Legal Articles
Recent Articles
- All
- Anti Bikie Laws
- Bank
- Body Corporate
- Business
- Buying
- Buying & Selling Property
- Commercial
- Community Management Act
- Contract
- Conveyancing
- Copyright
- Defamation
- Discrimination
- Dispute Resolution
- Employee
- Estate Administration
- Estate Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Family
- Flood
- General
- General Stuff
- Guarantee
- Immigration
- Industrial Relations
- Information
- Insurance
- Investment
- Know-How
- Litigation
- Personal Property Securities Act 2009
- Personal Property Securities Register
- Podcast
- Power of Attorney
- Property
- Real Estate
- Residential
- Retail Shop Leases Act
- Selling
- Taxation
- Trade Practices
- Trusts
- Uncategorized
- Unfair Dismissal
- Wills
- Youth Allowance
Tuesday, January 21, 2020Identify the Boundary of your Lot BEFORE Settlement
Certain Clauses in the Commercial Contract and the Houses and Land Contract entitle a purchaser to conduct an identification survey of a chosen lot/land....
Friday, December 20, 2019Property Investors Report 2020: Market Predictions
Property Investors Report 2020: Market Predictions Based on recent articles coming out from market predictors such as Realestate.com and the Property Observer, Brisbane’s property...
Wednesday, December 18, 2019Settlement Day: What Happens?
Settlement Day: What Happens? When buying a home, settlement is the last step in the property transaction process. In order to provide some clarity...
Wednesday, November 20, 2019Gold Coast Body Corporate Succeeds in banning AirBnb from its Complex
Gold Coast Body Corporate Succeeds in Banning AirBnb from Its Complex Gold Coast Body Corporate bans AirBnb from its Complex. An appeals Tribunal has...
Thursday, November 14, 2019So, you have told your partner that you want to separate… Now what?
So, you have told your partner that you want to separate… Now what? We understand that going through any kind of separation can be...
Wednesday, October 16, 2019What happens if we die at the same time?
I am often asked the question by clients when taking Will instructions – What happens to my estate if my spouse and I both...
Friday, October 11, 2019BUYERS BEWARE
A Guide for Buyers on how to protect your rental investment from illicit drug labs: Brisbane is currently facing a methamphetamine epidemic. Unfortunately, it...
Wednesday, September 18, 2019Commercial Leases: Get them in writing to ensure you get the best deal!
It is vital to always get your commercial lease in writing. It may seem like a basic or obvious statement, however, in commercial practice,...
Wednesday, September 4, 2019Who Pays Special Levies? Buyer or Seller?
Special levies are additional levies, collected by the Body Corporate to pay for unexpected costs during the financial year. These can be costs that...
Friday, August 16, 2019LETTER OF FINANCE APPROVAL
Most Contracts of sale are subject to finance and unless you, as the buyer, approve or waive the finance condition under the contract by...
Wednesday, July 31, 2019Avoid The Common Mistakes First Home Buyers Make
Here is how to avoid the most common mistakes most first home buyers make when house hunting & purchasing their first property. Buying your...
Sunday, July 28, 2019What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document that states what you would like to happen with your money, belongings and other assets when you pass...
Saturday, June 29, 2019End of Financial Year Time – Land Tax Budget 2019-2020
With the End of Financial Year (‘EOFY’) soon approaching the Queensland Government have released a new Land Tax Budget for 2019-2020. Below is a...
Thursday, June 20, 2019Should you be getting a prenuptial agreement? Our advice on how to avoid the pitfalls
Creating a Binding Financial Agreement before marriage (commonly known as a “prenuptial agreement” or “prenup”) has become increasingly popular. A prenuptial agreement serves to...
Wednesday, June 19, 2019Joint Tenants v Tenants in Common – Conveyancing 101
When two or more people decide to enter into the property market together, they must make the decision of whether to hold the property...
Friday, June 7, 20195 Top Tips on Buying Property: For both Seller & Buyer!
5 Top Tips on Buying Property: For both Seller & Buyer! 1. Seller’s take note – When you’re engaging in a contract to sell...
Saturday, May 25, 2019Conveyancing Legal Jargon Explained
Legal Conveyancing 101 Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of title or interest of title over of a property or asset to...
Friday, May 17, 2019FINANCIER’S REQUIREMENTS FOR SELLERS
Release of Mortgage Document A ‘how-to & why’ you need to obtain the Release of Mortgage document from your financier. If you have the...
Monday, May 13, 2019QLD SMOKE ALARMS – Be prepared for the updates!
