In this podcast, Estate Planning Expert, Tom McVeigh illuminates the risks and opportunities, from an estate planning perspective with the…
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Fact 1: Most Australian’s don’t have their estate planning under control. Fact 2: The consequences of which can be significant….
An executor is the person responsible for administering a will. The role of an executor involves: identifying and collecting the…
A fundamental part of any estate and succession planning exercise is to identify: the assets you wish to pass control…
by Leanne Matthewson & Rebecca Burness If you are in a blended family, have a child who is a “black sheep”…
There’s little doubt that technology is impacting upon every facet of our life and you wouldn’t be surprised to learn…
The recent case of Re Narumon Pty Ltd [2018] QSC 185 is an important decision for those advising in relation…
When you die, the distribution of your Superannuation Death Benefits (which consists of your superannuation contributions and any life insurance…
An informal cricket match at Manly Lifesaving Club has ended in court with an order that the batsman pay…
Murdoch Lawyers are proud to announce that Directors, Tom McVeigh and Leanne Matthewson have been recognised by Doyles Guide to…
Testamentary Trust Wills are widely utilised by Estate Planning lawyers to provide clients with asset protection measures for the next…
In the lead up to another 30 June, Domazet v Jure Investments Pty Limited [2016] ACTSC 33 (7 March 2016) is a…
Unless you have been avoiding the internet, television, radio and social media for the past 24 hours, you have no…
It’s estimated that nearly 50% of Australians will die without a Will. For many couples with young families preparing a…
Superannuation payments have historically been very ‘clear cut’ as far as the potential recipient of a death benefit payment is…
Marriage Amendments (Definitions and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 (Cth) made Australian history on December 9 2017 by legalising same-sex marriage….
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document authorising another person to act on your behalf in managing your…
In this podcast, Estate Planning expert, Tom McVeigh discusses the impact that the 1 July 2017 Superannuation changes are having…
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According to recent reports of the New South Wales Trustee and Guardian, approximately 45% of Australians don’t have a valid…
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Last week the Queensland government announced that Farm Management Grants are now available to assist primary producers or their relatives…
It is that time of year again and the Fair Work Commission’s expert panel has handed down its Annual Wage…
Much has been written on the implications of the Royal Commission’s Final Report for the financial services sector, and in…
If a business needs to sponsor an overseas worker but sponsorship isn’t available under the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (TSS…
Employers need to look ahead when it comes to casual workers converting to permanent full or part time employment following…
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If you’re like most business owners, then its probably likely that at some point in the journey you have had…
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When buying or selling a business, one of the key issues to deal with is the employment arrangements. Accrued entitlements…
On 16 April 2018, the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 commenced in Queensland requiring, amongst other things, a labour hire…
When considering raising funds to grow your business it is important to ensure you do not fall foul of the…
The Retail Shop Leases Act (“the Act”) sets mandatory minimum standards for retail shop leases in Queensland and offers tenants…
Outrageous Exploitation of a Young Person A plumber in Victoria has been fined $121,500 for paying an apprentice at apprenticeship…
The Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 (Award) covers most employees in the building, engineering and civil construction industry…
Upon application by an organisation official (ie union official), the Fair Work Commission can issue permits to allow entry to…
A business should be cautious about labelling a worker as an independent contractor without properly considering the legal aspect of that type of work relationship. While it is often difficult...
