When do ADVO’s and Parenting Orders Overlap?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers14 December 202214 April 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS: It is common for Criminal Law and Family Law to overlap when a relationship breakdown involves a high level of conflict and children.… Read More »When do ADVO’s and Parenting Orders Overlap?
Brittany Higgins: Lehrmann Sexual Assault Trialby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers12 December 202228 July 2025Co-authored by: Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS Brittany Higgins alleges that she was sexually assaulted by her co-worker Bruce Lehrmann in 2019 in a ministerial office.… Read More »Brittany Higgins: Lehrmann Sexual Assault Trial
Who pays the debts when a loved one dies?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers25 November 202231 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS: The executor does not have to pay the deceased’s debts from their own money. There is an order of payment of debts, with… Read More »Who pays the debts when a loved one dies?
The Basics: Environmental Planning Instruments (SEPPs, LEPs and DCPs) explainedby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers18 November 202213 December 2024KEY TAKE-OUTS: Helping you to understand the foundations that underpin the environment and planning law space means you are ready for your next move in… Read More »The Basics: Environmental Planning Instruments (SEPPs, LEPs and DCPs) explained
A quick guide to interstate conveyancingby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers14 November 202220 August 2026KEY INTERSTATE CONVEYANCING TAKE-OUTS: Conveyancing requirements differ between Australian states and territories, including contracts, cooling-off periods, disclosure requirements and settlement processes. Buying or selling property… Read More »A quick guide to interstate conveyancing
Is my contract a sham?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers9 November 202219 July 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS: ‘Sham contracting’ is a term used to describe an employment relationship where a worker is engaged by a company as an ‘independent contractor’… Read More »Is my contract a sham?
Understanding Defamation in NSW: Is It Considered a Criminal Offense?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers6 October 202229 July 2025Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS: Defamation can be brought though commercial litigation or as a criminal charge under section 529 of the Crimes Act… Read More »Understanding Defamation in NSW: Is It Considered a Criminal Offense?
Selling Property when Separatingby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers4 October 202230 July 2025Co-authored by Amy Duguid KEY TAKE-OUTS: Real estate is often the biggest asset to split following a separation, so it’s important it is dealt with… Read More »Selling Property when Separating
Encroachment on property: who are you encroaching on?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers30 September 202213 December 2024KEY TAKE-OUTS: An encroachment will occur when a property owner has built or extended a structure across the boundary of their property. You can identify… Read More »Encroachment on property: who are you encroaching on?
Success: Recovering Costs under the Court Assessment Processby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers28 September 202230 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS This blog is a follow up to a blog we posted on the same case in December 2021. Coutts’ successfully obtained a costs… Read More »Success: Recovering Costs under the Court Assessment Process
Judge Alone Trials: Chris Dawson Verdictby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers14 September 20225 June 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS: A judge alone trial can be offered in criminal law proceedings where the court believes that it is in the best interest of… Read More »Judge Alone Trials: Chris Dawson Verdict
Deposit dangers: Can I lose my deposit on a house?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers5 September 20225 April 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS Deposit risks where: A Vendor goes into liquidation/bankrupt? Where an early release of deposit is negotiated; and Where your circumstances have the potential… Read More »Deposit dangers: Can I lose my deposit on a house?
Parenting Disputes and Mediationby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers12 August 202231 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS Going to court should be the last resort in a parenting dispute. Parents should always have the child’s best interests in mind when… Read More »Parenting Disputes and Mediation
Dangers of using a Post Office or Online Will Kitby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers8 August 202213 February 2026Updated April 3, 2025 Are Will Kits Legal? It is still increasingly common for people to opt for cost-saving methods of estate planning, such as… Read More »Dangers of using a Post Office or Online Will Kit
Silent Directors: Do they exist?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers29 July 202230 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS Silent directors are still liable directors. Directors must keep themselves informed of the day-to-day activities of the company and must comply with their… Read More »Silent Directors: Do they exist?
Transferring Property Between Family Membersby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers25 July 202231 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS Three ways to transfer property between family members Stamp Duty Will Be Applicable Unless There Is An Exception. There May Also Be Capital… Read More »Transferring Property Between Family Members
Relationship breakdown: Do I still Need Consent Orders to be Exempt from Stamp Duty?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers13 July 202228 July 2025Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS State Revenue and Fines Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2022 was assented on the 19th of May 2022 and is… Read More »Relationship breakdown: Do I still Need Consent Orders to be Exempt from Stamp Duty?
What is NCAT?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers4 July 202213 February 2026KEY TAKE-OUTS: The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“NCAT”) hears a range of civil and administrative cases in New South Wales. It is similar to… Read More »What is NCAT?
Finders Keepers: Is it stealing if you find something?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers23 June 202228 July 2025Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS: The playground rule of “finders keepers, losers weepers” does not apply to items of value in New South Wales.… Read More »Finders Keepers: Is it stealing if you find something?
What is a ‘vexatious litigant’ & the outcome for Salim Mehajerby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers20 June 202224 January 2024KEY TAKE-OUT: Former Deputy Auburn Mayor, Salim Mehajer has been banned from starting any further legal proceedings within NSW as a result of being a… Read More »What is a ‘vexatious litigant’ & the outcome for Salim Mehajer