News
COVID-19 Important updates for financially distressed businesses
This material is general in nature and incorporates information regarding proposed or pending legislative changes to address the potential economic and other impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On 22 March 2020, the Australian Federal Government delivered...
Family Law and co-parenting in difficult times
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought additional stress and uncertainty to many families involved in co-parenting which, by its nature, can be stressful enough. School closures, state and territory border closures, additional pressure on healthcare workers and...
Contractual obligations in the wake of COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) presents numerous challenges for individuals and businesses, amongst them, the legal rights and responsibilities under existing contracts during a pandemic such as this. Parties to a contract that are facing difficulties in meeting their...
Changes to commercial tenancies under COVID-19
The National Cabinet overseeing, inter alia, the regulation of commercial tenancies, has introduced a mandatory code guiding rent relief to tenants in line with the hibernation strategy. The aim is to see businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic period and provide a...
Why you should have a corporate trustee for your Self-Managed Superannuation Fund
A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a type of superannuation structure that allows members to control and manage their own funds. Unlike other superannuation funds, members have autonomy over the choice of investments they can make. A SMSF must comply with...
Risks of purchasing property before finalising a family law settlement
If you have recently separated and wish to move on with your financial matters, it is important to close off on your previous property affairs with your ex-partner first. Whilst it might be tempting to purchase real estate or other assets, particularly if you find a...
De facto relationships and Will contests
All jurisdictions in Australia provide statutory rights for eligible persons to contest an unfair Will if they can show that they have been left without adequate provision by the testator. In Victoria, from 1 January 2015, an eligible person includes: a spouse or...
We’re still friends, why do we need a ‘legal’ property settlement?
Many couples separate on good terms, which is great. The breakdown of a relationship can be difficult, however putting differences aside to move forward can be beneficial, particularly where children are concerned. Ex-partners who remain on good terms may choose to...
Personal liability for company directors
A company is an association incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the ‘Act’). The effect of incorporation gives the company a separate entity, distinct from its directors and shareholders. It can enter into contracts, sue and be sued in its own right....
Accessing digital assets – estate planning essentials
The recent death (or purported death) of Gerald Cotton, former Chief Executive Officer of Canadian cryptocurrency exchange company, Quadriga CX, emphasises the importance of planning your electronic after-life. Mr Cotton’s death in India at the age of 30, has not only...