Stamp Duty hidden trap
Transfer of Dutiable Property to a Beneficiary Under a Will. Concessional stamp duty is payable on a transfer of dutiable property such as, real estate, business or private company shares…
When estrangement is not enough
Many people have the erroneous view that when they die, they can leave their estate to whoever they choose—the corollary being that they can choose to leave out anyone from their will. In the event…
Settlement offers
The strategic use of an offer of compromise has much potential to end a dispute effectively and to focus the parties’ minds on the risks of litigation and commercial realities. Under the Uniform…
Stamp Duty and improvements made by the transferee
Although it would be a rare occurrence and would mainly occur in transfers involving family members, nonetheless if a transferee (purchaser) of property in NSW has paid for improvements to property…
Purchasing off-the-plan? Consider the risks
There are at least 3 categories of risk to consider. The first is construction risk, namely that it is possible the development may never be completed. Do some research on the developer to see if…
Exclusion of Liability
Providers of Recreational Activities – Are you protected? Warning- if you provide recreational activities and you have exclusion clauses regarding death or injury you should have these clauses…
Family Law can affect 3 generations of a family
Often the Family Court of Australia (or Federal Circuit Court Family Law Division) will deal with issues that affect more than one generation of a family in a family law property dispute. In a recent…
How do the rich get richer each generation?
Business entities such as corporations and partnerships are excellent vehicles to conduct a business or conduct commercial operations, but they do not work well as personal piggybanks. When personal…
Challenging a Will
It’s always difficult when a loved one passes away, but when a member of the family feels they have been left an unfair benefit in the Will, the time following the death can become even more…