There has been confusion of late when Building inspectors are conducting inspections of properties with regards to QLD smoke alarms. The latest legislative updates...
Friday, May 10, 2019PAPER CERTIFICATES OF TITLE ARE CHANGING AS OF OCTOBER 2019
As of October 1st 2019, Paper Certificates of Title (Paper CT’s) will no longer have any legal effect. A recent bill was passed on...
Wednesday, April 10, 2019Amendments in Division 7A
Amendments in Division 7A Extensive amendments were previously outlined in Treasury’s Targeted amendments to Division 7A; which commencement was originally set to on 1 July 2019...
Wednesday, April 3, 2019Paid out your Mortgage? Get a Release of Mortgage
Paying off the final mortgage repayment isn’t as final you may think. Your financier won’t always automatically release your property from the mortgage.
Wednesday, March 27, 2019Checking for Building Certification When Purchasing a Commercial Property
When purchasing a commercial property there are many things that a buyer must consider. One which is often overlooked is whether the building has...
Wednesday, March 20, 2019The Family, The Contract and The Failed Builder
This young family could have been out of pocket and with a poorly built home. They called us and rectified the situation.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019How Tenants Impact the Purchase of Commercial Property
A current tenancy can influence all other decision making factors when determining whether a commercial property is worth the investment.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019Commercial Leasing – Who Flips the Bill for Repairs?
The legal obligations of a landlord and tenant regarding maintenance and repair of the premises are set out in the lease, which is often...
Wednesday, February 27, 2019Home Buyers: How Can Existing Tenants Affect Your Stamp Duty Concession?
You've finally found the perfect home! But there's a catch, it has current tenants. How does this impact you eligibility for Stamp Duty Concession?...
Wednesday, February 20, 2019Parents, is it Loan or Gift? It Matters!
Planning on loaning money to your child and their partner? Be sure that you have evidence that it is a loan and not a...
Friday, February 15, 2019How the Wrong Name on Conveyancing Contracts can Cost You
On occasion, when clients are unable to obtain finance for a property purchase on, their own they will look to add another party as...
Monday, February 4, 2019Resolving Shareholder Disputes
In the commercial environment, it is common that shareholder disputes can arise and result in large personal cost. However, these disputes can be often...
Tuesday, January 29, 2019Entering a Commercial Lease Agreement
Seek legal advice prior to entering into a commercial lease agreement.
Monday, November 26, 2018Have you updated your Will since separating from your partner?
Have you updated your Will since separating from your partner? Have you updated your Will since separating from your partner? If not, your ex...
Tuesday, November 13, 2018Questions to Ask your Conveyancer
Questions to Ask your Conveyancer Buying a home or business can be one of the biggest purchases of your life, so trusting a professional...
Monday, July 23, 2018I have a Will, But Do I need an Enduring Power of Attorney?
Most people know that they should make a Will but aren’t aware that making an Enduring Power of Attorney is just as important. Your...
Thursday, July 12, 2018Law Change to include GST payment at Residential Settlement
Law Change to include GST payment at Residential Settlement A new change for residential property purchases has been put in motion from 1 July...
Tuesday, April 24, 2018Mass Email Leads to Employee Dismissal
A refinery operator, unhappy when he found out that some of his work colleagues had participated in company-provided fire training, voiced his displeasure...
Thursday, March 29, 2018How Much Stamp Duty am I Paying on Multiple Transactions?
Stamp Duty Payable on Multiple Transactions In accordance to the Duties Act, the stamp duty payable when a purchaser acquires multiple properties from the...
Thursday, March 15, 2018Finance Approval When Buying Property
Finance Approval When Buying Property Most Contracts of sale are subject to finance and unless you, as the buyer, approve or waive the finance...
Monday, February 19, 2018International Women’s Day Fun Run
Hatzis Lawyers is a proud participant of the International Women’s Day Fun Run Each day, 48 women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. On...
Monday, February 12, 2018Simple mistakes made by businesses failing to register security interests
The introduction of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (“the Act”) is by no means recent and many aspects of the Act have...
Monday, January 29, 2018Is having employees work from home a risk for your business?
Is having employees work from home a risk for your business – how much is your degree of control over your offsite workers? According...
Monday, January 29, 2018Have You Thought About Mediation?
Have You Thought About Mediation? Recently our family law team has had a number of successful outcomes at mediation. Congrats team! Picture your worst...
Monday, December 18, 2017How do I stop my sellers from engaging in my same business?
