Deciding on the right legal framework for your business is a cornerstone of long-term success. The choice between a corporate (Pty Ltd) structure and a discretionary family trust is a critical one for Australian entrepreneurs, with significant consequences for your liability, tax strategy, and future growth. While both are powerful options for holding a business,...
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...
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...
In today’s digital economy, Australians are accumulating wealth in unprecedented forms—cryptocurrency, online businesses, monetized social media accounts, and cloud-stored collections of personal data. Despite their financial and sentimental value, digital assets are frequently overlooked in estate plans, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to loss, disputes, and tax consequences. Why Digital Assets Matter in Estate Planning Digital assets—anything...
In the heart of the Australian suburbs, a fundamental conflict is brewing. It’s a clash between the cherished dream of a backyard and a detached home, and a government-led agenda aggressively pushing for high-density apartment living. This policy direction, driven by all levels of government, is unfolding against the backdrop of the worst housing affordability...
For many Victorians, the dream of owning a home can feel like a distant ambition. The financial hurdles, from saving a deposit to covering transaction costs, are significant. Fortunately, the Victorian Government offers a helping hand through several initiatives designed to make homeownership more accessible. Whether you’re buying a new build or an established property,...
Picture this: You’ve just purchased your third investment property in Melbourne, feeling proud of your growing portfolio. Your accountant set up the first property in your personal name for “simplicity,” and you’ve continued with the same structure ever since. Fast forward five years, and a single professional indemnity claim threatens to wipe out your entire...
We are pleased to share that from 1 July 2025, Hayton Kosky will operate as an Incorporated Legal Practice (ILP) under the name: Hayton Kosky Pty Ltd ACN 688 292 588 | ABN 13 688 292 588 This change reflects the evolution of our practice structure and brings with it a number of administrative and...
Victoria’s Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) was designed to unlock empty homes and boost housing supply during an acute housing crisis. However, recent data reveals a gap between the tax’s intended reach and its actual enforcement, with thousands of property owners successfully avoiding millions in tax obligations through various legal and practical loopholes. The Scale...
