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.
Smashed avo and housing affordability: The changes you need to know
It’s no surprise that the Sutherland Shire is one of the most desirable places in Sydney to live but it does come at a cost. With housing prices increasing, some first home buyers have been outpriced from entering the...
Separated Couples Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts
Parting ways from your partner can be extremely difficult particularly in the early days of separation. As a family lawyer, it is not our role to advocate for divorce or separation, we are simply here to assist you to...
Becoming electronically undone
We assist people daily in relation to the breakdown of their relationships. In a Family Law dispute there is a requirement by each party to make full and frank disclosure of all relevant information once they have...
How to manage your debtors in practice
Cash flow is a crucial element to the growth and stability of a business. It is important to ensure that you have access to such cash when you need it. Often, this cannot occur for some businesses because of existing...
Who gets Spot the dog in your divorce?
For most families, their pets, being a dog, cat, fish, or bird are intricate members of the family. So what happens to Spot or Crookshanks when parties separate? The Australia Veterinary Association estimates 63% of...
What happens to your social media accounts and digital assets when you die?
Facebook, email accounts, photo sharing apps, iTunes accounts etc. the list goes on! Most of us have an online presence across a number of different platforms, so what happens to that online identity when we die? Many...
It’s not just physical: Domestic violence in family law
In recent times there has been an increased awareness about domestic and family violence and its prevalence within our society. With an ambassador like Rosie Batty there is a greater awareness that domestic and family...
Divorce in the digital age
Every day our Family Law team assists people during the breakdown of their relationships. In a family law dispute, there is a requirement that each party makes full and frank disclosure of all relevant information once...
How to pay for your grandkids’ education through your Will?
It’s in our nature to look out for our loved ones and one of the most valuable assets you will ever ‘own’ is your education. So it’s not surprising that we receive a number of calls from people wishing to somehow pay...
School Holidays & Family Law: Who gets the kids?
With school holidays coming up, it can be a difficult time for separated families to agree upon and juggle arrangements in relation to their children and what time they will spend with each parent. Unfortunately...
Off-the-plan property: Recent changes in the law
There's good news for investors nervous about purchasing property 'off-the-plan'. Recent changes to NSW property laws will make it harder for unscrupulous developers to back out of off-the-plan contracts for...
The legal side to Christmas gifting: What you need to know
Christmas is that wonderful time of the year when we shower our loved ones in gifts to celebrate the festive season. While it’s a joyous time for both those who are giving and receiving its important to forward think...
How to get a Divorce: 4 Steps to a fresh start
People often talk about going through a 'messy divorce', when in fact, obtaining a divorce is the easiest part of separation. Are you considering getting a divorce and wondering what the process will be like? ...
Business Partnerships: Minimising the risks & maximimising the rewards
Starting a business can be hard, particularly when doing it yourself. Going into business with a partner can minimise the difficulties, particularly when the partners have complimentary skill sets. But what is the best...
Buying Property In Your SMSF
Australians are known to love property as an investment vehicle. Generally this has been achieved by borrowing from a bank to purchase property before paying it off over time. Since 2007 self managed superannuation...
The Curse of the DIY Will
“Homemade Wills are a curse” - This was the opening remark in a recent judgment of an Australian Will dispute case... At Southern Waters Legal we agree! Unfortunately we see first hand the expensive mess left...
Haven’t been paid for goods or services you’ve provided? What steps to take
Debt disputes arise in both personal and business relationships and can cause a great deal of stress. Here are some simple steps you can take to recover your money: 1. Check the details The first step is to...
Tax Time: 5 Quick tax tips
The end of the financial year is upon us and it is a good time to consider these 5 handy tax tips... 1. Superannuation Do you have any employees whom you are paying superannuation? Superannuation is not tax...
Child Support: Get the system to work with you – not against you!
Following separation, you may be entitled to child support, you may have to pay child support or otherwise come to your own tailored arrangement, whereby you share costs of the children. People are often confused by...
6 Superannuation Tips for Contractors & the Self-Employed
1. Look after your future self Superannuation is a way to save for your retirement. When you are a Contractor or Self-Employed, Superannuation is essentially your own obligation. There is no employer squirrelling away...