Purchase of Business – Restraint of Trade If you are considering purchasing a business, one of the important factors you will need to consider...
Monday, December 18, 2017Getting Paid – Debt Recovery Voucher System
Small businesses often find themselves in difficult situations when debts are validly owed by debtors, and there are multiple unpaid invoices stacking up. Our...
Monday, December 18, 2017Why you should always seek advice before signing a Contract
It never ceases to amaze that people will enter into Contracts for large sums of money without initially seeking advice on the nature...
Monday, December 18, 2017Can your ex-partner refuse to let you see your kids for Christmas?
Do you have children under 16 that don’t live with you anymore due to the break up of your family? Do you have your Christmas Holidays...
Monday, December 11, 2017How Important is the Name in the Contract?
We will review your contract for FREE as part of our residential conveyancing service when you have chosen Hatzis Lawyers at either of...
Monday, December 11, 2017Important issues about Wills
Too often we see or hear about Wills being disputed in the Courts. Here are some important issues you should be aware of in...
Monday, December 11, 2017Judge Rules Unsent Text Message Constitutes a Valid Will
In Queensland in general, for a Will to be valid and enforceable, it must be in writing and signed in front of two...
Monday, December 11, 2017Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common – What’s the Difference?
Joint Tenancy and Tenancy in Common - What's the Difference? According to the 2016 ABS data, 78% of Brisbane residents lived in...
Thursday, December 7, 2017Additional Transfer Duty Applicable for Foreign Acquirers of Residential Property
Additional Transfer Duty Applicable for Foreign Purchaser of Residential Property Additional foreign acquirer duty (AFAD) was imposed in Queensland on 1 October...
Monday, October 23, 2017Awnings block the views of North Queensland Property
What Constitutes Private Nuisance – obstructing a view ? A recent case, Miles v Gough, was heard in the Queensland Court of Appeal...
Monday, October 16, 2017Misrepresentation of Information in Legal Contracts
Making Custodian Pty Ltd v CBRE (C) Pty Ltd QSC 80. It is important to note, when dealing with legally binding contracts, that...
Monday, October 9, 2017Misuse of Confidential Imformation
A recent case heard in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in late 2016 has clarified how the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and...
Monday, September 18, 2017Foreign resident capital gains withholding payments – impacts on foreign and Australian residents
Foreign resident capital gains withholding payments – impacts on foreign and Australian residents Following on from our previous article regarding foreign residents acquiring taxable...
Monday, September 18, 2017Overseas travel and separated parents.
Overseas Travel and Separated Parents Holiday arrangements for children, including a parent taking a child overseas, are a common topic of disputes between separated...
Thursday, April 27, 2017Five Steps to freedom
Is your relationship strained beyond repair? Not sure what your options are? Confused, will it be costly, how can I protect myself, how...
Wednesday, April 19, 2017Changes to Retail Shop Leasing Bill in Queensland
Changes to Retail Shop Leasing Bill in Queensland Background On 10 May 2016 the Retail Shop Leases Amendment Bill 2015 (‘the Bill’) was...
![Large group of happy people standing embraced and looking at the camera.
[url=http://www.istockphoto.com/search/lightbox/9786738][img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/40117171/group.jpg[/img][/url]](https://www.hatzislawyers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/people-400x400.jpg "Large group of smiling people.")
Wednesday, December 14, 2016New foreign resident withholding tax for property sales catches more than foreigners and property.
New tax to apply on property sold over $2m to foreign residents Introduction The Australian Government has recently passed new legislation pertaining to the withholding...
Saturday, November 5, 2016Changes to Emergency Services Act to improve protection against house fires
Recent reforms to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 will improve personal safety in domestic dwellings by imposing strict requirements for the installation...
Thursday, June 16, 2016New change to the First Home Owners’ Grant
New change to the First Home Owners’ Grant The Queensland Government has introduced the Queensland First Home Owners’ Grant, formerly known as the Great...
Tuesday, June 14, 2016New Tax to Apply on Property Sold over $2m to Foreign Residents
The Australian Government has recently passed new legislation pertaining to the withholding tax on payments for the disposal of taxable Australian property.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016Independent Contractors
Independent Contractors A recent Federal Court decision in the case of SBA Music Pty Ltd v Hall (No 3) outlines the legal avenues...
Tuesday, May 24, 2016Buyers Wanting To Add Other Names To A Contract
Buyers Wanting To Add Other Names To A Contract We have on occasion seen clients who are unable to obtain finance for a property...
Monday, May 23, 2016When can my child decide where they want to live?
