Are you or a loved one part of a blended family? Do you have a valid Will? There is no doubt that making a Will is important for everyone and especially if you are a member of a blended family. Blended Families and Where to Begin? A blended family is a family where one or [...]
Concerningly, over 50% of Australians don’t have a Will or estate plan. Although it may seem overwhelming to appoint an Attorney to make decisions for you if you lose capacity or appoint a guardian of your children if you die while they are still young, without proper estate planning, your loved ones will be left [...]
Property easements grant the right for an individual, group or company to access, use or cross someone else’s property for a particular reason. Common easements can include shared driveways, power lines or sewerage. Understanding property easements is important as they can potentially impact your property value, and use of the area that the easement covers. [...]
When it comes to commercial leases, you should have an experienced lawyer review the paperwork. Why? Because once you sign a commercial property lease, you are legally bound by its contents. Therefore, it's imperative to understand your responsibilities and obligations before making a significant financial commitment to your business. Commercial property lease clauses If you [...]
There is usually a lot at stake when dealing with land. Property disputes often have serious financial implications because you may end up losing part of your land. And if you do not deal with the problem early it will usually be an expensive exercise to resolve. People also underestimate the non financial impacts [...]
When it comes to estate planning, trusts can play an integral role in managing and allocating assets. At its core, a trust is a legal agreement where a trustee holds property for the benefit of beneficiaries. Trusts can be organised in various ways, each with its regulations and tax implications. Trusts are widely used in [...]
Retirement villages are becoming popular across Australia, offering an active lifestyle. If you're considering entering into an agreement to live in a retirement community, it's important to note that it's not a simple property transaction. Entering a retirement village agreement is a complex legal transaction and requires attention. Before you sign a retirement village agreement, [...]
Beneficiaries of estates often wonder why it takes so long for an executor to administer an estate. While it may feel like a long time before you receive your inheritance, it’s essential to recognise that administering an estate is a complex process. In fact, there are common factors that contribute to delays in estate administration. [...]
When it comes to sorting out a plan with an Estate lawyer in Geelong, most people often overlook including a business succession plan. People often believe that their business will automatically pass on to their family or executors of the estate in the event of their death or loss of agency. However, transferring a business's [...]
Written by: Alison Mitchell, Senior Lawyer in Wills & Estates and Practice Manager Have you ever thought about what happens to everything and everyone you care about if you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you can’t make decisions? Whilst most of us have a Will in place or have thought about making a [...]
