Knowledge

Looking back on the year that was and ahead to 2020

Zac Herps, Hillhouse Legal Partners’ Managing Director, looks back on a busy 2019 and ahead to a new year full of promise.

What to do when someone passes away

While it’s always a difficult time when someone close to you dies, if you’re the executor of their estate you need to be aware of what to do next. Robert Lamb looks at the steps to take when someone passes away.

Why you should have a Will once you turn 18

Many young people put off creating a Will, perhaps thinking that it’s not something they need to worry about until later in life. Robert Lamb discusses why everyone over 18 should have a Will.

What you need to know about new proposed legislation on the land tax payable by discretionary trusts holding residential property in NSW

Craig Hong investigates new proposed legislation in NSW which means any discretionary trust that holds, or intends to hold, residential property must be urgently reviewed before end December.

How recent changes to the Land Act will provide exemption for some leaseholders

Daniel Lilley looks at how recent changes to the Land Act will provide exemptions from the transfer approval process for leaseholders of certain state land transferring certain types of leases.

To guarantee or not to guarantee. Part 2 of 2

In Ben’s last article he explored just what a guarantee and indemnity is, in Part 2 he looks at why you should always ask for a guarantee and/or indemnity, and why you should avoid giving them wherever possible.

The impact of the PPSA and the Carpenter International decision on the sale of livestock – a reminder for primary producers and stock agents

Michael Morris explains how the PPSR is impacting the sale of livestock and reveals how one simple precaution can save a lot of heartache and potentially a significant amount of money.

Handling of employee entitlements is an important consideration when buying or selling an accommodation business

David Adolphe explains why it is important all parties involved in the sale of an accommodation business are clear about their respective obligations in dealing with employee entitlements.

What the Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme means for you

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme allows some first home buyers to purchase a first home with a deposit as little as 5% and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Zac Herps examines the benefits and possible problems.

To guarantee or not to guarantee. Part 1 of 2

Most people will have been asked to give a guarantee or indemnity at some stage, but may not always understand the full ramifications of doing so. Ben Ryan looks at guarantees and indemnities.

How good planning can minimise Will disputes

For many reasons, there has been a rise in the number of Will disputes and challenges within families. Robert Lamb discusses how good planning and experienced advice can help ensure your Will, and your interests, are protected.

ACCC sues Google over misleading consumers – what does this mean?

Google is being sued by the ACCC over allegedly misleading consumers about collection and use of location data. Ben Ryan reviews the allegations and what it means for consumers.

The lessons from Woolworths Group: the value of checking your employment agreements

A recent review found that Woolworths Group had underpaid around 5,700 salaried store team members. Robert Lamb considers this recent development.

The mindful lawyer: how to turn habits into opportunities

We recently invited Paul Pitsaras, Managing Director of The Open Mind Institute, to speak with the team about maintaining positive mental health. His talk was part of a week-long mental well-being exercise for the team. Read for his key takeaways.

What are your options when it comes to chasing a client for an unpaid invoice?

You have been chasing a client for weeks and they just won’t pay your invoice. So, why not send a Statutory Demand? Ben Ryan looks at the risks of issuing Statutory Demands and other recovery options available.