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.
Two Lot Strata Schemes – Understanding Your Obligations
Two lot strata schemes are very common these days, however they do present unique and special challenges compared to ordinary apartment/villa type strata schemes. These include: The lot owners will generally occupy...
No free parking – What can you do if residents keep parking in visitor car spaces
“You can’t park here, it’s visitor parking only” It’s a comment that rings out regularly throughout strata schemes, sometimes in the form of a note on the windscreen. But owners corporations are rarely aware of their...
Abandoned Vehicles on Common Property – What are your rights?
What are your rights? Abandoned vehicles on common property in strata schemes are governed by the Uncollected Goods Act 1995 (“Act”). A person/owners corporation may dispose of the abandoned vehicle or goods, providing...
Just over a month until developer ratings roll out
The New South Wales Government has been making a conscious effort to improve consumer confidence in residential buildings and developments. As part of the suite of changes is the introduction of a transparent rating...
Building Defects and the Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBPA)
Is the design and building practitioners act an extra arrow in the quiver of homeowners for building defect claims? The Owners – Strata Plan No 87060 v Loulach Developments Pty Ltd (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1068 State...
Changes in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
On the 1st September 2021, the former Federal Circuit Court of Australia and Family Court of Australia merged to create the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). The overarching purpose of the new...
Director IDs
The Director ID has been talked about by politicians and regulators for a long time. It has now officially been introduced. But what is it? What is a Director ID? A Director ID is a 15 digit unique number that a...
What are the benefits of clear by-laws?
By-laws can often become a headache for everyone involved in strata. Our blog takes a look at why it is important that they are clearly drafted and easily interpreted. What are by-laws? All strata schemes have a...
The 5 steps the Court takes to determine a property matter in Family Law
In some circumstances, parties are not able to reach an agreement by way of mediation or negotiations as to how they are going to divide their assets following separation. The next step involved in progressing a matter...
Update on Certificates of Title
In the finalisation of the ongoing digital transformation of the conveyancing process in NSW, the Registrar General has announced that from 11 October 2021 all Certificates of Title (‘CTs’) will be abolished and paper...
Updating parenting orders to reflect your current situation
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions may have prevented us from being able to do many things, however updating your parenting orders to reflect your current situation is not one of them. Your...
Pets in Strata
Pet Laws are now part of the Strata Schemes Management Act On 25 August 2021, the proposed pet by-laws were officially legislated as part of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (SSMA Act) making the keeping...
LGA’s of concern and parenting arrangements
My former partner lives in one of the LGA’s of concern, do I still have to facilitate our parenting arrangement? There are currently a number of Local Government Areas (LGA’s) of concern that are subject to...
Are casuals entitled to annual leave and personal leave in 2021?
Traditionally, employees were grouped by employers as either “permanent” or “casual”. Typically, casual employees enjoyed less security and certainty regarding their hours of work and could not access any personal...
COVID-19 economic support for Businesses and Individuals
The Federal Government and NSW Government have announced a joint package to support individuals and businesses across New South Wales during the latest lockdowns of Greater Sydney. The main features of the package are...
Support for Commercial Tenants and Landlords
The NSW Government has implemented further measures to mandate rent relief for eligible commercial tenants impacted by COVID-19. The recently enacted Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Amendment Regulation...
6 reasons why you need an Estate Plan
1. If you don’t state your wishes, then your assets may end up in the wrong hands. A person who dies without a Will is said to have died “intestate”. The assets of a person who has died intestate are distributed...
COVID-19 Update on Mediation
Take a look at Leona's update on mediation. Even with restrictions, matters are moving forward. Remember, if you have any questions regarding your circumstances, please get in touch with us on 9523 5535. ...
The effect of COVID-19 on Child Support payments
Do I still have to pay Child Support if I have lost my income or if my income has been reduced as a result of a COVID-19 lockdown? COVID-19 has had a far-reaching effect on all corners of Australian society and this...
Best tips for managing shared care arrangements in lockdown
We understand that the implications of lockdown can have a big effect on shared care arrangements for separated parents. Here are some tips to help get through this time. Stay up to date with your state government...