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Past research by bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission have suggested that around half of Australian adults do not get around to making a Will before they…
The role of executor of a person’s Will is one of unique responsibility, and their appointment is one of the most important decisions a person can make when creating this…
In this podcast, Estate Planning Solicitor, Elise Jaques explains when should you update your Will.... listen to the podcast
There are a lot of compelling reasons to buy an established small business. Existing customers, trained staff, good will and immediate cashflow can all make the purchase of an operating…
Australia’s Family Law Act 1975 makes it incumbent on two former partners in either a marriage or a de facto relationship to ‘support and maintain’ each other as much as…
The popularity of trust structures is because they offer some significant advantages when it comes to the amount of tax you need to pay on income, as well as a…
While Australia’s collective efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus mean the country is gradually reopening and retuning to normal, the effect of shutdowns and border closures on the economy…
In this podcast, Estate Planning Solicitor, Elise Jaques explains what is a Probate and how you can apply for it.... listen to the podcast
Most people regard the money in their superannuation fund as ‘theirs’, meaning they think the amount is automatically part of their overall estate to be passed on to their beneficiaries…
Estate planning is the process by which a person makes a ‘road map’ on what should happen to their assets once they die or become incapacitated.
Australia’s 2016 Census found that ‘blended’ families – where one or both partners with children have remarried or repartnered – accounted for 3.7% of the nation’s families.
In this podcast, Strathpine Estate Planning Lawyer, Mahendra Mohan discusses a very important document that your executor needs to know about.... listen to the podcast
If you made your Enduring Power of Attorney prior to 1 June 1998 using a Form 16A (pursuant to the Property Law Act 1974-1990), then we strongly recommend that you…
In this podcast, Sylvia Lopez explains what are the additional costs when buying a property.... listen to the podcast
In this podcast, Sylvia Lopez talks about why is it important that you know PEXA if you’re buying or selling.... listen to the podcast
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Queensland has once again closed its borders to NSW and the ACT.
Before any discussion about who gets what and how the kids will be cared for, perhaps one of the most distressing aspects of family breakdown is the more immediate concern…
One of the most common questions I am asked as a family lawyer when dealing with a property settlement, is how to protect assets or inheritances from the other spouse…
Like many people, I struggle to remember a time before Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pintrest. The usage of social media has become a societal norm, with the ability to instantaneously…
During the breakdown of a relationship, people often find it difficult to consider their future and the direction they want to go. Often in our experience, getting advice at an…
Most people are aware that the Family Law Courts in Australia are under-resourced and overloaded with matters causing family disputes to take years to even get to a trial (let…
In this podcast, Strathpine Estate Planning Lawyer, Mahendra Mohan discusses a very important document that your executor needs to know about.... listen to the podcast
When a couple separates one of the most difficult things to do is work out the best and fairest way to divide the assets accrued during the relationship.
While Australia now appears to be through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic and some aspects of society prepare to return to normal routines, Australia’s court system continues to operate…
Investment in a commercial property is a big financial decision but one that in the right economic environment – and in the right location – can be lucrative.
In recent weeks we have received a large volume of enquiries from people seeking advice relating to the current pandemic and how separated parents should be responding to it.
When it comes to making a will about how you wish your estate and affairs to be handled after you die, appointing an executor is one of the most crucial…
Do you have an amazing business idea? Perhaps it’s a retail concept you believe will take off and, what’s more, you’ve found the perfect premises in the perfect location.
In this podcast, Big Law, Solicitor Mahendra Mohen discusses the options for stepchildren from a de fascto relationship who wish to dispute an estate.... listen to the podcast
The end of a relationship is one of the most difficult times in any person’s life. Making the grief and trauma that accompanies this event even harder to deal with…
There’s nothing like new love. For most of us, we hope new love will grow into old love – a shared life that leads to many happy memories, of house,…
While there are many similarities between residential and commercial conveyancing – that necessary legal process for transferring ownership from seller to buyer – there are also some important differences, which…
When a person makes a will detailing how they want their assets to be distributed after they die, and by whom, they often think that’s the end of the matter.
There's little doubt that there has been an exponential increase in Queensland of unit puchases. But is buying a unit a little different than buying a regular house? In this…
Caveat emptor. Translated from Latin, it means "let the buyer beware." And when it comes to buying off the plan, it is advice worth heeding.
In a perfect world, home buying would be easy. But in reality, there's no such thing as a "simple" real estate transaction. When it comes to buying a unit in…
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important you understand the essential terms and conditions of the contract of sale.
When it comes to selling your property, there can be plenty of questions that can emerge and it can be helpful to slow down and consider it all as a…
When it comes to selling your property, there can be plenty of questions that can emerge and it can be helpful to slow down and consider it all as a…
Making the decision to sell your home is a big move that brings with it both excitement (what price will we get?) and apprehension (what if we can’t sell?).