When can my child decide where they want to live? A frequently asked question by separated parents is “when can my child decide where...
Thursday, April 14, 2016Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common
Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common would be the legal jargon that buyers will hear when they purchase a property together....
Thursday, April 14, 2016My Assets Go To My Husband On My Death, don’t they?
There is a common misconception that if you are married you do not need a Will because your assets will pass to your spouse....
Wednesday, April 6, 2016In these Complex Times, Will a Simple Will Cut the Mustard?
As our lives get more complex, it's only common sense that so too will our estate planning. For people who have a business or...
Monday, February 22, 2016Why Shareholder’s Agreements are critical when starting a business
Shareholder’s Agreement is a contract between two or more partners that outlines the funding, structure and management of a business and its owners. It...
Wednesday, January 13, 2016Retirement Village Units Tips and Traps
One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding to move into a retirement village unit is the costs of the unit you intend...
Thursday, December 10, 2015What to Do If You’re in Dispute with Your Franchisor
Often clients having bought into a franchise with little upfront advice will contact us raising questions as to the ability of the franchisor to...
Thursday, November 19, 2015Sold Under Market Value: The Duties of the Mortgagee
Sold Under Market Value: The Duties of Mortgagee A 2013 decision of the NSW Supreme Court reminds mortgagors and those exercising powers of sale...
Monday, October 26, 2015First Home Owners & Stamp Duty
First Home Owners & Stamp Duty What You Need to Know About Stamp Duty if You are a First Home Owner First Home owners...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015Foreign Persons and the law requiring acquiring property in Australia
Foreign Persons and the law requiring acquiring property in Australia Recently we have had clients who are married and live in China – one...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015Do you have the right to a view?
Do you have the right to a view? COLLARD v BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL QPEC 62 Do you have the right to a view?...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015Property copyright disputes
Property copyright disputes Commonly we hear about copyright claims insofar as pieces of artwork, musical arrangements and cinematic works are concerned. Less often, however,...
Tuesday, August 11, 20152015 Proposed WorkCover Changes
2015 Proposed WorkCover Changes The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced into Parliament on 15 July 2015. The Bill...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015Unfair Dismissal Case
Unfair Dismissal Case Keenan v Leighton Contractors is a case whereby, a team leader told a board member to “F*** off”, repeatedly proposing to...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015Contracts are legally binding documents – it’s important whose name is on them!
Contracts are legally binding documents – it’s important whose name is on them! Taheri v Vitek is a case surrounding the appellant wife and...
Friday, August 7, 2015Is That Really a Copyright Claim?
Commonly we hear about copyright claims insofar as pieces of artwork, musical arrangements and cinematic works are concerned. Less often, however, do you hear...
Tuesday, August 4, 2015Get Your Commission on the Day of Settlement
Get Your Commission on the Day of Settlement Would you like your commission paid direct to your bank account on the day of settlement? Hatzis Lawyers...
Tuesday, July 28, 2015Electronic Conveyancing is Here
Electronic Conveyancing is Here All Lawyers will soon be able to prepare title documents and settle residential Conveyancing matters electronically using the National Word...
Thursday, July 23, 2015How to Handle a Complaint to a Dismissal
When workplace issues arise, it is usual for some negativity to build between the two parties causing tension between them and for one...
Friday, July 10, 2015Can a Trade Union Enter My Workplace?
Can a Trade Union Enter My Workplace? A client has recently come to us with issues regarding Trade Unions entering onto construction sites without...
Monday, July 6, 2015What is a Prenup and Do They Work?
In this podcast, George Hatzis discusses both the advantages and complexities of “prenups,” or as they’re commonly referred, “binding financial agreements.
Monday, July 6, 2015How to Minimise the Risks When Outsourcing
Driving efficiency in your business is a key objective and with it, comes the search to find new ways of getting the work done, but...
Monday, July 6, 2015How to Start a Business and Minimise the Risks
When it comes to establishing a business, there’s a lot in it. It’s not unusual that new business owners in haste to kick start...
Monday, July 6, 2015How to Start Estate Planning
When and how do you start thinking about making sure that those who you love are taken care of in the event of your...
Monday, July 6, 2015Why You Need an Up to Date Will
Have you ever wondered what happens if you or someone you love passes away without having a will, or an up to date...
Wednesday, June 17, 2015Employee redundancy checklist
Employee redundancy checklist If you have recently been made redundant and feel you have been unfairly dismissed, please answer the following questions to see...
Wednesday, May 20, 2015Manager who Hits Employee Sacked, but Court has Another View.
