News
‘Click here’ – electronic execution of documents is here to stay
The COVID-19 pandemic not only brought with it changes to how we live our lives, but also clarified the validity of some increasingly common business processes. One of those innovations relates to the way in which documents may be executed by companies. Prior to March...
The danger in changing trustees
Will and Kate are an elderly couple you have been working with for only a little over 12 months. You have done four jobs for them already, and so thrilled when Will calls you again in the space of 2 weeks to say he wanted to discuss his new business idea. Will tells...
Landholding Discretionary Trusts and the potential avalanche of stings……
You are relaxing by an open fire nursing a mug of warm mulled wine when your phone starts ringing. You look down and see it is work. Whilst you had asked not to be disturbed on your skiing holiday, after spending most of the day splayed out on the snow in the star...
What employers need to know about new casual employment laws
The Fair Work Act (FWA) was recently amended to change workplace rights for casual employees, and places new obligations on employers. A new definition of casual employment has been introduced, as well as a pathway for casual employees to move to permanent employment,...
Understanding easements in your property contract
Identifying and understanding easements in a property transaction is an important part of the conveyancing process. Vendors are required to disclose all easements affecting the land they propose to sell in a property contract, and buyers should ensure they are aware...
The risks of being an executor + commissions and personal liability
Are you 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 commission for your ‘handy...
Don’t pay stamp duty if you don’t have to
Snap shot: Always follow testamentary options strictly in accordance with the will. Check for Revenue Rulings for guidance Megan, a long-term client and friend comes in to see you about her late sister’s estate. Megan tells you she has been given an option in the will...
Selling your farm
Selling rural property requires additional considerations not common to the transfer of residential property. Ancillary to the land and improvements is the ‘business’ of the farm which may involve the transfer of crops, stock, plant and machinery. There may be water...
Estate planning – what is an estate plan?
An estate plan involves more than signing a Will and storing it in a ‘safe place’. Estate planning requires a holistic approach in consideration of a person’s present circumstances and foreseeable future. A plan needs to consider who matters, what you have now, what...
Business structures: Partnerships – the pros and cons
When commencing a business venture, it is necessary to consider the most appropriate type of business structure to put in place. In Australia, there are 4 common business structures – sole trader, partnership, trust and company. Different business structures have...