Do I Need A Will?
Without a will, intestacy rules dictate assets distribution, which might not align with your wishes. A properly drafted will allows you to specify who receives your assets, appoint a guardian for minor children, and outline your wishes for your body after death. It is vital to keep your will updated with life changes such as […]
Awareness to Reputational Damage: Libel or Slander
Defamation grounds: important things you should know It’s crucial to be cautious about what you post on social media as defamation—whether through libel or slander—can harm reputations and lead to legal consequences. Defamatory content must be published to someone other than the victim and can be challenged if it damages credibility, lacks evidence, or misrepresents […]
Options when Struggling with Marriage Breakdown
When intimidation is bordering on deprivation The introduction of coercive control as a criminal offense under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 addresses patterns of abusive behavior that isolate and exploit a partner. Meanwhile, the ‘no-fault’ divorce provision under the Family Law Act 1975 allows couples to divorce based on a year of […]
How Bad Credit Rating Affects You
Is it time you enhanced your financial options and opportunities? In Australia, credit scores are evaluated by Experian and Equifax. Negative financial histories like late payments, defaults, and bankruptcy can impact your credit file for several years. A bad credit rating can significantly hinder your ability to secure loans or credit, leading to higher interest […]
Checklist for Property Settlement when Separating
Protecting yourself and your children during separation. When separating, it’s crucial to address not only the division of assets and liabilities but also financial, maintenance, and future claims. Key considerations include the impact on children, access to joint accounts, and the handling of outstanding debts and bills. Post-separation Arrangements Spouse maintenance claims might persist post-separation, […]
Child Support After Parental Separation
Need child support assessment and calculation? Child support in Australia, managed by the Department of Social Services and Services Australia, ensures that children receive financial support from separated parents based on a formula considering both parents’ combined income and contributions. Factors for Support calculations Support calculations use a formula based on combined parental income, financial […]
Evidences for International Proceedings
How do you maintain compliance to evidentiary standards? In international proceedings, evidence can be collected in Australia for foreign trials, often through the Hague Evidence Convention, which facilitates evidence collection for civil and commercial matters but excludes criminal cases. Video and audio links can be used for testimony without Australian authorities’ intervention. Obtaining Evidence In […]
Impact of AU Border Closures on Employment
In what ways do border restrictions affect employees and contractors? Border closures in Australia due to the pandemic have led to varied impacts on employment, including restricted entry for non-essential workers, altered leave entitlements, and penalties for violations. Extended border restrictions Australia’s ongoing border closures, is extended until early 2021, with each state implementing its […]
Discrimination and Unfair Treatment at Work
What to do when you encounter unfair treatment in your workplace In Australia, anti-discrimination laws ensure that employees, contractors, and volunteers are protected from unfair treatment in the workplace. These protections are governed by federal laws such as the Age Discrimination Act and the Sex Discrimination Act, and are supplemented by state and territory-specific regulations. […]
Tax Obligation on Foreign Super Fund
What are your tax consequences and tax-free circumstances? When receiving a lump sum from a foreign super fund, Australian tax obligations require a 15% concessional tax rate unless the payment meets specific tax-free conditions, such as being received within six months of becoming a resident or terminating foreign employment Australian superannuation fund criteria Foreign super […]