If you’ve ever fallen in love with a property at auction, only to discover the vendor’s reserve price was far higher than the advertised guide, you’re not alone. In Victoria, underquoting — advertising a property at a price lower than it is reasonably expected to sell for — has long been illegal under the Estate...
Selling property in Victoria can be a long game. From the day of sale to the settlement date, months can pass, and for many vendors, the deposit sitting in a trust account can feel tantalisingly close yet frustratingly out of reach. It’s no surprise that the question often arises: can we get that deposit released...
Elder Abuse, Legal Capacity and Document Control: A Cautionary Tale for Victoria At Hayton Kosky Lawyers, we’ve recently dealt with a concerning matter that highlights a growing problem in Victoria’s ageing population: elder abuse involving legal documents, including wills and certificates of title. While we must keep the details confidential, the situation involved a 90-year-old...
It’s a scenario every commercial landlord dreads. A tenant defaults on rent, the lease is terminated, and upon re-entering the premises, you discover a warehouse full of the tenant’s property. Faced with significant financial losses, the temptation to seize those assets—to hold them as leverage or sell them to recoup unpaid rent—can be overwhelming. However,...
Coping with the loss of a loved one is challenging enough without the added complexities of Victorian probate and estate law. Many families find themselves in a daunting legal landscape, uncertain of their rights and obligations. This is especially true when considering a challenge to a will or trying to understand the role of family...
For most Victorians, your superannuation is your biggest asset after the family home. You’ve worked hard, and dutifully contributed a portion of your income, watching your nest egg grow. But there’s a hidden tax trap that many Australians are completely unaware of—one that could see your adult children lose a significant chunk of their inheritance...
The proposed Division 296 tax, targeting superannuation balances over $3 million, presents a significant challenge for many Australians. This additional 15% tax on investment earnings above the threshold effectively doubles the tax rate on those earnings to 30%, making sophisticated mitigation strategies a necessity for high-balance super members. While the legislation has lapsed and will...
The journey to homeownership in Victoria, once a predictable path, has become an “impossible” dream for an entire generation of first home buyers1. The stark reality is that for most Victorians, purchasing a first home is now financially unattainable without significant family assistance or extraordinary circumstances2. This crisis is more than just a market...
The energy landscape in Victoria is undergoing a significant transformation, with 10 regional towns set to lose their mains gas supply by the end of 2026. This development affects approximately 1,100 customers across Marong, Terang, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Heathcote, Nathalia, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, and Kerang, raising important questions about consumer rights and legal protections...
Losing a parent is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and discovering that you’ve been named as the executor of their estate can feel overwhelming during an already emotional time. If you’re facing this responsibility in Victoria, Australia, understanding your role and the specific legal requirements can help you navigate this important duty with confidence....
