We announce two recent changes to the senior management of the firm. Tony Oakley has stepped down as a director and is now a consultant. Vincent Caruso has become a director and principal lawyer of the firm. Read More
As shocking stories of abuse emerge from the Royal Commission into Aged Care, public concern over elder abuse in Australia heightens. Tomorrow, 15 June 2019 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. In this article, we outline the common forms of elder abuse and how to protect yourself and others from abuse. Read More
Deborah joined the firm in April 2019 as an Associate. Prior to joining, Deborah worked at several long-established suburban firms, practising principally in wills and estates. Deborah also gained broad experience in family law and property law, giving her a well-rounded understanding of, and holistic approach to, wills and estates matters. Read More
Terminally ill Victorians will soon be able to end their lives with medical help as the state becomes the first to legalise voluntary assisted dying this month. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic), which comes into effect on June 19, allows someone with a terminal disease or condition who is experiencing intolerable suffering to access prescribed medication that will end their life. Read More
Have you received a demand from a liquidator to repay money you received from a client or customer? Not all is lost, as there may be potential defences available to you under the Corporations Act 2001 (Act). Part 5.7B of the Act gives liquidators the power to claw back certain transactions made by an insolvent company to unsecured creditors. Unfair preferences are the most common type of voidable transaction. The rationale behind these provisions is to ensure creditors are not provided a preferential advantage over other creditors who are also owed money from the insolvent company. Read More
Traditional paper-based property settlements, where title and transfer documentation is exchanged, are being replaced with an electronic process. Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) is the electronic settlement platform where the majority of property settlements now occur. In a few short months all property transactions will occur electronically. In an ever increasing era of online scams HOCW Lawyers have developed rigorous checks and balances to minimise risks associated with electronic conveyancing. Read More