News Centre
May 18, 2022 · Mingqiang
What Counts as De Facto in Australia?
Even without a marriage certificate, a de facto relationship may involve property settlement and spousal maintenance. Recognition depends on whether the couple lives together on a genuine domestic basis, with housing, finances, mutual commitment and other factors considered together; no single factor determines the outcome.
May 13, 2022 · Mingqiang
Behind on Rent in Australia? Options to Keep Your Business Running Beyond Closing Up Shop
With commercial rent arrears, consider negotiating rent relief or a payment plan, following procedures for early termination, assigning the lease or subletting. Subletting is an option with ample space, but requires landlord consent and proper procedures. You remain liable for unpaid subtenant rent and head lease obligations.
May 12, 2022 · Mingqiang
Tax Season Is Coming: What You Must Know About Filing and Refunds in Australia
Living and working in Australia, tax residents must declare local and overseas income. Apply for a TFN before or soon after starting work; work-related deductions have conditions. Intentional or unintentional income understatement or expense overstatement attracts penalties, and a fraudulent refund case resulted in imprisonment.
May 10, 2022 · Mingqiang
How is property ownership divided when spouses, siblings or friends buy together? If one of them suddenly passes away, does the title automatically transfer?
When buying with a spouse, siblings or friends, ownership structure affects shares and inheritance. Joint tenancy carries a right of survivorship; tenancy in common allows unequal shares. All buyers must be named in the contract when it is signed.
May 6, 2022 · Mingqiang
Breakups Should Be Civil — The Courts Don’t Buy the Melodrama: A Look at Australian Family Law
When divorcing in Australia, property held in one spouse’s name still enters the joint property pool. Property proceedings must start within 12 months of divorce. After that, you must first seek the court’s leave and demonstrate hardship; property division can proceed only once leave is granted.
May 5, 2022 · Mingqiang
How Much Time Can I Spend With My Child After Divorce: A Major Misconception About “Equal Shared Parental Responsibility”?
After divorce, equal shared parental responsibility generally means making joint decisions about a child’s education, health and other matters. It does not mean dividing time equally. Whether equal time is appropriate also depends on the child’s best interests and whether the arrangement is reasonably practicable.
May 4, 2022 · Mingqiang
A Charmed Life! Buying Property in Australia as a Minor Is No Game of Monopoly
In most cases, minors can sign property purchase contracts in Australia. Enforcement risks may deter sellers and make many lenders unwilling to lend. Through a trust, an adult parent or guardian can hold title as trustee and handle borrowing and related matters.
May 2, 2022 · Mingqiang
The House Is in Your Name, but That Doesn’t Mean You Can Sell It Whenever You Want! The Non-Titled Partner May Be Able to Stop the Sale!
If your partner wants to sell property solely in their name, your financial or non-financial contributions during the relationship may support a caveat. Marriage or cohabitation does not automatically establish eligibility; lodging without a caveatable interest may require you to compensate the owner for financial losses.
![[Success Story] Unlicensed Driving + Speeding + Deceiving Police — Ended Up With Zero Fines?](https://www.nslegal.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/case-study-unlicensed-speeding-charges-dropped.webp)
April 29, 2022 · Mingqiang
[Success Story] Unlicensed Driving + Speeding + Deceiving Police — Ended Up With Zero Fines?
Driving while disqualified may lead to a fine, imprisonment and further loss of your licence. After mitigation, one NSW client was convicted and disqualified for 3 months but received no fine; another was not convicted and must comply with a 12-month conditional release order.
April 28, 2022 · Mingqiang
What to Do When You’re Bullied at Work in Australia — Take Prompt Action Against “Bad” Colleagues
Employers handling workplace bullying complaints must maintain a safe workplace free from bullying and harassment. Assess whether informal resolution is appropriate, consider an investigation if that fails, and consider and implement the recommendations once the investigation is complete and the final report received.