LAW TALK
We believe in making law simple and accessible and want to share clear, practical information across the legal issues that matter most.
Law Talk is where we share insights, updates, and practical tips across all areas of law we practise. Whether you’re navigating a family matter, planning your estate, or looking for guidance on property or commercial issues, our blog is here to keep you informed – without the legal jargon.
Stamp Duty in NSW: What Property Buyers Need to Know
When you are calculating how much you can afford to spend on a property, the purchase price is not the only number to consider. One of the highest additional costs for many NSW property buyers is transfer duty,...
Retire Well: Free Retirement Planning & Estate Planning Seminar in Cronulla
Planning for retirement involves more than managing your finances. It's also about protecting what matters most, understanding your options and making informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Southern...
Selling Property in NSW? What Do You Need to Disclose to a Buyer?
When preparing to sell a property, it's natural to focus on presentation, choosing a real estate agent and setting an asking price. However, ensuring the legal requirements are addressed before your property goes to...
Buying Property in NSW? Your Due Diligence Checklist Before You Commit
Finding a property you love is one thing. Making sure you understand what you're buying is another. Before committing to a property purchase in NSW, there are a number of checks that can help you uncover issues that...
Buying Property in NSW? What to Check in the Contract Before You Sign
Buying a property is an exciting milestone, but before you commit to a purchase, it is important to understand exactly what you are committing to. In NSW, the contract for sale sets out the terms of the transaction and...
Enduring Guardianship Changes in NSW and What They Mean for You
From 1 September 2026, the prescribed form for appointing an Enduring Guardian was updated to provide an express function to cover restrictive practices. This is particularly relevant in aged care, where restrictive...
Buying or Selling Property in NSW? What the New AML/CTF Laws Mean for You
If you're buying or selling property in NSW, you may notice some additional questions and checks when you engage your lawyer. From 1 July 2026, Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing...
What Happens to Your SMSF After Your Death? A Guide to SMSF Succession Planning
Most people thinking about what will happen to their superannuation after their death focus on one question. Who will receive it? If you have a self-managed super fund, or SMSF, there is another important question to...
Do You Inherit Debt in Australia? What Happens to Debts When Someone Dies in NSW
When someone dies, their family may be left with questions about outstanding loans, credit cards, mortgages and other financial obligations. One of the most common concerns is whether those debts pass to their spouse,...
When Should You Update Your Will? Key Life Events That Trigger a Review
A Will made a decade ago, for a life that's changed substantially since, can end up doing more harm than having no will at all, because it looks current, even when the law itself has already moved it aside. Marriage...
Pre-Planning & Pastries with Olsens Farewells
Planning for what happens later in life can be difficult to begin, but having the right arrangements in place can provide clarity and make important decisions easier for you and your loved ones. Southern Waters Legal...
What Does an Executor Actually Have to Do? A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
Being named an executor is often a surprise, and the responsibility can feel heavier than people expect — particularly while they're also grieving. There's no need to know everything on day one; understanding the...
Who Can Contest a Will in NSW? Eligibility and Time Limits Explained
Discovering you've been left out of a will, or received far less than expected, is difficult on its own. Understanding whether you can actually do anything about it is a separate question — and the answer depends on...
Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common? Why It Can Matter More Than Your Will
It's a common and understandable assumption: "I've made a Will, so it covers everything I own." For property and some bank accounts, that isn't necessarily true, and the reason has nothing to do with the Will itself....
Choosing (and Changing) Your Power of Attorney: What to Consider Before You Sign
A Power of Attorney gives someone significant legal control over your finances while you're still alive. Most people know they should have one. Far fewer stop to think carefully about who they're actually appointing,...
Wills & Estate Planning Sutherland | Free Library Event
Join Southern Waters Legal at Sutherland Library for a free Wills and estate planning presentation, followed by a Q&A with our solicitors. Estate planning is about more than simply having a Will. On Tuesday, 18...
AML/CTF Reforms for Law Firms: What Clients Need to Know
AML/CTF Reforms Have Commenced — Here's What You Need to Know If you have engaged a lawyer, accountant, or conveyancer in Australia before, you will likely already be familiar with providing identification as part of...
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in NSW?
In short: if you die without a will in NSW (known as dying "intestate"), your estate is divided by a fixed legal formula under the Succession Act 2006 — which may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you decide who...
How Much Does a Will Cost in NSW? A Clear Guide for 2026
What affects the cost of making a Will? A Will is not a one-size-fits-all document. The work involved will depend on your wishes, your assets and your personal and family circumstances. Some of the factors that can...
Testamentary Trusts and the 2026 Federal Budget
The Crackdown on Discretionary Trusts The 2026-27 Federal Budget has dropped. Buried beneath the headline economic figures are some of the most significant changes to trust and estate taxation in recent years. If your...