Dying without a Will – A Family Law tale
When you die without a Will (intestate) in Queensland, it is the Succession Act which directs who is entitled to what you own. In many cases, this provides for an outcome that will not remotely reflect what you intended to happen with your estate. Take for instance the story of Louise. Married in her younger […]
A Dignified Divorce
It is a common misconception that just because parties have separated, they need to fight it out in Court. This is simply not true. Some parties walk into our office having already reached an agreement and just wish to formalise the agreement to make it legally binding. Others need a little guidance to help them […]
A Coal Miner, a Work Injury, and a Resignation Walk Into a Bar
It sounds like the start of a second-rate joke, and for some coal miners, it is. Following a work injury, many workers struggle to deal with their WorkCover obligations – let alone the commitments they still owe their employer. Whether it’s maintaining medical certificates, completing return-to-work programs, or simply grappling with the question, “what do […]
Renewing your vows – A cautionary tale
Sometimes couples have a low cost wedding due to financial constraints at the time, then have a more lavish wedding some years later when finances are better. It is has also become popular to have a discrete overseas wedding then when returning home to Australia, have a second wedding so family and friends can take […]
Keeping it Confidential
When you speak with a lawyer, you have the right to confidentiality. This includes your personal information, the legal advice given to you by the lawyer and the instructions you provide. You can provide permission to your lawyer to discuss your confidential information with external service providers, for example with a treating medical practitioner to […]
Silence is golden – or is it?
If you are questioned by the Police in connection with a crime, you should always presume that your conversation will be recorded and can be used as evidence against you. The conversation can be recorded by a body worn camera, dictaphone or by the Officer making notes of his/her conversation with you. In some cities, […]
5 Tips for Surviving Separation
It is important for you to look after yourself after a separation. We can look after your legal interests, but your self care is just as important. Separating from your spouse can be one of the hardest decisions you may ever face in your life. However, sometimes a separation can be the most liberating experience […]
“I’m going to take him to the cleaners”
Elizabeth Adams, Senior Family Law Solicitor explains how the attitude of “taking him to the cleaners” just might bring you a lot of stress and hurt your hip pocket. Separating from a spouse can be very messy. Someone you once loved can become your worst enemy, particularly when the separation is not a mutual decision. […]
High Conflict Divorces: Let Children Be Children
What are the Effects of Divorce on Children? Parental separation can turn a child’s life upside down. Generally, separated parents have good intentions to shield their children from conflict. Sometimes however, children can feel as though they are the rope in a tug-of-war battle. Conflict between parents can be as obvious as physical altercations, yelling […]
Who gets the property when a spouse or partner dies?
Who gets the property when a spouse or partner dies? The answer is not always as simple as it might seem … In our Wills and Estates practice area we deal with a large number of clients who have a significant portion of their wealth invested in real property. This could mean that a couple […]