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?
Buying or Selling a House with Unapproved or Non-compliant Structures in NSWby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers29 August 202216 September 2026Vendor disclosure obligations NSW In New South Wales, a vendor is obliged to disclose any structures built without approval from the relevant authority and disclose… Read More »Buying or Selling a House with Unapproved or Non-compliant Structures in NSW
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
Before buying or building property in Mine Subsidence Districts Read This!by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers1 August 202216 September 2026KEY TAKE-OUTS What is a Mine Subsidence area? How do I know if my land is in a Mine Subsidence District? What does it mean… Read More »Before buying or building property in Mine Subsidence Districts Read This!
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?
Property damage before settlement: can you rescind the contract?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers27 June 202216 September 2026Understanding property damage risk for purchasers in NSW When does the purchaser assume risk of property damage? In NSW when a purchaser enters into a… Read More »Property damage before settlement: can you rescind the contract?
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
Can you Change the Purchaser on a Contract of Sale?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers31 May 202210 July 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS Why the need to change the purchaser Can a purchaser be changed? What is a transfer in non-conformity? What is a formal rescission?… Read More »Can you Change the Purchaser on a Contract of Sale?
Exploring Zoe’s Law: Implications of New Offences for Foetal Deathby Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers27 May 202231 July 2025Co-authored by Isabel Strahan KEY TAKE OUTS NSW Parliament is the first state in Australia to pass a law increasing the punishment for people that cause… Read More »Exploring Zoe’s Law: Implications of New Offences for Foetal Death
Gender Dysphoria: He/she/they – who has the final say?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers14 April 202214 April 2023KEY TAKE-OUTS: ‘Gender dysphoria’ is a clinical concept used to describe when a person has a lack of connection to their biological sex assigned at… Read More »Gender Dysphoria: He/she/they – who has the final say?
What Happens to My Shares When I Pass Away?by Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers7 April 202231 July 2025KEY TAKE-OUTS: Who do you want to receive your shares? Generally you need to ensure you have a valid Will to allow for your shares… Read More »What Happens to My Shares When I Pass Away?