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On 16 April 2018, new labour hire laws will commence in Queensland. These laws will require a labour hire service…
Employers and franchisors are now exposed to increased penalties as the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017 (Bill)…
If your organisation collects personal information and is meant to keep that information private – you need to be aware…
It is that time of year again, where the Fair Work Commission’s expert panel has handed down its Annual Wage…
The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Act) has been amended to make leasing simpler and cheaper. Old definition – PPS…
In a recent Federal Circuit Court decision, an accountancy practice which provided bookkeeping services (including payroll processing) has been found…
A recent Fair Work Commission decision has far-reaching consequences for Queensland businesses that have been paying their apprentices and trainees…
It is that time of year again and the Fair Work Commission’s expert panel has handed down its Annual Wage…
From the first full pay period on or after 15 April 2019, employers under the Horticulture Award 2010 must pay…
From 1 December 2018, all Modern Awards will include a new provision for Family Friendly Work Arrangements (FFWA) which supplements…
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down a landmark decision awarding an ex-delivery rider $15,559 in compensation after it…
If a business needs to sponsor an overseas worker but sponsorship isn’t available under the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (TSS…
A Qantas employee has been left with more than just a bad hangover, after the FWC upheld his dismissal following…
An employee’s application for an anti-bullying order has failed after the Fair Work Commission (FWC) confirmed that taking reasonable steps…
The recent District Court case of Colwell v Top Cut Foods Pty Ltd [1] once again highlights the importance of an…
From 1 August 2018, employees covered by a Modern Award will be entitled to 5 days of unpaid leave to…
An employee covered by the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 (Building and Construction Award) has different redundancy entitlements…
It is that time of year again and the Fair Work Commission’s expert panel has handed down its Annual Wage…
On 2 April 2018, amendments to the Real Estate Industry Award 2010 (Award) came into force which affects the entry…
When buying or selling a business, one of the key issues to deal with is the employment arrangements. Accrued entitlements…
On 16 April 2018, the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 commenced in Queensland requiring, amongst other things, a labour hire…
Outrageous Exploitation of a Young Person A plumber in Victoria has been fined $121,500 for paying an apprentice at apprenticeship…
The Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 (Award) covers most employees in the building, engineering and civil construction industry…
Upon application by an organisation official (ie union official), the Fair Work Commission can issue permits to allow entry to…
Employees can be difficult for any number of reasons. Perhaps they are frequently late, absent without notice evidence or a…
A business should be cautious about labelling a worker as an independent contractor without properly considering the legal aspect of that type of work relationship. While it is often difficult...
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Recent changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (Act) mean it is more important than ever to ensure you…
Although clearing Category X vegetation may be allowable under the Vegetation Management Act, a recent Court of Appeal decision has…
On 1 October 2018 new legislation in relation to cladding products on privately owned buildings in Queensland came into effect….
The Retail Shop Leases Act (“the Act”) sets mandatory minimum standards for retail shop leases in Queensland and offers tenants…
As the Retail Shop Leases Act (“the Act”) includes a number of specific requirements and includes more protection for Tenants…
In this podcast, Director and Accredited Property Law Specialist, Tony Randall discusses the recent changes announced that impact on foreign investment…
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Water is one of our most valuable assets but many people don’t fully understand the different types of water entitlements…
The sale and purchase of rural land often involves a number of complex issues that need to be properly addressed…
Foreign investment in agricultural land was a hot issue in 2016 with a lot of attention being generated by the…
A new foreign ownership duty in Queensland A new 3% duty surcharge will be applied to the acquisition of houses…
In succession planning, stamp duty is a cost borne by the transferee – typically the 2nd generation. However, the potential…
The 12 Major Things Builders Get Wrong That Either Cause or Complicate Contract Disputes Correctly identifying your own trading entity…
From 1 July 2016 the Queensland First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) will be boosted from $15,000 to $20,000. This boost…
Our Federal Parliament has today passed legislation aimed at collecting capital gains tax from foreign residents selling land for more…
A seller looking to conduct a Dutch auction may be bound before they think. An email exchange involving an agent…
Under the standard terms of a Contract, a Buyer must pay the deposit by the due date (usually on signing)….
