NEWS + BLOG

7 Legal Matters Small Businesses Need to Think About
Starting a small business is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with different legal requirements. From employment contracts to insurance policies, there are several matters that can impact how you can operate efficiently and protect your business from potential legal issues

Is your Binding Death Benefit Nomination valid?
Is your binding death benefit nomination valid? In the case of Williams v Williams & Anor [2023] QSC 90 a Binding Death Benefit Nomination was found to be invalid because it did not comply with the specific requirements of the SMSF’s governing rules.

How Do I Deal with the Commercial Lease When I Sell or Buy a Business?
Selling or buying a business can be a thrilling experience, but it also involves many legal considerations. One of the most crucial aspects is dealing with the commercial lease agreement.

Trustees beware
As a trustee, you have a crucial obligation to act in good faith, responsibly, and reasonably. You must inform yourself of all relevant matters before making any decisions and seek professional advice when required. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, such as being removed as a trustee or held personally liable for losses suffered by the trust or beneficiaries.
![Case Summary: Babstock Pty Ltd V Laurel Star Pty Ltd [2022] QCA 63](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e5cbf2f0e4624584d995443/1690893941064-ZNXJVRC50ZQ2M0F87GHA/Case%2BSummary_%2BRental%2BRoll.jpg)
Case Summary: Babstock Pty Ltd V Laurel Star Pty Ltd [2022] QCA 63
Laurel Star Pty Ltd v Babcock & Ors concerned the sale of a rent roll in real estate. Babstock sold a letting business and appointments by property owners to Laurel Star. This case highlights the importance of interpreting commercial contracts and careful consideration of appointment and assignment clauses.

Does your Trust owe money to your estate?
Some estate executors may be surprised to discover that financial statements of trusts controlled by the deceased show that the trust owes the deceased money, either as loans or unpaid present entitlements.

How Divorce Affects Your Estate Planning
Going through the process of divorce is difficult, and there are a number of considerations to make to protect your assets going forward. In this blog we outline key changes to consider in your will and provide a checklist of priority actions for your estate plan after separation and divorce.

Settlements and Extension of Settlement Date in REIQ Contracts
Recent updates to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) Contracts include provisions for extending the Settlement Date by up to 5 business days, in certain circumstances.







Can a step-child contest their step-parent’s Will?
The listed beneficiaries on a will are often family members, however, they can be any person or organisation nominated by the person making the will.

Things You Need to Know About a Grant of Probate
Obtaining a grant of probate may be overwhelming. You need to seek legal advice to help you navigate the process seamlessly. Here’s what you need to know.

Writing a Will? Here’s What You Need to Consider
Writing a Will isn’t as easy as you think. It’s a legally binding document that can impact the future of your loved ones or beneficiaries. You have a lot to think about, and while going through all the considerations, you may leave out key details.

The Hidden Cost of “Free” Wills
The Public Trustee has an important role to play but clearly needs a thorough review of how its purposes are achieved.
One of the issues, in our view, is that the Public Trustee is, and is expected to be, self-funded. The Public Trustee provides “free” Wills which means…

Settlements in Queensland Conveyancing... How Does it Work?
Conveyancing of property sounds complex. We cover the conveyancing process through to Settlement to help you understand what happens if you have a purchase or sale contract which has now gone unconditional. Your Lawyer/Conveyancer has a bit of work to do before the Property is settled.

Does your Business fall into the Retail Shop Leases Act?
The Retail Shop Leases Act adds further administrative requirements and obligations on both Landlords and Tenants that are extremely time-sensitive, and non-compliance can result in unintended consequences in certain circumstances.
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