Second marriages in Australia are increasingly common. Many couples today bring with them adult children, shared memories from previous lives, and a patchwork of assets — from jointly owned homes to superannuation and insurance policies held individually. And whether we want to admit it or not, in many cases, the husband dies first. So how...
Let’s be honest — your lovingly polished antique sideboard? Your kids are mentally loading it into the trailer for a tip run. That crystal decanter set from Nana? They’re wondering if Vinnies will even take it. And your commemorative cricket ball collection? Sorry, Dad — no one’s fighting over it. Here’s the straight-up truth most...
In Australia’s most closely watched murder trial of 2025, prosecutors have presented compelling forensic evidence linking Erin Patterson to the death cap mushroom poisonings that claimed three lives. Yet beneath this seemingly robust case lies a procedural vulnerability that legal experts predict will almost certainly form the centerpiece of any post-conviction appeal: the questionable chain...
In today’s digital age, a new threat is emerging that should set off alarm bells for businesses and individuals alike: deepfake invoice scams. With the rise of generative AI tools, fraudsters no longer need advanced design skills to create convincing fake receipts—they can generate them in seconds with just a few clicks. The Growing Threat...
Amanda Chambers has made history as the first female Chief Judge of the County Court of Victoria, bringing over 19 years of judicial experience to this prestigious role. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Victoria’s legal landscape. Judge Chambers’ leadership in judicial reform is particularly evident in her tenure as President of the Children’s...
In an unprecedented legal manoeuvre that has sent shockwaves through Victoria’s political landscape, Moira Deeming’s formidable legal team is pursuing a novel strategy to recover $2.3 million in legal costs from those who funded John Pesutto’s failed defamation defense. Leading this charge is a powerhouse duo of Australian legal talent: Patrick George, principal at boutique...
Purchasing a property is one of the most important legal and financial commitments you will make. But not all contracts are what they seem. At Hayton Kosky, we are increasingly concerned by the rise of non-standard, buyer-unfriendly contracts being issued by some conveyancing practitioners. These contracts often appear to follow the standard form developed by...
After nearly 50 years, Penhalluriack’s hardware store in Caulfield (Pens), a true Melbourne institution, is on the market. This isn’t just any hardware store; it’s the legacy of Frank Penhalluriack, the man who single-handedly brought seven-day trading to Victoria, forever changing the retail landscape. Penhalluriack’s journey began close to five decades ago when a trip...
Victoria’s urban landscape is continually evolving, driven by population growth and the imperative for sustainable development. A cornerstone of this growth management is the Public Open Space (POS) levy, a critical mechanism ensuring that new developments contribute to the provision of essential community infrastructure. For property developers, understanding the legislative intricacies of this levy is...
In Victoria, a segment of property developers—particularly those engaged in build-to-rent (BTR) schemes—are taking advantage of legal frameworks to sidestep certain state and local tax obligations. While not inherently unlawful, these strategies highlight gaps in legislation that municipalities and the State Revenue Office (SRO) are now scrutinizing. Avoiding the Public Open Space Levy Ordinarily, developers...
