Find out about the NSW Home Builder's Bonus available from 1 July 2010.
“I Only Want a Simple Will”
Estate Planning and Wills
Many clients contact the office stating, “I only want a simple Will”, but what does that mean today?
New Intestacy Rules Affecting Families
Estate Planning and Wills
Now more than ever, it is vitally important to have a valid Will. Amendments to the Succession Act, which came into effect on 1 March 2010, will affect the way a person's estate is divided in the event that they die without a valid Will.
Facebook and the Courts
Dispute Resolution
In a sign of the times, the Federal Magistrate’s Court has become the second court in three years to allow documents to be served through the social networking site, Facebook.
A Win for iiNet
Dispute Resolution
Internet service provider iiNet not liable for those who use the internet to take part in illegal copyright activities.
New 'Fair' Work Laws
Employment Law
The Fair Work Act 2009 came into force in July this year. It brings with it many changes including new unfair dismissal provisions, National Employment Standards and the obligation to bargain in good faith.
Aged care
Property Law
The transition into an Aged Care Facility, or into the care of a relative or friend can be disconcerting, particularly if there are any concerns over the legal issues in entering into these arrangements. This article looks at this difficult situation and examines the legal issues involved.
A Big Win
Dispute Resolution
Champion Legal recently successfully represented three couples who faced the loss of their homes. The decision saw victory against the ‘big end’ of town.
Single Figure Pricing
Commercial & Corporate Law
The Australian Parliament has amended section 53C of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth). It affects advertising pricing of goods and services to consumers and attacks the problem of misleading advertising masking hidden hidden fees and charges.
New legislation for challenging a Will
Estate Planning and Wills
New legislation in relation to challenging a Will came into force on 1 March 2009. The Family Provision Act was repealed and replaced by the Succession Act (Family Provision) Act 2008 ("Succession Act").
Is that all there is?
Commercial & Corporate Law
A common feature of franchise agreements is a clause which proclaims authoritatively that the signed agreement constitutes the whole agreement between the parties.
Housekeeper Claims
Family Law
Could a live-in housekeeper or carer be entitled to claim financial assistance from you or a make claim against your property?
Succession Planning for Small Business
Family Business
What are the fundamental aims of the participants in the conduct of the business? Is the business there to provide income with the families interests being paramount or is the family focused on ensuring the success of the business above everything else with the view that this will pass on the benefits and provide a balanced life.
Superannuation Death Benefits
Recently, a client came into our office wanting to have access to his wife's superannuation death benefits.What unfolded is a classic scenario. The deceased's wishes might not be honoured because of the provisions of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 which affect the distribution of his wife's superannuation.
Estates & Testamentary Trusts
Estate Planning and Wills
The next time you go to your solicitor to get your will done, we urge you to consider whether your estate should be managed after your death by requesting your solicitor to set up a testamentary trust.
Workplace Surveillance
Employment Law
The NSW Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (the Act) commenced on 7 October 2005. The Act evolved from previous legislation dealing exclusively with video surveillance.
De Facto Financial Matters
Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial Matters & Other Measures) Bill
The current proposal in Parliament is that the Family Court have jurisdiction to deal with the division of assets of de facto couples.
Making your Mark
Intellectual Property
One of the defining differences between a developed and a developing country is the level of recognition given to intellectual property (IP). Such things as trade marks, copyrights, patents, designs, and plant breeder’s rights (there are others) make up the IP legal domain. The one of these most frequently advised upon by Champion Legal is trade marks
Is WorkChoices Dead?
Changes to Employment Law under the new Labour Government
The new Federal Labor Government introduced the Workplace Relations (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill into Federal Parliament on 13 February 2008. It was passed by both Houses of Parliament into law and commenced on 28 March 2008.
The introduction of this law represents the first step in the transition to another “new” workplace relations system advocated by Labor in opposition and envisaged to be in place and operating from 1 January 2010.
