An informal Will does not satisfy all the requirements under the Wills Act 1997. If a Will has not been properly executed, problems may arise at the time probate is applied for. However, there are circumstances where an informal Will may be admitted to probate even if...
Approximately 61% of Australian households have a pet and many of us consider them as members of the family. When creating your Will, it is essential to consider their future should you die before they do. Animals who are not provided for in their owner’s Will may...
Recent surveys conducted in 2020 revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the frequency and severity of violence reported against women and of first-time family violence reporting. With these alarming statistics, the public seems to focus on physical abuse rather...
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is defined in section 10F of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) as a process in which an independent family dispute resolution practitioner helps people affected by separation or divorce to resolve some or all of their issues. Simply put,...
Marriage, separation, and divorce all have different effects on your Will. New studies show that many Australians are unaware that their Will becomes invalid upon marriage. This may not cause many problems for a first-time marriage, however, if there are other people...
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused a widening range of family law disputes, with parents being unable to agree if their child should receive the COVID-19 vaccinations. Unless a court order has been made stating otherwise, both parents of a child are presumed to have...
It is common for children to receive financial assistance from their parents to buy into the property market, reduce their debt, or afford their children’s school fees. How this financial assistance will be treated is an important consideration in family law matters...
As a result of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2019, all Australian company directors are required to have a unique Director ID Number (DIN/ID). Existing Australian company directors registered under the Corporations Act...
A Will is not always easily found, making it more difficult and stressful for family members after the death of a loved one. A valid Will usually appoints an executor which gives them the immediate rights to the administration of the deceased’s estate and the assets...
COVID-19 lockdowns have had significant impacts on businesses across Victoria. The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2021 was brought into effect on 24 August 2021 to provide rental relief to commercial tenants from 28 July 2021 to 15 January 2022 and can...
Family violence is preventable, but in current circumstances, reported incidents continue to increase. Family violence risk increases when disasters, such as a pandemic arise. Monash University recently surveyed 166 family violence victim support practitioners across...
Superannuation is often the most significant asset in the property pool of separated couples. Research shows that approximately 42% of women nearing retirement have lower superannuation balances than men. Furthermore, approximately 60% of women suffer some form of...