Do we have an agreement? Contract law 101
A contract is a legally binding agreement between one or more parties. These agreements set out the terms and conditions of a transaction. If a contract is properly formed, then its terms can be enforced by a court. However, not every document that is called a...
Succession Planning for Business Owners
As a business owner, you deal with many responsibilities, including having to decide what to do with your business when you move on. Sometimes the logical endgame for a business is to be wound up, but in most cases, the aim is a smooth transition to new ownership....
Criminal charges and mental health – s14 applications and diversion orders
In NSW, most people over the age of ten are legally responsible for their own actions. If they break the law, they incur criminal liability and may suffer the associated punishment. However, a person suffering from a serious mental illness or cognitive impairment may...
Granny Flat Interests – a Guide for Grannies and Homeowners
Traditionally, a “granny flat” is a small, secondary dwelling located on the same property lot as a primary residence. These homes were often used to allow an older person to live close to their family while maintaining some independence. Of course, a granny flat is...
Facing Criminal Charges? What To Expect When Attending Court
Attending court for criminal charges can be a daunting experience. However, understanding what to expect can make the experience less difficult and intimidating. Types of Courts in Australia If you are facing criminal charges, you will receive a Court Attendance...
Buying Property with Someone Else – Considerations for Property Co-owners
Buying a property with someone else is a great way to share the fun, stress, and cost of the venture. Often people buy a house with their significant other, to make a home or invest together. Others buy property with friends, relatives or business partners. Joining...
Options to renew in commercial leases – don’t get caught out!
An option clause is a term in a commercial lease that allows a tenant to renew their lease at the end of the original lease period, if they meet certain conditions. Landlords are not obliged to offer a renewal option. However, it is often in the interests of both...
What you need to know about AVOs
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is an order made by a Court against somebody in circumstances where a person in need of protection can show that he or she has reasonable grounds to fear that somebody may engage in personal violence, intimidating or stalking...
What a Will Kit doesn’t do
There are various ‘Will Kits’ available online – most are cheap or ‘free’ and all you need to do is download them and fill in the blanks. Many websites boast that you can prepare your Will ‘without spending hundreds of dollars on legal fees’. Simple, right? Not...
The benefits of mediation in a commercial dispute
Lawyers are often stereotyped as being interested in prolonging an expensive Court action. More often the opposite is true. Lawyers know that Court cases are expensive and that clients are fearful that legal costs could escalate to an intolerable level. Lawyers...