Manager who Hits Employee Sacked, but Court has Another View. An interesting case in South Australia last week, with the former Manager of Peter...
Monday, May 4, 2015Getting Paid
Getting Paid Does your business struggle to chase up overdue client payments? Do you find yourself wasting your day following up client debtors when...
Monday, May 4, 2015The Importance of Strictly Wording Binding Documents
The Importance of Strictly Wording Binding Documents We recently acted in an estates matter where the deceased had nominated his estate trustee as the...
Tuesday, April 21, 2015A Guide to Buying your Home
A Guide to Buying your Home In December 2014, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland issued the Tenth Edition of Contracts for Houses and...
Thursday, April 2, 2015Testamentary Capacity and Making a Will
Testamentary Capacity and Making a Will Our Estates team at Hatzis Lawyers deal with a wide range of Wills and Estate planning enquiries and...
Thursday, April 2, 2015Agents Commission
Agents Commission It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that an agent who locates a buyer and brings about an unconditional contract must be in...
Thursday, November 20, 2014Divorced husband loses opportunity to claim property settlement
A recent decision of the full court of the Family Court of Australia determined a case involving a husband and wife married for 22...
Tuesday, September 9, 201412 extra reasons to use Hatzis Lawyers
We can’t comment on what other solicitors will do with their fees, but we can tell you what we will do for you! Do other...
Thursday, September 4, 2014Making sure you get your contract right the first time
Making sure you get your contract right the first time Commonly some of the problems we see home buyers make are those created by...
Thursday, September 4, 2014The cheapest part of any legal transaction is at the beginning
The cheapest part of any legal transaction is at the beginning. One of the most important things we tell our clients whether they live...
Wednesday, August 27, 2014Increased risk of legal action for employers disregarding mental health
Increased risk of legal action for employers disregarding mental health. It appears that employers may not be responding to the mental health of their...
Wednesday, August 6, 2014Don’t sign an REIQ contract unless we see it first!
Don’t sign an REIQ contract unless we see it first! Our firm has been thriving for nearly 30 years, and commonly some of the...
Friday, August 1, 2014Distribution of possessions after divorce: How we can help
Distribution of possessions after divorce: How we can help. Divorce is a very stressful process. After a divorce you are juggling your feelings for your...
Monday, July 28, 2014Things to consider before signing a commercial lease
Things to consider before signing a commercial lease When organising a commercial lease agreement, it is important that you take into account a couple...
Friday, July 18, 2014Things to keep in mind when planning your estate
Things to keep in mind when planning your estate. As you get older, it is important to begin to plan your estate to both...
Friday, July 18, 2014Baden-Clay convicted two years after Allison’s death
Baden-Clay convicted two years after Allison’s death. Finally, it is over. Two years after the death of Allison Baden-Clay, her husband Gerard Baden-Clay has been...
Tuesday, July 15, 2014Laws Regarding Compensating Abusive Parents to be Reviewed
Laws Regarding Compensating Abusive Parents to be Reviewed. The Victorian Government has been involved in two cases in the past year where an abusive...
Tuesday, July 1, 2014Disassociating from a Criminal Gang
Disassociating from a Criminal Gang. As of 1st July, particular industries have amended their licensing requirements so that active members of criminal organisations, including criminal...
Tuesday, May 27, 2014Sports Clubs’ Should Review Anti-Doping Initiatives
Sports Clubs’ Should Review Anti-Doping Initiatives. Recently we have acted on behalf of a sporting club in reviewing their anti-doping policy. We re-designed the current...
Friday, May 23, 2014Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability Part 2
Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability Part 2 As introduced in article one, the amendment, related to the simplistic approach to streamlining a...
Friday, May 23, 2014Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability: Part 3
Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability: Part 3. Part 3 – Deemed liability provisions’ This third and final provision provides a direct liability definition of...
Friday, May 23, 2014Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability Part 1
Fairness in the Workplace: Accusations and Liability Part 1. Part 1 - Fairness across the board in workplace accusations and corporate liability. Queensland has passed...
Monday, May 19, 2014Legal Action Taken to Prevent Dumping in Barrier Reef
Legal Action Taken to Prevent Dumping in Barrier Reef. The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) will be defending the dumping of dredge...
Monday, May 19, 2014Controversial Police Sting Tactic Under Legal Question
Controversial Police Sting Tactic Under Legal Question. A police tactic used in the capture of several high-profile killers, including that of the late Daniel Morcombe, is...