Mediation in Family Law – What can I expect? Mediation is very regularly a necessary step for resolving family law disputes involving both parenting matters and also property. Section 60I…
The registration provisions of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (the Act) came into force on 30…... listen to the podcast
In Part One of this series of three podcast, Big Law Partner, Sylvia Lopez and Resource Accounting Queensland Director, Craig Bruce discuss…... listen to the podcast
Can I See the Will? Once someone dies there is often a queue of people interested in discovering the terms of the will. This raises the question: who is allowed…
How to Apply for Divorce in Queensland There are many reasons people decide to officially end their marriage by applying for a divorce. These may include the desire to marry…
It might come as a surprise, but there is a growing number of people over the age of 18 who don't have a will. It goes without saying that the…
The terms ‘separation’ and ‘divorce’ are often used interchangeably by people but in fact, in the unfortunate event of a relationship breakdown, they mean quite different things and carry different…
What Does Separation & Divorce Mean? The terms ‘separation’ and ‘divorce’ are often used interchangeably by people but in fact, in the unfortunate event of a relationship breakdown, they mean…
What Your Business Needs to Know about the Changes to Retail Shop Leases Here's the thing about change: it is seldom easy and no one really likes it. But in…
Things You Should Consider When Selling a Business For those people contemplating selling a business, Michelle Maxwell our Experienced Commercial and Property Law Solicitor talks about the important things to consider…
What is a Testamentary Trust and Why Should I Consider One? Not only does death impose an emotional toll on family and friends, it brings with it a number of…
Big Law Team to Speak at Leading Conference Events Big Law are pleased to announce that 2 lawyers of our team are presenting at legal conferences over the coming weeks.…
The Importance of Updating Your Estate Planning Documents Following Separation An Oversight with Massive Consequences. In this podcast, our Estate Planning Lawyer, Elise Jaques discusses one phenomenon that occurs more…
What Does a Property Settlement Look Like in a Short Relationship? In the eyes of the law, a "short marriage" is considered to have lasted less than a period of…
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney and Why You Need One Estate planning, for most of us is often an afterthought, something we know we need to get to…
Important Points to Consider Before Buying a Commercial Property Buying a commercial property involves a lot more considerations than when buying a residential property. This is not least because there…
Impact of Recent Changes in Family Law In 2018, it was announced there would be significant changes to the family law system in Australia. In the short term these changes…
Time Limits in Family Law Matters For most of us, the realisation that a relationship can't be salvaged is emotionally devastating. Acknowledging this is especially difficult for couples who have…
How Does Conveyancing Work? There is a lot to consider when you are purchasing a home. If you've got children, one of your first priorities will be making sure it…
What is the Process of Commercial Conveyancing? Conveyancing is the surprisingly complex process of transferring property from one person or entity to another. Though generally similar to residential conveyancing, commercial…
Do You Need Help with Family Law Matters? Divorce, separation, conscious uncoupling. All result in the dissolution of a relationship, almost half of which involve children. Luckily, there are many…
Children’s Matters After Separation Separation can be one of the most harrowing of life experiences, especially when there are children involved. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2015,…
What is the PPSR? The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) commenced on 30 January 2012 and created a national online register where details of security interests in personal property…
Purchasing land with a pre-existing lease On 20 October 2015 the Queensland Court of Appeal, in the case of Commissioner of State Revenue v Di Sipio & Anor QCA 198,…
Key Changes Under Retail Shop Leases Amendment Act 2016 On 25 May 2016, the Retail Shop Leases Amendment Act 2016 was enacted to amend the regulation of retail leasing in…
New editions of the two standard Residential Contracts On 23 August 2011 a fire erupted at a house in Slacks Creek Queensland Twenty-three calls were made to the emergency services,…
Did I loan you my money or was it a gift to you? Most of us have experienced this – an urgent call from a family member asking for a…
What is a Superannuation Binding Death Benefit Nomination? Your self-managed, industry or retail Superannuation contributions and benefits are held in a trust, which in turn is controlled by a Trust…
What happens to my Super when I die? Most Australians are unaware that they must give directions to their Super Fund if they wish to control what happens to their…
An Enduring Power of Attorney is a written formal process whereby a person, ie. a principal, appoints a person or persons who can then make either health/personal and/or financial decisions…
Don't Forget To Look at This in Your New Business Lease. I have recently heard of tenants entering into leases without first undertaking investigations of what Internet services will be…
My mum/dad has dementia and has lost capacity. What can I do? The bank won't talk to me and I have to pay her bills. What can I do? When…
I don't what someone to inherit anything in my will. How can I do that? This may be the result of conflict in the family which results in the parents…
What is probate and why do we need it? A request for probate may be made before the executor can claim the funds for the estate of the deceased person. Probate…
Family Law Help Now at Big Law Our Solicitor Mark Vaughan has always worked in the area of family law, child protection and domestic violence. A holistic approach to each…
Classifying the property by occupier Since writing and publishing the article Rates Ruling Could Have Major Effect, some important changes have taken effect. Readers may recall that the article dealt…
Rates Ruling Could Have Major Effect A recent ruling by the Supreme Court could impact up to 20 regional council budgets, and impact $300 million in rates across Queensland. The…
Faking Testimonials and Places of Origin In a recent Federal Court case, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission brought action against Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing Australia Pty Ltd (WEMA), P…
When the Fine Print Isn’t Fine At All In a recent High Court case, the Court was asked to determine whether fine print in an advertisement was enough to prevent…
Sellers Beware There has been a recent District Court case in the District Court at Maroochydore where the buyer of a property brought a claim against the seller for damages…
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