Family Law THE COVID-19 LIST – A DEDICATED LIST FOR DISCRETE ISSUES ARISING FROM THE PANDEMIC
By James Marmin In our third year of dealing with COVID-19, the pandemic continues to impact separated families. We have seen disputes arise with respect to vaccinations of children, interstate travel, overseas travel and general compliance with Ord
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Family Law Exclusive Occupation – Can I stay?
By James Halliday and James Marmin The breakdown of a relationship can be an immensely stressful time for all the parties involved. One of the main stressors through this process can be the former matrimonial home and namely, who is to continue resi
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Wills & Estates The Importance of Estate Planning for SMSFs
The Importance of Estate Planning for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds by Geoff Cameron geoffc@mdl.com.au Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) have become increasingly popular as a method for managing wealth to be used in retirement. A key r
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Building & Construction Five Day Extension to Settlement Now Possible in Queensland
By John Warlow On 20 January 2022 the REIQ released new versions of its contracts for the sale of houses and apartments in Queensland. The new contracts contain a number of amendments. But most importantly they contain a new Clause 6.2 which gives e
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Employment Law The alignment of statute and common law: defining a casual employee
On 27 March 2021 the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery Act 2021 (Cth) (“Amending Legislation”) amended the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (“FWA”) and inserted a definition of “casual employee”. This new definition provi
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Family Law Escaping Domestic Violence Payment
Victims of domestic and family violence may be eligible for the Escaping Violence Payment provided by the UnitingCare Australia. The Escaping Violence Payment is available for Australian citizens over 18 years of age who have experienced family viol
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Family Law Deadline for Applications to Court about parenting arrangements for Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time for families, particularly for separated families who cannot agree about the parenting arrangements for the children over the Christmas holidays. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia deadline for applic
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Property Law Demolition Approval, Statutory Conditions & Extension of time for Commencement
In the recent (14.9.21) Planning and Environment Court decision of Karam Boutique Residential 8 Pty Ltd v Redland City Council [2021] QPEC 47, the Court was asked to grant an extension of the statutory (Building Act 1975) requirement that demolition
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Litigation Travel Refunds from Agencies and their Suppliers: COVID-19
Since the COVID-19 pandemic first began to take effect in March 2020, Australian travellers and travel services have struggled with the constant cancellations of domestic and international travel alike. Lockdowns have resumed in most of Australia whi
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