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Changes to Remuneration for Executors & Administrators - Court now has the Power to Review
30 November 2017
Recent changes to the Administration and Probate Act 1958 came into effect on 1 November 2017 and impact the way all executors can charge fees and commissions for estates. Some of the changes impact Wills made after 1 November 2017, and some impact the estates of people who die after 1 November 2017, irrespective of when the Will was made. The overall impact of the changes is that the Court is now empowered to scrutinise the way executors and administrators of estates charge their fees and commissions, whether or not those executors are professionals, such as solicitors or accountants, or a family member. Read More
Law reforms to protect our Elders
31 July 2017
Our ageing population is growing and more Australians are living with dementia. Unfortunately this means that more of our elders are being subjected to verbal abuse, bullying, harassment and financial abuse than ever before. The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) released a report on 16 June 2017, the day after Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which includes 43 recommendations for law reform. These proposals consider how to best protect older Australians from abuse and to safeguard their autonomy, taking into consideration Commonwealth laws and legal frameworks. Read More
Buying property - stamp duty exemptions & concessions
27 July 2017
There will no doubt be ongoing and continued national debate about the housing market, including issues relating to access to superannuation and foreign investment. Here we take a look at some of the recent measures that have been implemented in Victoria in the two important areas of stamp duty exemptions and concessions, and underquoting by real estate agents. Read More
New underquoting laws - more transparency for home buyers
27 July 2017
We also take a look at the Government's key changes announced in relation to underquoting by real estate agents. These were announced on 1 May 2017. Underquoting is when a property is advertised at a price that is less than the estimated selling price, the seller's asking price, or at a price already rejected by the seller. Read More
Digital Assets - Online Life after Death
11 May 2017
What will happen to my online life after I die? This is not a question our great grandparents would have dreamt of asking however it is fast becoming a modern dilemma. Online life is now a normal part of our existence. Material assets can be identified, valued and bequeathed according to our wishes as set out in our Will. However, it’s not quite so straight forward dealing with our digital assets, although making a digital register can help. Read More
Retail Leases - Tenants do you know your rights?
11 May 2017
One of the protections provided by the Retail Leases Act 2003 (the Act) to retail tenants is the right to a minimum term of 5 years. Security of tenure is extremely important for businesses which operate out of leased premises. It is vital for tenants to have time to build goodwill and add value to their business as well as to depreciate the costs associated with fitting out the premises. Read More

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