News Centre
August 29, 2023 · Mingqiang
Company Insolvency: What Should Shareholders and Creditors Do?
After company insolvency, shareholders need not repay company debts from personal assets, but remain liable up to their contributions or subscribed shares. Sole traders and partnerships have unlimited liability, except limited partnerships; personal assets must cover debts if business assets are insufficient.
August 22, 2023 · Mingqiang
A Mother, Four Infant Deaths, and Australia’s Greatest Miscarriage of Justice
The charges in the Folbigg case relied on diaries and inferences about the probability of sudden infant deaths; the defence challenged the lack of direct scientific and forensic evidence. Later expert reports and genetic research supported possible natural deaths, and the Governor ultimately granted an unconditional pardon.
August 17, 2023 · Mingqiang
Do You Need a Lawyer for Divorce? What Can an Australian Divorce Lawyer Do?
Even for a joint divorce application, legal guidance is recommended to reduce delays caused by documents. A divorce lawyer can help with proof of marriage and separation, review documents, check service paperwork for a sole application and assist with child support disputes.
August 11, 2023 · Mingqiang
What Legal Disputes Can Arise in Australian Property Transactions?
Buying or building a home in Australia may involve misleading agents, off-the-plan area discrepancies, changes in property condition and builder disputes. Due diligence before buying and keeping inspection records help you understand the property and compare its condition at handover.
July 20, 2023 · Mingqiang
Do You Need a Lawyer to Draft Contracts and Agreements?
Drafting your own contract risks ambiguous wording and omissions, including liability for breach or special terms. Online templates may not suit your needs. Although you can draft a contract yourself, we recommend consulting a lawyer given the potential legal risks and disputes.
July 13, 2023 · Mingqiang
What Are the Differences Between an Australian De Facto Relationship and Marriage?
In Australia, cohabitation must meet legal conditions to qualify as a de facto relationship; registration is optional. Both de facto relationships and marriages have legal protection, but ending them involves different procedures. Post-divorce proceedings and de facto property proceedings also have different starting points and deadlines.
July 12, 2023 · Mingqiang
Understanding Child Custody Agreements in Australia
After separating, parents can negotiate child custody arrangements and formalise them through a parenting plan or consent orders. A parenting plan cannot be enforced by a court, while consent orders are legally binding. Arrangements should centre on the child’s best interests and adapt as they grow.
July 5, 2023 · Mingqiang
NSW First Home Buyer Concessions Now in Effect! Continuous Residency Period Extended from 6 Months to 12 Months!
NSW first home buyer concessions expanded on 1 July 2023, exempting eligible purchases up to AUD $800,000 from stamp duty. Residency rules for new or existing homes also changed: check both the move-in deadline and continuous residence period against the contract date.
June 28, 2023 · Mingqiang
Authorising Someone to Act on Your Behalf in Australia: What Is the Difference Between a General Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney?
In NSW, distinguish between a General Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney for legal and financial matters: the former operates only while you retain decision-making capacity; the latter continues after you lose it. Personal decisions require a separate enduring guardian.
June 15, 2023 · Mingqiang
What to Watch Out For When Weekly Rent Rises in Australia: Tenancy Contract Disputes Explained
You can first negotiate a smaller rent increase with your landlord or agent. If the landlord refuses to reconsider, you can seek dispute resolution through your state or territory tribunal, but must provide evidence of an excessive increase. A court finding the rent excessive can stop the increase.