Why your company needs a Shareholders Agreement
Starting a business requires careful planning and consideration. A failure to allow for unforeseen events or for ways to resolve future disagreements could put your new venture at considerable risk. The repercussions of failing to plan are clearly illustrated in a...
Can your ex-de facto inherit under your Will?
Once upon a time you were happily living together with your de facto partner. Roses were bought, dinners were cooked, finances were shared and Wills were signed each leaving all of your assets to the other partner in the far away event of your tragic passing. Thoughts...
Moving in together? Are we now in a de facto relationship?
Just because a couple is living together it does not automatically mean that they are in a de facto relationship within the meaning of certain laws. There are many different factors to consider when assessing and determining whether two people are living in a de facto...
Financial Agreements as an estate planning tool
A Financial Agreement can be an effective tool for couples in managing their estate planning. Financial Agreements allow couples to pre-determine what they quantify as a fair distribution of their property and financial resources, in the event of a relationship...
Estate planning for blended families
Most of us appreciate the importance of making a Will and having an estate plan that sets out how we would like to provide for our loved ones when we die. If, like many Australians, you belong to a blended family, there are additional considerations when planning for...
Foreign Divorces – are they legal in Australia?
In certain circumstances a divorce granted overseas, even of a marriage performed in Australia, can be recognised here. In this article our family lawyers will look at the factors that the Court will take into account before recognising a foreign divorce. Divorce in...
Joint Venture or Partnership? Understanding the difference
A joint venture involves two or more persons or entities joining together for a particular project. A partnership is described as a relationship which exists between people carrying on a business, with a common view of making a profit. It also includes incorporated...
Succession planning for business owners
As a business owner, you deal with many responsibilities, including having to decide what to do with your business when you move on. Sometimes the logical endgame for a business is to be wound up, but in most cases, the aim is a smooth transition to new ownership....
The risks of being an executor – commissions and personal liability
Have you been appointed as an executor of a Will? Before administering the estate, you should understand that this role involves risks such as personal liability for the expenses of administering the estate. You also should be aware that you may be entitled to...
Subpoenas and family law court proceedings
Subpoenas play a very important role in discovering evidence and information in family law matters, especially when the other party is not complying with requests for information. There is a lot of work involved in applying for, filing, and serving a subpoena, which...