Recent News
Self Managed Superannuation Funds: Are they right for you?
Self managed superannuation funds (SMSF), like public superannuation funds, provide a channel through which to save for one’s retirement. They do however present a number of key differences from public funds. The advantages and potential disadvantages are listed...
Peace and Good Behaviour Orders
Recently there has been considerable media coverage relating to the issue of domestic violence including plenty of information about domestic violence orders. But what if you are undergoing similar action towards you but don’t share a domestic relationship with the...
International Wills – do you need one?
Do you have assets in a country other than Australia? If so, you might benefit from creating an International Will. International Wills stem from the UNIDROIT convention seeking to harmonise and simplify proof of formalities for wills that possess international...
HELP – The Higher Education Loan Programme
Higher education plays a massive role in the lives of many Australians. In order to promote and encourage tertiary education, the Australian government provide financial assistance for fees and expenses at universities, other higher education providers and approved...
Stamp Duty Issues for Developers
The increasing occurrence of new developments and stamp duty issues has lead to the recent adoption of a number of high court decisions relating to stamp duty and principles. Unsurprisingly, the Office of State Revenue has been quick to respond to issues relating to...
Principles of Stamp Duty
Aggregation Stamp duty aggregation provisions are anti-avoidance measures designed to stop the splitting of dutiable transactions in separate parts to take advantage of the sliding scale on which duty is assessed. The practical effect of aggregation is that uses...
Bankruptcy: Is your super safe?
Have you ever wondered what would happen to your superannuation if you were to go bankrupt? In the current economic climate, it is difficult not to worry! So, is your hard earned superannuation fund protected from creditors? Under typical circumstances the answer is...
Estate Planning for Business Owners
Have you thought about how your business partnership or company might affect your estate planning? For example, how will you fund the pay out of your business partner’s family if your business partner dies or becomes incapacitated? Many people who are involved in a...
ONLINE CRIME AND IDENTITY THEFT ON THE RISE
In 2007 Queensland made it a criminal offence to steal or forge the personal identification information of another person for the purpose of committing a crime. There is a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment and 5 years imprisonment if the information is provided...
Tax Deductions: What can you claim?
Deductions provide taxpayers with an opportunity to reduce their taxable income, therefore reducing the quantity of tax payable. They can however be tricky to work out and, as a result most people are very cautious about dealing with them or avoid them entirely! For...
What is a Mutual Will?
As the incidence of blended families becomes increasingly common, the importance of making consideration for this in estate planning grows too. Blended families are expressed as one or both spouses/domestic partners ("spouses") with children from pre-existing...
Getting a Work License After Drug or Drink Driving
The Australian Transport Council reports that 30% of fatal crashes in Queensland are related to alcohol and drug driving and one in five drivers and bike riders killed in road accidents in Australia are over the blood alcohol limit. A road user that has been found to...
Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. Readers should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this newsletter without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice. The content of this newsletter contains general information and may not reflect current legal developments, verdicts, or settlements. We expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this newsletter.