News

For most, superannuation is one of their largest assets. A person’s superannuation account usually comprises of their member (employment/sacrificed) contributions and policy benefits (such as death benefits). However, what most people do not realise is that death benefits and superannuation accounts may not form part of a deceased’s estate. Therefore, that money may not be…

Under the Australian legal system, people are free to decide how they wish to distribute their assets upon their death. Such decisions should always be confirmed within a Will. Where a person has not made a Will during their lifetime then, upon their death, the distribution of their assets will be determined by the laws…

I do not believe the Will is valid. How may I stop Probate? In probate proceedings, you may be able to file a caveat on probate, administration or resealing at the Supreme Court of Western Australia (the “Court”). Once a caveat on probate, administration or resealing is successfully filed, the caveat will prevent an intending…

While not every traffic offence requires the recipient to go to court, if a charge is brought against you and you are convicted at trial after entering a plea of guilty or after being found guilty, the penalties can be severe. It’s important that you make it a priority to speak to a local team…

The one question all parents ask themselves when separating or going through a divorce is, ‘Who will my child (or children) end up living with?’ It’s a complex issue that can require a ruling from the Family Court in the form of parenting orders. The Court’s main responsibility when issuing such an order is to…

A notary public, also known as a public notary or simply, a notary, is often a practising solicitor appointed by a State or Territory Supreme Court and given statutory powers. Their role is to perform a wide range of administrative functions, including preparing, witnessing, administering, certifying or notarising originals and copies of legal documents for…

A trust is a legal relationship in which a person or corporate entity (the trustee) holds assets on behalf of and for the benefit of one or more third parties (the beneficiaries). The trustee is the owner of the trust property — not the beneficial owner — and can be a person, legal, or corporate…

The moment two people realise their relationship is over and decide to separate or divorce is often one of the most emotionally charged experiences anyone can go through in life. And while it’s understandable that you and your former de facto partner or spouse may want to rush this difficult process, it is important you…

Going through a divorce is an emotionally draining experience for everyone involved and sadly, one that occurs all too often. Confronting the reality of a life apart brings many conflicting feelings to the surface – so many that it may seem as though an amicable solution will always be out of reach. In situations like…