Who pays the debts when a loved one dies?
KEY 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?
Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers
The Basics: Environmental Planning Instruments (SEPPs, LEPs and DCPs) explained
KEY 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 conveyancing
KEY INTERSTATE CONVEYANCING TAKE-OUTS: Are you looking at purchasing property interstate? Did you know that Conveyancing transactions are different in each state? Did you know… Read More »A quick guide to interstate conveyancing
Is my contract a sham?
KEY 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?
New Bill Proposes Changes to NSW Motor Accident Legislation
KEY TAKE-OUTS The Motor Accident Injuries Amendment Bill 2022 was introduced into NSW Parliament on 19 October 2022 The proposed amendments have emerged out of… Read More »New Bill Proposes Changes to NSW Motor Accident Legislation
Understanding Defamation in NSW: Is It Considered a Criminal Offense?
Co-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 Separating
Co-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?
KEY 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 Process
KEY 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
Beware of Double Demerits!
Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS: Double demerits are in force over the upcoming holiday period. Starting at 12:00am on Wednesday 21st September 2022 and… Read More »Beware of Double Demerits!
What is the Family Law Airport Watchlist?
KEY TAKE-OUTS: The Family Law Airport Watchlist is a system that is governed by the Australian Federal Police to prevent the unlawful removal of children… Read More »What is the Family Law Airport Watchlist?
What is an Independent Children’s Lawyer?
KEY TAKE-OUTS: An Independent Children’s Lawyer is a legal representative that has been appointed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia to represent… Read More »What is an Independent Children’s Lawyer?
Judge Alone Trials: Chris Dawson Verdict
KEY 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?
KEY 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 Mediation
KEY 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 Kit
Updated 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?
KEY 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 Members
KEY 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
Amendments to the NSW Bail Act and How This May Affect the Criminal Justice System
Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE-OUTS: Additional amendments to the Bail Act 2013 were assented to on 27 June 2022. These amendments make it significantly harder… Read More »Amendments to the NSW Bail Act and How This May Affect the Criminal Justice System
Relationship breakdown: Do I still Need Consent Orders to be Exempt from Stamp Duty?
Co-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?