Most people buy a home using savings, proceeds from a sale, and a bank loan. Getting finance involves several steps and costs. It is important to understand your mortgage terms and seek legal advice where needed. What is a mortgage? When you borrow money from a bank to buy a home, the bank takes a…
Body art such as tattooing and piercing has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, if you are thinking about getting inked, you may want to consider the potential impact on your current or future job. In today’s workplace, employers can lawfully restrict visible tattoos or piercings. They can also refuse to hire someone based…
Right now in Victoria, there are new incentives available for first home buyers looking to enter the property market or move out of renting. These schemes are designed to make buying a home more achievable, particularly for those struggling to save a deposit. In addition to government support, some builders and developers are also offering…
If you know someone who is being sentenced in Court and they ask you for a character reference, do you know what to do? The purpose of a character reference for someone who has pleaded guilty to a criminal or traffic offence is to bring details of their good character to the Court’s attention. In…
Many couples separate on good terms. This is positive, especially when children are involved. Separation is still difficult, but cooperation can help both parties move forward. Some ex-partners agree informally on how to divide property. However, failing to formalise a property settlement can create serious risks. This is especially true where assets, debts, or pre-existing…
Social services organisations in Australia have predicted an increase in family violence during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Job loss, financial stress, and social isolation have placed significant pressure on many households. Family violence has always been a serious issue. However, it can become more difficult during lockdowns and self-isolation. Usual safe spaces such as schools,…
It is with great excitement that we welcome our new lawyer Kamila Savage to our team. Kamila has more than two decades experience in practising law in Poland and Germany along with working as a consultant for major European and British Corporations and specialises in Civil Litigation, Intervention Orders, Property Matters, Intellectual Property and Criminal…
Before we explain the process of conveyancing in Melbourne, it is important to understand what conveyancing actually is. Conveyancing refers to the legal process of transferring property from a vendor to a purchaser. It can also include the process of registering a mortgage with a lender. The process can take around 30 days, but it…
When a partner or loved one passes away, there are many things to deal with. Property ownership is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important issues to resolve. Property ownership determines what happens to a home after death. The outcome depends on how the property is held and whether a valid Will…
When someone close to you passes away, there are a few important legal steps that need to happen to ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out correctly. Even if the person who passed away had a Will, the process is not always as simple as following its instructions. If they owned significant assets or property…