happens when your business partner isn’t pulling their weight? Whether they’re not contributing equally to the workload,...
Legal Advice for First-Home Buyers in Australia
Are you considering taking your first step into the world of homeownership in Australia? As a lawyer, I'm here to provide you with essential legal advice to navigate this significant milestone. Purchasing your first home is an exciting journey, but it's crucial to be...
Does Dying Without a Will Change Who Gets What?
As an experienced estate lawyer in Australia, I’ve often encountered families grappling with the complex legal process that follows the death of a loved one who didn’t leave a will. Dying without a will, known as intestacy, can have serious and often unfair...
Blockchain and Smart Contracts: Revolutionising Australian Commercial Transactions in 2024
The digital revolution is accelerating, and one of the most transformative technologies shaping the future of commercial transactions is blockchain. As an experienced lawyer, I’ve seen how blockchain technology and smart contracts are disrupting traditional legal...
Protecting Your Inheritance: Preventing Premature Asset Removal from an Estate
When a loved one passes away, ensuring their wishes are respected can be a concern, especially if there's worry about a sibling removing items from the estate before probate is finalised. Here are some steps to help safeguard the assets and an overview of how the...
Who Gets My Assets If I Die Without a Will? Understanding Intestacy and Its Implications
Death is a topic many prefer to avoid, but planning for it is crucial, especially when it comes to asset distribution. Without a will, your assets could be distributed in ways you never intended, leaving loved ones without the support you envisioned. This article...
Legal Considerations in the Booming E-Sports Industry in Australia
As the e-sports industry in Australia experiences rapid growth, a myriad of legal considerations has come to the forefront. With the increasing professionalisation of e-sports teams and events, it's essential to understand the legal landscape that shapes this dynamic...
Intellectual Property in Sports: Protecting Brands and Merchandise in Australia
In the dynamic world of sports, athletes and sports teams are not just competitors; they are brands. From the logos on jerseys to the signature moves of athletes, every element contributes to a unique identity that resonates with fans and markets alike. In Australia,...
They Didn’t Pay Me! Steps to Take Before Considering Court
As a business owner, encountering a client who fails to pay can be frustrating and financially straining. However, before rushing to court, there are several proactive steps you can take to ensure you get paid. With 27 years of commercial law experience, I’ll guide...
Understanding Your Rights as an Athlete: Medical Treatment and Compensation for Injuries
In the world of sports, injuries are an unfortunate reality that athletes must contend with. Whether you’re a professional athlete or an amateur enthusiast, understanding your rights regarding medical treatment and compensation is crucial. This knowledge not only...
The Critical Role of Legal Contracts in Business Success
In the fast-paced world of business, legal contracts play an indispensable role in ensuring smooth operations and safeguarding interests. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, understanding the significance of well-drafted contracts can make or...
Family Law Q&A: Protecting Yourself During A Separation
Question: How can I protect my assets during a separation? Answer: Protecting your assets during a separation involves several proactive steps to ensure your financial stability and safeguard your interests. Here are some strategies to consider: Document Everything:...
Navigating the Legal Field: How Sponsorship Agreements Safeguard Both Sponsors and Athletes/Teams
In the dynamic world of sports, sponsorship agreements play a crucial role in shaping the careers of athletes and the brand visibility of sponsors. These agreements are more than just financial transactions; they are strategic partnerships that require careful legal...
Estates Q&A: Helping Executors Through The Process
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Being an executor can be a challenging role, especially during such an emotional time. Here's a Q&A that might help guide you through the process: Q: What is the first step I should take as an executor? A: Begin by...
Why Smart Business Owners Make Legal Expenses a Priority in Their Annual Budget
In the fast-paced world of business, where every decision can impact the bottom line, legal expenses might seem like an unnecessary burden to some entrepreneurs. However, seasoned business owners understand that budgeting for legal expenses is not just a...
Sports Law Q&A: Protecting Your Intellectual Property From Unauthorised Use
Here's an informative Q&A on how sports teams and athletes can protect their logos, names, and images from unauthorised use: Q: Why is it important for sports teams and athletes to protect their logos, names, and images? A: Protecting logos, names, and...
Navigating the Complex World of Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets in Estate Planning
The rise of cryptocurrency and digital assets has revolutionised the way we think about wealth and investment. However, this digital transformation has also introduced new challenges, particularly in the realm of estate planning. As an experienced Australian lawyer, I...
Who Gets the Pet? Understanding Pet Ownership in Australian Divorce Cases
Divorce can be an emotionally challenging experience, and when it comes to deciding who gets to keep the family pet, the stakes can feel particularly high. In Australia, pets are legally considered property, which means they fall under the same category as other...
The Power of Terms and Conditions: How They Can Save Your Business Money and Prevent Debt Recovery Issues
They’re not just a formality or a necessary evil; they are a powerful tool that can protect your business, save you money, and help you avoid the costly and time-consuming process of debt recovery. In this article, I’ll explain why having robust T&Cs is essential...
My Parents’ Will is Unfair! What’s the Process to Contest It?
Contesting a will can be an emotionally charged and legally complex process. The death of a parent is a challenging time, and discovering that their will is perceived as unfair can add to the stress and grief. If you believe that your parents' will does not reflect...
Can My De Facto Partner Claim on My Assets if We Weren’t Married?
In Australia, the concept of a de facto relationship holds significant legal weight, especially when it comes to property and financial settlements. You might wonder if your de facto partner can claim your assets even if you were never married. The short answer is...
Understanding the 2024 Consumer Contract Reforms: Essential Insights for Australian Business Owners
Key Changes to Consumer Contracts 1. Unfair Contract Terms (UCT) Reforms: The 2024 reforms have strengthened the provisions around unfair contract terms. Previously, UCTs were unenforceable, but now, businesses that include such terms can face penalties. This change...
Navigating the New Employment Landscape: Changes to Contractors and the Right to Disconnect
As of August 26, 2024, significant changes have come into force regarding the classification of contractors and the implementation of the "right to disconnect" in Australia. These changes are designed to enhance work-life balance and provide clearer guidelines for...
Handling Allegations of Discrimination and Gender Identity in Non-Profit Sporting Associations: Legal Considerations and Practical Guidance
One of the most controversial issues at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be the participation of transgender and intersex athletes in women's events. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued guidelines that allow transgender women to compete if they have a...
Navigating Business Ownership During Divorce: Can a Successful Business Survive the Split?
For business owners, divorce isn't just about personal loss—it can also threaten the survival of the enterprise you've worked so hard to build. In Australia, the Family Court treats business assets as part of the property pool to be divided between spouses, which can...
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