head office: 9525 8688 
If you pass away and do not have a will or you have an invalid will, you are considered as dying 'intestate'. This means that your assets will be distributed amongst surviving relatives in accordance with the procedures set out in the Succession Act 2006. Who is entitled to inheritance in intestacy? There is a hierarchy of people who are entitled to inherit if someone [...]
A Strata Scheme is a building (or group of buildings) which has been divided into lots, such as apartments, townhouses or villas. When you buy into a strata scheme, you share ownership of the common property with the other owners, which can include walls and floors, stairways, lifts, roofs, driveways, outside areas and gardens. What are your responsibilities when you buy into a Strata Scheme? [...]
Just recently on 13 July 2023, a new act was assented which now increases the penalty rates for the act of possessing, carrying and using a knife in public places or schools. These changes have been introduced with the Criminal Legislation Amendment (Knife Crimes) Act of 2023 ("Knife Crimes Amendment"). Previously these knife crimes were summary offences meaning that they were dealt with by the [...]
Like any big change in life, moving into a retirement village takes some consideration. You should take the time to think about the lifestyle that you want and discuss your decision with family, friends and advisers. It is a good idea to work out a budget and visit a few villages to understand the contractual obligations and costs and seek professional legal and financial advice [...]
On 23 July 2023 the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and Design and Building Regulations ("DBP") will be extended to include Class 3 (Long term or transient living such as boarding houses, hostels, backpackers and student accommodation) and Class 9C (residential care buildings, aged care) Buildings. This change will also apply to United or Mixed Use buildings incorporating one or more of residential; hostel [...]
Have you been stopped and searched by a police officer? It can be confronting to experience a stop and search, so it's important to know what your rights are in any situation and when it is and isn't reasonable that you be subjected to a stop and search. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions to ensure you know your rights when being subject [...]
As part of the changes to the Fair Work Legislation (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022, those employees that are eligible to request flexible work arrangements will be expanded. These changes came into effect on 6 June 2023. To find out more, read our eguide Click here to view the ebook
A dividing fence dispute typically arises when neighbours disagree about the placement, construction or maintenance of a shared fence. What constitutes a dividing fence? In New South Wales, a dividing fence is defined as “a fence separating the land of adjoining owners, whether on the common boundary of adjoining lands or on a line other than the common boundary” The fence could be made out [...]
A de facto relationship is a relationship in which the parties are not legally married to one another nor related by family and maintain a genuine relationship while living together for at least six months. Both same-sex and opposite sex relationships can be de facto. A person can have multiple de facto relationships at the same time, or even be legally married while holding a [...]
A company with multiple directors operates under the assumption that all directors are to act within their fiduciary duties to one another. That is to act in the best interests of the company, avoid conflicts of interest, act in good faith, use their powers for proper purposes and act with reasonable care and diligence. Where a director effectively defaults from these duties, whether conscious or [...]