Friday, May 16, 2014Movement on father’s overnight access, balance between parents suggested
Movement on father’s overnight access, balance between parents suggested. Family Law principles relied upon by Courts and Lawyers regarding separated fathers having their children...
Monday, May 12, 2014Withholding Information when Selling a House may cost you
Withholding Information when Selling a House may cost you. We have recently been consulted for advice by a real estate agent who has run...
Friday, March 7, 2014Reviewing A Binding Financial Agreement is Essential!
Reviewing A Binding Financial Agreement is Essential! When a client calls us about reviewing a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) an extensive review of a...
Tuesday, February 25, 2014“Walk In Walk Out” Contracts
"Walk In Walk Out" Contracts. When you’re buying or selling a business what does walkin-walkout really mean The standard REIQ Business Contract provides and asks...
Wednesday, February 19, 2014The Importance of Reviewing Contracts
We have written previously on this website about the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 and the wide ranging implications that its introduction had...
Monday, February 17, 2014Planning for the Future of a Disabled Child
Planning for the Future of a Disabled Child. Options for parents or grandparents (or even siblings) with a child with a severe disability are...
Monday, February 17, 2014Hatzis Lawyers Receives Sci Qual International’s Bronze Award
Hatzis Lawyers Receives Sci Qual International's Bronze Award. Hatzis Lawyers has been presented with Sci Qual International's Quality Management Bronze award in honour of...
Monday, February 17, 2014The Problems with Changing Between Real Estate Agencies
The Problems with Changing Between Real Estate Agencies. If you’re about to sell a property, there is a nasty trap you need to be...
Monday, February 17, 2014A New Light Shed on Employee Dismissal
A New Light Shed on Employee Dismissal. Steri-Flow Filtration Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd v Craig Erskine (2013) sheds a new light on the dismissal...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014How to Lose Your Commission
How to Lose Your Commission. Once you sign the contract, the problem is YOURS! Before you buy a property, whether it is land or a...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014The importance of your Will when you have children under 18
The importance of your Will when you have children under 18. A will is extremely important to have in place but more so when...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014Dismissal of a casual employee, Be Warned Employers
Dismissal of a casual employee, Be Warned Employers. In a recent case an Employer was guilty of unfairly dismissing a casual employee. The Employee was...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014Why “Will-kits” are not cheap alternatives
Why “Will-kits” are not cheap alternatives. A Will-kit or a home-made Will appears to be a good bargain costing only approximately $20 or $30...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014Self-Managed Superannuation Funds – Compliance
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds – Compliance. The Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) has extremely strict rules for self-managed superannuation funds (“SMSFs”). If the trustees of a...
Wednesday, January 8, 2014Injuries that Force Cessation of Work
Injuries that Force Cessation of Work. Have you been injured? Did you sustain any injuries? Do you have superannuation? Are you unable to return to your...
Thursday, August 15, 2013Broken Promises: A Comparison of Approaches
Fans of HBO's Game of Thrones would have been shocked (to say the least) at the penultimate episode for Season 3. Robb Stark's broken...
Thursday, August 15, 2013The Family Court of Australia’s View on Child Abuse
The Family Court of Australia's View on Child Abuse The Family Court of Australia’s paramount objective is to consider ALL circumstances involved to decide...
Thursday, August 15, 2013Are Your Contractors Really Employees?
Are Your Contractors Really Employees? Many businesses wish to mobilize their staff to Contractors rather than hire as employees. George Hatzis conducts small business...
Thursday, August 15, 2013High Court Distributes Husband’s Property Against Will
High Court Distributes Husband’s Property Against Will. A recent High Court decision has controversially opened the “floodgates” in deciding that an elderly wife who...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013What is the definition of a Criminal Organisation?
What is the definition of a Criminal Organisation? At the heart of the common law tradition is “a method of administering justice”. That method...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013I do not speak or read English. Can I still make a Will?
I do not speak or read English. Can I still make a Will? A will can be made for non-English speaking people or those...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013What is a Testamentary Discretionary Trust?
What is a Testamentary Discretionary Trust? A Testamentary Discretionary Trust is a special form of trust incorporated in your Will. It is similar to...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013What is a Statutory Will?
What is a Statutory Will? A statutory will is a will made by the Supreme Court for a person who does not have capacity...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013Challenging a Will or Deceased’s Estate
Challenging a Will or Deceased’s Estate Types of Challenges An estate may be challenged on the following: the deceased did not have capacity at...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013Not all assets of a deceased person are available for distribution to beneficiaries, why not?
