I’m pretty certain that my kids are on the fast track to becoming nomophobes. I’ll admit that I’m probably one too and, if my wife is correct, about 98% of the students she works with in her role as a secondary teacher, are self-proclaimed nomophobes (even though they may not use the actual word). What on earth am I talking about, and what is this namophobia? Nomophobia, put simply is an … [Read more...]
Police (SA): Understanding Your Rights
Maddalena Romano has more than a decade experience working in all aspects of Criminal Law within South Australia. She writes frankly about your rights as a citizen should you be approached or questioned by a police officer in SA. We have all been taught to respect Police officers as they are people of authority but we have been seeing increasing incidents where police have used excessive force … [Read more...]
Law in the Technological Age: A Practical Reimagining
Jason Coluccio writes frankly about future directions in the legal profession, why law firms are facing huge challenges today and what he did about it. When I joined the legal profession in 2011 it was not as a fledgling, wide-eyed twenty-something graduate (with minimal life experience), but rather, as a reasonably savvy businessman with a proven track record in sales. It followed then, that … [Read more...]
Access Your Super Early: Top 7 Strategies
For many Australians times are financially tough. It is quite a source of frustration to know that you have a stash of money growing in a super fund, yet are struggling with mortgage repayments and the rising costs of living. Add to this an unexpected illness or significant misfortune and you may find yourself asking the question, “Can I get my hands on my Super early?”. In most cases, you … [Read more...]
Selling an Investment Property: Know Your Legal Obligations
While property has the capacity to generate an income for the investor, there may come a time when you, the investor, wish to cash the investment in and move on. What happens then, if the property you wish to sell is currently tenanted? More specifically, what are your legal obligations to the tenant in these circumstances? Section 71A of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) requires that the … [Read more...]
“I’m uncomplicated so my Will should be pretty straightforward, right?”
If I had a dollar for every time someone said this to me I could retire right now. You see everyone thinks that their circumstances are straightforward and it follows then that they believe that their Estate needs will be easily satisfied with either a “cheap Will”, a blank template where you enter names and addresses; or, even worse, a DIY Will Kit. Truth is, few Wills actually are … [Read more...]
Mum & Dad Banks Beware
Each morning I like to watch a few minutes of Sunrise. At least I do, until I realise that the kids are no-where close to being ready for school (and the grumbling ensues). At any rate, yesterday morning, I happened to catch a report about the rise of ‘Mum and Dad Banks’. This is the term that has been coined to describe a situation when parents provide money or security to assist their … [Read more...]
Changes to Stamp Duty in South Australia
As part of the 2015-2016 State Budget, the government has abolished stamp duty on transfers of non-real property, together with stamp duty on transfers of non-residential, non-primary production real property, with phasing-in commencing from 1st July 2016. Abolishment of Stamp Duty on Some Items The abolishment of stamp duty on transfers of non-real property applies to items such as plant … [Read more...]
Commercial Leases Part 2: Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Signing
In the first part in this series I explored many aspects related to the actual lease and accompanying documents. In this part I wish to explore other elements of Commercial Leases that need to be considered, and potentially investigated closely, before you sign. If Required Apply for a Liquor Licence If you intend to operate a business that will require a liquor license then you must … [Read more...]
Commercial Leases Part 1: Top 10 Things You Must Know Before Signing
Every great business begins with a great idea, product or, even better, a vision. While you might spend many months (or even years) clarifying this vision, preparing business plans and securing finance, at some point you will be ready to bring your dream to life. For many businesses this will mean establishing a shop front and for most it will mean signing a Commercial Lease. In this two part … [Read more...]
