On a crisp Friday morning in July 2025, as the winter sun cast long shadows across the red earth of the Mallee, three proud First Nations communities received news that their ancestors had been waiting to hear for more than two centuries. In a landmark Federal Court ruling that will forever change the landscape of...
Protecting Property Buyers from Hidden Defect Exclusions When purchasing property, the excitement of finding the perfect home or investment can overshadow one of the most crucial steps in the transaction process: obtaining a professional review of the contract of sale before signing. Overlooking this step can be costly, as many standard contracts contain clauses that...
In the quiet suburban streets of North Warrandyte, Melbourne, a seemingly trivial dispute over a 26-meter stretch of fence has erupted into a conflict that bears a striking resemblance to some of the world’s most contentious international territorial disputes. The recent controversy involving ABC personality Myf Warhurst and her neighbour Karla Martinez offers a fascinating...
The Underestimated Risk Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming legal practice, but the impact differs starkly between generations. While seasoned lawyers leverage AI to augment their capabilities, many early-career Australian lawyers risk professional failure through uncritical dependence on AI-generated content. The core issue isn’t technological adoption—it’s quality control. The ability to assess the accuracy, appropriateness, and...
The legal world is buzzing with a single, high-stakes question: will Artificial Intelligence be our greatest tool or our replacement? The narrative is often one of anxiety, painting a future where algorithms handle discovery and automated contracts make junior roles obsolete. But here in Australia, a different, more complex story is unfolding. Recent data from...
Inheritance disputes are on the rise across Australia, and Victoria is no exception. With over 10% of wills facing legal challenges and 74% of disputes resulting in modified distributions, it’s essential for Victorian families to plan carefully to protect both their assets and family relationships. The Victorian Legal Landscape Victoria’s succession law is governed primarily...
Justice has been served on a silver platter – and it tastes nothing like death cap mushrooms. After 11 grueling weeks of testimony, a Victorian Supreme Court jury has delivered the verdict Australia has been waiting for: Erin Patterson is GUILTY of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth with a lunch that...
Transferring personal assets into a family trust is a popular vehicle for wealth protection and estate planning. The advantages are well-publicised—asset shielding, tax planning, succession control—but the legal mechanics behind the transfer are often overlooked. As accountant Geoff Gartly notes, family trusts can serve as a flexible and central structure for managing investments. This post...
The phone call comes at the worst possible time. A loved one has passed, and amid the grief, you uncover a frustrating reality: the original will, which names you as executor, has vanished. The safe is empty, the solicitor has no record, and all you have is a photocopy. What now? If you’re in Victoria,...
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) obligations are a critical part of the legal and conveyancing landscape in Australia. For legal professionals, these responsibilities are not just about ticking boxes; they are about protecting your practice, upholding the integrity of the financial system, and combating serious crime. This practical guide will walk you through...