Not all assets of a deceased person are available for distribution to beneficiaries, why not? Jointly owned property Jointly owned bank accounts and shares...
Wednesday, July 31, 2013I have been appointed as an Executor. What do I need to do?
I have been appointed as an Executor. What do I need to do? Executor’s Role An executor is the person who is charged with...
Friday, July 26, 2013Who is responsible for funeral expense payment?
Who is responsible for funeral expense payment? It is the executor’s right and responsibility to organise the funeral and funeral expenses of a deceased...
Thursday, July 25, 2013My relative died without a valid Will. What should I do?
My relative died without a valid Will. What should I do? The intestacy laws list out who is to receive the proceeds of a...
Thursday, July 25, 2013Superannuation and My Will
Superannuation and My Will. Do you know that superannuation does not automatically fall within your estate assets available for distribution pursuant to your Will?...
Thursday, July 25, 2013Winding back the clock on Human Rights: the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012
Winding back the clock on Human Rights: the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012 The Federal Government recently released a draft exposure Bill titled...
Thursday, July 25, 2013Rebels Bikie Gang Under Scrutiny
The Serious and Organised Crime Coordination Committee (SOCCC) has formed a national task force incorporating 14 national law enforcement agencies to investigate the...
Thursday, July 18, 2013Personal Properties Securities Act: Importance of Registration
Personal Properties Securities Act: Importance of Registration. As part of our ongoing commitment to our subscribers to update them as to new developments in...
Thursday, July 18, 2013What is the difference between a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration?
What is the difference between a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration? The Estates Solicitors at Hatzis Lawyers Sunnybank Hills advise that a Grant...
Thursday, July 18, 2013Conveyancing: Time is of the Essence
Conveyancing: Time is of the Essence The vast majority of residential conveyances in Queensland are conducted using the REIQ Standard Conditions v9, which provides...
Thursday, July 18, 2013Justice Must Be Seen to be Done, as Well as Done: UK Court of Appeal
Justice Must Be Seen to be Done, as Well as Done: UK Court of Appeal The Court of Appeal for the United Kingdom has...
Thursday, July 18, 2013The Land Title Act and Leasing
The Land Title Act and Leasing In Queensland, interests as to land rights are governed by the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld). That Act (replacing...
Tuesday, June 11, 2013The Importance of Reviewing your Contracts
Brisbane Solicitors, Hatzis lawyers, say that buying a home can be a very stressful process. There are numerous pressures on even experienced buyers, especially in...
Tuesday, June 11, 2013Daughter Ordered to Live With “Sperm Donor” Father
Daughter Ordered to Live With “Sperm Donor” Father The Federal Magistrates Court has Ordered that a 7 year old girl live with her father...
Tuesday, May 14, 2013The Pitfalls of Transferring Property without finalising a Separation Agreement
The Pitfalls of Transferring Property without finalising a Separation Agreement. It is vitally important that, after separation, legal advice is sought to effectively cut...
Tuesday, May 7, 2013Contesting a Will
Contesting a Will. A legal will may still be contested according to the laws of Queensland in a number of different ways but the...
Tuesday, May 7, 2013The Importance of Having an Enduring Power of Attorney
The Importance of Having an Enduring Power of Attorney. Many people assume that having a Will is the main focus of any personal asset...
Tuesday, May 7, 2013Google Sued for Deceiving Statements
Google Sued for Deceiving Statements In early February, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Google Incorporated v the Australian Competition...
Tuesday, February 12, 2013How to Choose a Testamentary Guardian for your Child
How to Choose a Testamentary Guardian for your Child What is a Testamentary Guardian? A Testamentary Guardian is a person appointed by you in...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012Facebook in the Workplace: An Update
Facebook in the Workplace: An Update We recently reported on some recent decisions of Fair Work Australia in relation to the importance of a...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012TDT Will Benefits
TDT Will Benefits On 1 July 2012, the government increased the tax free threshold from $6,000.00 to $18,200.00. This means that testamentary discretionary trusts created...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012New Superannuation Guarantee Laws Introduced
New Superannuation Guarantee Laws Laws introduced make directors personally liable for their company’s unpaid Super guarantee charge. Companies have been given two weeks to...
Monday, November 12, 2012Facebook in the Workplace
Facebook in the Workplace In two recent cases handed down by Fair Work Australia, the dangers of mixing social media with the workplace are...
Monday, November 12, 2012When do equitable damages NOT amount to assessable income?
