Blog
Options to renew in commercial leases – don’t get caught out!
An option clause is a term in a commercial lease that allows a tenant to renew their lease at the end of the original lease period, if they meet certain conditions. Landlords are not obliged to offer a renewal option. However, it is often in the interests of both...
Coercive Control Offences in New South Wales
Recent research found that 99% of intimate partner homicides in New South Wales that occurred between 2008 and 2016 were preceded by evidence of “coercive control” within the relationship. In 2022, the NSW parliament introduced a law to criminalise coercive control in...
Can your ex de facto inherit under your Will?
Once upon a time, you were happily living together with your de facto partner. Roses were bought, dinners were cooked, finances were shared, and Wills were signed leaving all your assets to the other partner in the event of what you then thought of as the faraway time...
Boundary Disputes – Resolving Divided Interests with Your Neighbours
Unfortunately, disputes between neighbours are some of the most common legal disputes in Australia. Often these disputes arise because of shared fences, overhanging trees, and property boundaries. This article looks at how to resolve a dispute over a dividing boundary...
Deceased Estates – What Happens When Executors Don’t Agree
When someone dies, their assets are usually distributed according to their will. The person responsible for managing and distributing these assets is the “executor” of the deceased estate. In some cases, a will appoints more than one person to act as executor, and...
Beyond Reasonable Doubt – Proving the Elements of a Criminal Offence
A criminal prosecution must prove their case to a high degree of certainty, so that there is no reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury as to the guilt of the accused. This serves as a safeguard against wrongful convictions and ensures that the burden of proof...
An overview of Retail Leases in New South Wales
Signing a commercial lease is a significant legal and financial commitment for both landlords and tenants. It is important for each party to understand the relationship they are entering and the rights and obligations they each have. Some commercial leases are...
Different types of property titles – why does it matter?
A property title establishes ownership rights and interests in a piece of real estate. It serves as proof of ownership and outlines the various rights, restrictions, and responsibilities associated with the property. A property title typically includes vital...
Drink Driving and the Alcohol Interlock Program NSW
In New South Wales, driving after consuming alcohol is regulated by the Road Transport Act 2013 and the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977. These acts set out the legal framework for drink driving offences, prescribed blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits,...
Update on Personal Property Security Register
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a national, electronic register of security interests in personal property that was established on 30 January 2012. What does the PPSR cover? The easiest way to understand what is covered is to dissect the name -...