Can I Change the Locks After We Separate?
Separation is often a challenging and emotionally charged time in a person’s life, usually accompanied by significant decisions regarding living arrangements. One common question that arises during this period is whether it is legally permissible to change the locks on a property after separation. Unfortunately, it is difficult to give a simple answer to this…
How Mediation Can Help Resolve Your Family Law Matter
Mediation is a valuable and widely utilised method for resolving legal matters. This alternative form of dispute resolution is particularly valuable when it is desirable to maintain a relationship with the other party after the dispute, as is often the case in family law matters. Mediation offers a collaborative and less adversarial approach to addressing…
Buying a Property? Don’t Skip the Pre-Settlement Inspection
Purchasing a property is a significant undertaking. One crucial step in the process that should not be overlooked is the pre-settlement inspection. This involves the buyer inspecting the property just prior to completing the purchase. In this article, we explore the importance of pre-settlement inspections, when and how to conduct them, buyers’ rights, what to…
The financial risk in giving personal guarantees in leases
If you are a director of a company entering a commercial or retail lease, a landlord will likely require you to give a personal guarantee for the company’s obligations under the lease. In such cases, directors should fully understand the extent of the guarantee they are providing and obtain appropriate legal advice to minimise financial…
Is a testamentary trust right for you?
One of the most loving things that you can do for your family is make plans for what happens after you die. This is particularly important if you have children or vulnerable adults who depend on you financially. A testamentary trust might be the right tool to help you look after those you love. What…
Family law and financial abuse
Financial abuse occurs where a person uses systematic coercion to control another family member’s access to money or assets, whether the victim of the financial abuse is currently in, or was in, an intimate relationship with the perpetrator. Financial abuse is considered a form of domestic violence. There is recourse and assistance available for people…
Contributory negligence – how it affects your compensation claim?
Contributory negligence occurs where an injured person (plaintiff) is found to have contributed to their personal injury in some way through their own negligence. Insurance companies, persons or organisations that are being sued for compensation (defendant), may try to use the defence of contributory negligence. They may do so by arguing the plaintiff is partially…
Buying a property at auction – Things you need to know BEFORE the auction day
Buying a property can be an intimidating process, especially at an auction where you are competing with other buyers and there is no cooling-off period. Many properties are sold at auction, particularly in a rising market, so it is important for buyers to understand the processes involved so they can bid confidently on the auction…
Options to renew in commercial leases – don’t get caught out!
An option clause is a term in a commercial lease that allows a tenant to renew their lease at the end of the original lease period, if they meet certain conditions. Landlords are not obliged to offer a renewal option. However, it is often in the interests of both parties if they are interested in…
Buying Land to Build Your Dream Home – Top Tips
Building their own home is a dream for many people, but it can be a more intimidating prospect than simply buying an existing house. One of the first and most challenging steps is to find the right plot of land. Unfortunately, this task does not end when you find vacant land (a difficult enough task…