When looking at properties available for sale, it is not unusual to be attracted to properties advertised as a ‘mortgagee…
Buying and owning commercial property brings extra issues to consider and address when compared to buying residential property. There are…
The Queensland Law Society (QLS) has summarised the changes made to the new REIQ residential property contract (10th Edition). The…
Rent Review Notices Commercial leases that include a ‘market rent’ review commonly allow a landlord to notify the tenant of…
New Changes to ‘Off the Plan’ Significant changes to off the plan sales in Queensland will happen if the Land…
In my article on 27 February, I flagged the likelihood that reforms within the financial sector would not stop there…
Recently, both the Subcontractors Charges Act 1974 and the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 were repealed and replaced…
What is a personal guarantee? A personal guarantee is essentially a promise by an individual to be personally liable for…
Murdoch Lawyers are pleased to announce that Mr John Lobban, one of Australia’s leading commercial litigation lawyers, has joined its…
Much has been written on the implications of the Royal Commission’s Final Report for the financial services sector, and in…
A private company that is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is a separate legal entity to…
A contract is legally binding when: A party makes an offer; The offer is accepted by the other parties; The…
There is a common misconception that parties must go to Court to resolve a dispute. It is certainly true that…
If you’re like most business owners, then its probably likely that at some point in the journey you have had…
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A spouse, child, or dependent may be aggrieved by the inadequate provision in the will of a deceased person. Section…
If you become bankrupt, either by a creditor petitioning for your bankruptcy or by the filing of your own bankruptcy…
“Damages” is a broad legal term which can cover a number of different forms of monetary relief awarded by a…
It is not uncommon for disputes to arise from time to time between landlords and tenants in the context of…
Sometimes people who should be provided for under a Will are left out, or not provided for adequately. A claim…
Guarantees: The Pitfalls of being a Co-Guarantor Revisited We have written previously on the dangers for guarantors who, to the…
ASIC Sets its Sights on Clipping Wings in 15/16. ASIC, the Commonwealth regulatory body charged with overseeing the conduct of…
High Court hits financial advisors where it hurts – restriction on apportionment of liability Where a financial advisor is found…
The High Court Decides that Negotiating a Better Deal will not Necessarily mean you are Better Off! It is commonplace…
The terms Deed of Assignment and Deed of Novation are often used interchangeably during legal negotiations and discussions, however, there…
Agistment and Non-Payment of Agistment Fees Agistment contracts usually contain terms which provide for the grazing of livestock owned by…
If you become bankrupt, either by a creditor petitioning for your bankruptcy or by the filing of your own bankruptcy…
Every week, all types of creditors (including the Australian Taxation Office) who are owed more than $2,000 by a Company…
Phase 1 – Consistent Regulation and More Power to Creditors Recently, on 1 March 2017, the Insolvency Law Reform Act…
A surprising and quite possibly unintended loophole has come to light in a recent Supreme Court decision, confirming that a…
Having obtained a judgment from the Court against someone (including a company) who may owe you money is, though a…
Recently, both the Subcontractors Charges Act 1974 and the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 were repealed and replaced…
Unless you hold security, your debt recovery options will depend on what type of entity owes you the debt, the…
Every week, all types of creditors (including the Australian Taxation Office) who are owed more than $2,000 by a Company…
When a relationship ends in a legal separation, each parent still has an obligation to support a child or children…
On 12 December 2018, the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) was amended to include an entitlement for unpaid family and…
Quite often people are of the view that their property will be split 50/50 if they separate. The reality is…
Murdoch Lawyers are proud to announce that the following recognition has been paid to our Toowoomba family law team by…
Making arrangements for children post separation can often be difficult, not only for parents but for the children themselves. Unsurprisingly,…
The existence of family violence is, at least presently, an unfortunate reality for many couples who separate. Whether that family…
From 1 August 2018, employees covered by a Modern Award will be entitled to 5 days of unpaid leave to…
The short answer is yes! When a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down, superannuation (super) can be divided between…
Unless you have been avoiding the internet, television, radio and social media for the past 24 hours, you have no…
For many people a property settlement will require careful consideration of their future asset structuring and protection. Pre-2017 it was…
Family law and Alternative Dispute Resolution in 2018 Nowadays many, if not most, people know a family member, friend, or…
The primary concerns for any parent going through a separation are: 1. When are they going to see their children;…
THE ISSUE Most people are aware that if they divide their estate unequally between their children (or on occasions leave…
It cannot be underestimated in family law, the benefit to parties of being able to choose a tailored process to…
The Child Support Agency (‘Agency’) was established to be an independent organisation to administer the Federal Government’s Child Support scheme….
Inheritances are often a contentious issue in family law property settlements due to the emotional significance that is attached to…
Quite often, lawyers are only approached by a client after they have reached an agreement with their former partner or…
This type of Agreement is used as an alternative to having an administrative assessment prepared by the Department of Human…
The Family Law Act 1975 provides for parties to a marriage or de facto relationship to enter into a binding…
A Parenting Plan is a written agreement that sets out the parenting arrangements for children. The plan is worked out…