Congratulations to Lachlan Vallance of Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams for his amazing achievement of being listed in the 2020 Doyle's Guide as a Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Lawyer. Read More
Earlier this year, Federal Parliament passed urgent amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the Act) to enable the JobKeeper program. This has given businesses essential flexibility in employing staff, enabling them to better cope with downturn in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. JobKeeper has been a lifeline to businesses that otherwise would have struggled through the restrictions imposed by the Federal and State governments. In light of the ongoing nature of the pandemic, the JobKeeper payment has been extended beyond its original 28 September 2020 sunset date, albeit with some modifications. Read More
Despite the coronavirus pandemic confining most of us to our homes, there is no need to put off making arrangements about what is to happen to our assets when we die, or who is to make important decisions on our behalf if we lose the capacity to do so. The Wills and Estates team at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams are continuing to assist clients with all aspects of estate and succession planning during lockdown 2.0. This includes the preparation of: Read More
Vendors have been aware of their obligations under a vendor's statement (section 32 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic) (Act)) to provide specified written information to a purchaser, prior to the purchaser signing the contract. A vendor providing false or incomplete information in breach of section 32 is guilty of an offence, and in addition the purchaser, in many cases, may be able to rescind or cancel the contract at any time prior to settlement. Read More
Whether you are a franchisee or franchisor COVID-19 has been a formidable obstacle to tackle in maintaining a successful franchise business. In this time of crisis it’s important for franchisors and franchisees to keep effective working relationships going. We are helping many of our franchisee clients in one of the hardest hit sectors, food and retail, to do just that. We can assist you through addressing the following concerns and taking into account your specific circumstances. Read More
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place governments are continuing to urge us to practise social distancing. In view of this, the Victorian Government recently enacted the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Electronic Signing and Witnessing) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations). The Regulations allow Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (among other documents) to be signed and witnessed electronically, so that witnesses can continue to perform their duties without being physically present. Read More