In Howard v Commissioner of Taxationi FCAFC 149, the Federal Court had to determine whether equitable damages Howard had recieved were assessable...
Monday, November 12, 2012Social Networking and the Family Court
The Chief Justice of the Family Court is urging the Federal Government to regulate the use of social networking sites such as Facebook,...
Friday, October 19, 2012Child Disability Trust
Special trusts for relatives with disability If you have a child or relative you care for with a severe disability then you may be...
Sunday, February 12, 2012Introduction of the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA)
Are you Ready for PPSA? In 2009, the government passed new legislation called the Personal Property Securities Act (“PPSA”) which has only come into...
Monday, November 21, 2011Radical Reform in the High Court: Anti-Bikie Laws
In a move that sent Australian legislatures reeling, the High Court handed down three rather controversial decisions on Thursday, 11th November 2010, which...
Monday, October 17, 2011Guarantee Advice – Fixed Fee Service
We recommend our clients do their homework before committing to going guarantor for another party. Bank documents are very detailed and therefore it is...
Tuesday, June 14, 2011Changes to Lot Entitlements and Disclosure in Community Management Statement
Recent changes to the Body Corporate and Community Management Act (BCCMA) in April of this year have made it compulsory for owner’s registering...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011Taking on Employees with New Business
Using a standard Business contract - considerations regarding employees when buying an existing business. When purchasing an existing Business an important factor to take...
Tuesday, May 17, 2011Unfair Contract Terms
From 1 July 2010 new trade practices legislation has been introduced regarding unfair contract terms in standard form consumer contracts. These changes will...
Thursday, May 5, 2011Personal Property Securities Act 2009
In 2009, the Commonwealth Parliament enacted the Personal Property Securities Act 2009, replacing more than 70 pieces of legislation Australia wide and several...
Thursday, May 5, 2011Retail Shop Leases Act
Recent amendments to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 have made provisions commonly known as ‘ratchet’ rent provisions void in any lease for...
Thursday, April 7, 2011Dispute Resolution Clauses In Building Contracts
We have recently seen clients who saw us seeking advice concerning defective building works in relation to a building contract which involved the...
Thursday, April 7, 2011Insurance claims in light of the recent flooding
Following the recent inundations throughout most of the State, insurance companies will start to receive the numerous claims that people will be lodging...
Thursday, April 7, 2011Competition and Consumer Act 2010
In 2010 the Commonwealth Labor Government introduced amendments to the existing Trade Practices Act. As part of those changes the Act was renamed...
Sunday, November 21, 2010Radical Reform in the High Court: Youth Allowance
In a move that sent Australian legislatures reeling, the High Court handed down three rather controversial decisions on Thursday, 11th November 2010, which...
Sunday, November 21, 2010Radical Reform in the High Court: Immigration Law
In a move that sent Australian legislatures reeling, the High Court handed down three rather controversial decisions on Thursday, 11th November 2010, which...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010Google to Pay Libel Damages
Reuters has reported that the Superior Court of France has ordered Google Inc to pay 5,000 euro to a man claiming that searching...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010The Importance of having a Signed Will
The Importance of having a Signed Will. It is every executors nightmare – finding out that the will they need to administer is invalid...
Wednesday, August 18, 2010The Value in Regularly Checking your Trust Deeds
The High Court in Bamford v Federal Commissioner for Taxation has caused ripples in the approach as to the treatment of income by...
Thursday, August 5, 2010Contemporary Copyright Issues
The purpose of copyright is to enable the creative effort of writers, artisans, craftsmen and the like to be protected from copying without...
Thursday, July 29, 2010Discrimination in the Workplace
It is a cardinal rule of Industrial Relations that an employer is never to discriminate against an employee. What most employers fail to...
Thursday, July 29, 2010Family Trusts and the Bamford Decision
For those concerned with trust law, the High Court’s ruling in Bamford v Federal Commissioner for Taxation is the first definitive decision to...
Thursday, July 29, 2010Division 7A Loans
The Commissioner for Taxation has released a ruling on what is classed as Div 7A loans in dealings between a private company and...
Thursday, July 29, 2010Unfair Dismissal under the Fair Work Act
Under the Rudd Government’s new Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), a person is protected from being dismissed where the provisions of s 382...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010Business Purchases – What do you get for your money?
Business Purchases – What do you get for your money? Purchasing an existing business can sometimes be a stressful exercise. Questions such as “what...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010Dissolving a partnership? Some important things to know
Dissolving a partnership? Some important things to know We commonly provide advice to individuals operating small to medium sized businesses in partnership with others....