Have you lost track of old bank accounts, shares, superannuation or life insurance policies? Have you moved address and cannot recall whether you notified a company or firm who may be holding money on your behalf such as your lawyer, real estate agent or accountant? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may have unclaimed money. Continue reading Unclaimed Money – Do You Have Any?
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. Continue reading Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common
Retail Shop Lease Changes
Are you a landlord or a tenant under a Retail Shop Lease? There have been some changes to the law that you need to be aware of.
After a comprehensive process beginning in 2011, the latest amendments to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (“the Act”) have been passed into law. A short summary of the changes is as follows: Continue reading Retail Shop Lease Changes
Protection From Unfair Contract Terms
From Saturday 12 November 2016, unfair contract term protections will extend to ‘small businesses’ under a new law. The new law established under the Treasury Legislation Amendment (Small Business and Unfair Contract Terms) Act 2015 (Cth) aims to protect small businesses with contracts that contain unfair terms entered into or renewed on or after 12 November 2016, or terms of existing contracts that are varied on or after this date. Continue reading Protection From Unfair Contract Terms
Viridian High Court Decision
On 12 October 2016, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in the matter of the decision of Ainsworth & Ors v Albrecht & Ors (also known as the Viridian case).
This is a case with very significant implications in relation to how bodies corporate make decisions. Continue reading Viridian High Court Decision
Elephants on the Ceiling
The issue of footsteps on the ceiling (and noise generally) in strata titled buildings is a vexing issue for many committees and owners. Given the increased propensity towards high density living in our cities, this is an issue that isn’t going away. Continue reading Elephants on the Ceiling
Should I Register my Commercial Lease?
A question which is often asked when parties enter into a commercial lease is whether the lease should be registered on title to the property. This article summarises the advantages and disadvantages associated with registration of leases. Continue reading Should I Register my Commercial Lease?
Setting The Record Straight: Family Law Myths – Part 2
There are many more misconceptions about Family Law and, in particular, property settlements and child arrangements.
In part 2 of our Setting The Record Straight article we have debunked more myths and reveal the truth. In case you missed it, read Part 1 here. Continue reading Setting The Record Straight: Family Law Myths – Part 2
Setting The Record Straight: Family Law Myths
There are many misconceptions about Family Law and, in particular, property settlements and child arrangements. The majority of the tales are sourced from online blogs or people who usually start the conversation with “take it from me, I know”. Continue reading Setting The Record Straight: Family Law Myths
“Get Off My Water!”
With over 400 kilometres of constructed canal frontage on the Gold Coast, and an ever increasing number of recreational water users, the potential exists for conflict between property owners and people using the adjacent water ways.
Any waterfront property owners or regular water users reading this could probably relate a relevant story. The writer has personally observed an upset waterfront property owner throwing rocks at a kayak fisherman, fishing in the adjacent canal, encouraging him in an enthusiastic fashion to “get off his water”. Continue reading “Get Off My Water!”
