When you are looking at purchasing a Strata Unit it is imperative to instruct your solicitor to obtain a Strata Inspection Report. The Report will provide information regarding not only the amount of quarterly levies and the balance of the administrative and sinking funds, but also the existence of a Special Levy or a [...]
We recently received an enquiry from a person who had purchased a block of land some time ago – the land is located in an area well known for having land slip and stability problems. At the time of purchase, the Contract contained a GEO Technical Report which indicated that whilst the land was located [...]
Generally speaking, you can manage your estate planning in order to direct what property of yours you would like to find its way into a testamentary trust created under your will for your beneficiaries after you die. But the following should be borne in mind. Joint Tenancy Property that you hold as a joint tenant with another [...]
A very recent decision in a case which went all the way to the High Court has reinforced the need to act fairly at all times when entering into a Financial Agreement under the Family Law Act. In the particular case in question, a couple met online when the wife lived overseas. She subsequently [...]
The answer to this depends on the likely value of your deceased estate and the number of primary beneficiaries who you would like to take a share in that estate. If your beneficiary or each of your beneficiaries is likely to receive a sum of $500,000 or more then it is certainly worth considering [...]
Did you know that your superannuation does not form part of your deceased estate? Many people consider that if they have made a will then they have taken care of all of their estate planning. They may even believe that their superannuation death benefits will be distributed in accordance with the terms of their [...]
What happens if someone tapes a conversation with their ex without their knowledge? Although it is usually illegal to record someone without their knowledge, in some circumstances such a recording may be still used in evidence. In a recent case, the court was asked to determine whether recordings made by a woman could be [...]
If you’ve been to see a solicitor recently about a conveyancing matter they may have asked for a photocopy of your ID, including passport, licence, birth certificate and other documents. There is a very important reason for this. NSW has recently brought in legislative amendments to facilitate electronic conveyancing (“e-conveyancing”). This system, which allows [...]
The issue of financial assistance from parents to adult children is very topical and will continue to be so whilst the price for properties remains out of reach for many young people. It is very important for parents to get proper legal advice when deciding to help their children purchase a property. Simply providing [...]
A section 149 certificate providing the local council’s zoning and other information in relation to a property within its Local Environmental Plan is a mandatory disclosure document in every contract for sale and purchase of land in New South Wales. It is critical to always check for a purchaser or the grantee of any [...]