News & Resources

Temporary laws addressing issues relating to the signing and witnessing of documents have been passed in almost all Australia jurisdictions. So can we all sigh a big relief and know that life and business should be easier? No, not quite.

On 23 September 2020 the NSW Government announced that it is going to extend the operation of the Commercial & Retail Leasing Code of Conduct so that it will now expire on 31 December, 2020.

Our Marriage has broken down. If I move out of the house first, what are the consequences?

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia are leading the way in assisting families that have experienced family violence or other safety concerns to navigate the family law system. The Project is the Courts’ response to calls for the family law system to better address and respond to family violence and other safety risks.
The Lighthouse Project is an innovative approach taken by the Courts to screen for risk, with a primary focus on improving outcomes for families involved in the family law system.

Buying off the plan is where you enter into a Contract to purchase a property prior to the completion of the construction of the dwelling or prior to the registration of the plan of subdivision(strata or otherwise).

There are risks associated with purchasing off the plan and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some of the risks that need to be considered before you enter into an off the plan property purchase Contract.

New laws commencing on 1 September 2020 are designed to protect purchasers of off the plan apartments.
The New Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act has commenced as part of the New South Wales Government’s objectives to have a better framework to protect consumers who have been wronged in the past by poor building practices.

In a recent court case in the Supreme Court of New South Wales the application of the Leasing Code of Conduct for the COVID-19 pandemic was called into action.

Who has the right to change the locks on the house after separation?
Even in circumstances where a party has been temporarily residing elsewhere during separation, the changing of the locks can come as somewhat of a shock. If a client contacts us in this scenario often the first question that they will ask is:

“Who has the right to change the locks to the family home?”

Domestic Financial abuse is a form of family violence in which one partner attempts to exercise power and control over their spouse by limiting their access to finances and dictating the terms on which money is to be spent. It often happens alongside other types of domestic violence, such as physical or emotional abuse.

The High Court has recently overturned a decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia in relation to the entitlements of employees to personal leave.