9 Tips On Buying A Property
Purchasing a home or an investment property on the Gold Coast (or anywhere for that matter) can be both an exhilarating and stressful experience for the parties involved. Our Property Lawyers have put together this list of helpful tips to consider before you sign on the dotted line which will hopefully save you from the stresses involved with buying a property: Before you sign a contract, make sure the purchasing entity is correctly described. Talk to your banker or accountant before you sign a contract to make sure the purchasing entity is correctly described. In particular, if you’re obtaining finance,… Continue Reading
Newsletter – September 2014
Welcome to the September 2014 edition of the ABKJ newsletter. In this issue… Nine Tips When Buying a Property Reducing The Risk Of Estate Litigation Nine Tips When Buying a Property Purchasing a home or an investment property can be both an exhilarating and stressful experience. Here are some tips to consider before you sign on the dotted line: Talk to your banker or accountant before you sign a contract to ensure the purchasing entity is correctly described. In particular, if you are obtaining finance, the name you place on your finance application must match the contract. Purchasers often omit… Continue Reading
You cannot avoid estate litigation even if you feel you have the perfect Will. Every person has a right to contest the terms of a Will or Codicil, no matter how careful you are in drafting it. Whether that person will be successful is a different matter and the amount of legal fees expended will depend on what action you took in drafting your will, whilst alive, to minimise the risk of litigation. If you anticipate your estate will be contested after you die, there are some factors you can take into consideration in an attempt to reduce the risk,… Continue Reading
Newsletter – July 2014
Welcome to the July 2014 edition of the ABKJ newsletter. In this issue… “Do-It-Yourself” Will Kits Staff Announcements “Do-It-Yourself” Will Kits Members of the public are often presented with “Do-It-Yourself” Will kits from a variety of sources which are provided at little or no cost. The preparation of what is presumed to be a straightforward document for minimal expense, in comparison to the fee which would need to be paid to a lawyer to meet with you and prepare a traditional form of Will, can turn out to be a costly decision for your estate. The uncertainty of meaning, and… Continue Reading
An often overlooked issue when preparing a Will is the applicability of any taxes when the estate is distributed. While inheritance tax or death tax does not apply in Queensland, other federal and state taxes such as Capital Gains Tax and Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty) can affect your estate. When preparing your Will, it is important to discuss with your lawyer and financial planner the appropriate estate planning strategies that will minimise any applicable taxes related to your assets and the effect they may have on your beneficiaries. Capital Gains Tax Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Australia essentially revolves around… Continue Reading
Members of the public are often presented with “Do-It-Yourself” Will kits from a variety of sources which are provided at little or no cost. The preparation of what is presumed to be a straightforward document for minimal expense, in comparison to the fee which would need to be paid to a lawyer to meet with you and prepare a traditional form of Will, can turn out to be a costly decision for your estate. The uncertainty of meaning, and the oversight and omissions which frequently plague such documents provides a fertile ground for estate litigation. Some common difficulties arising with… Continue Reading
Newsletter – March 2014
Welcome to the March 2014 edition of the ABKJ newsletter. In this issue… Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common Proud supporters of The Pyjama Foundation’s “The Long Road” Charity Event Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common When you purchase property with another person, your solicitor will ask you: Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common? The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between these terms and how your decision can affect you in the future, particularly from an estate planning perspective…read the full article. Proud supporters of The Pyjama Foundation’s “The Long Road” Charity Event The Pyjama Foundation… Continue Reading
What Is Meant By Probate?
Probate is derived from the word “prove”. It is a process whereby the Supreme Court becomes satisfied that the will of a person who has died is the correct last will of the deceased and issues a certificate to that effect called probate. Once the Court issues probate of a will, the probate can be produced to any interested party who will then deal with the executor named in the will knowing that they are dealing with the person who has authority to deal with the assets of a deceased person. An executor is not required to apply for probate… Continue Reading
Newsletter – Spring 2013
Welcome to the October 2013 edition of the ABKJ newsletter. In this issue… New Gold Coast law places obligations on waterfront property owners Circumstances Changed? – Consider your will Staff Announcements New Gold Coast law places obligations on waterfront property owners A new Gold Coast local law imposes obligations on the owners of waterfront properties, and has significant implications for both the sellers and purchasers in the event of a sale of such a property On 11 June 2013, Gold Coast City Council enacted a new local law which created new obligations for waterfront property owners. The purpose of the… Continue Reading
Newsletter – Winter 2013
Welcome to the Winter 2013 edition of the ABKJ newsletter. In this issue… Firm Announcements Unclaimed money – Do you have any? ABKJ congratulates Mr Brian Cronin Firm Announcements ABKJ is pleased to announce two changes at the firm. Firstly, Anthony Kyle (known as Tony), has been promoted from Associate Solicitor to Partner of the firm. Tony is a Queensland Law Society Business Law Accredited Specialist who practises in the areas of commercial and business law, property law, body corporate law and succession law. Tony will join existing partners, Michael Kyle and David Brown. Secondly, the firm is pleased to… Continue Reading
