When my wife and I decided to have a family, not wanting to take any chances, we wanted the best medical care that money could afford. We topped up our health insurance and employed a specialist obstetrician. However, even with our health insurance, what with co-payments and so forth, it was an expensive option that cost us a lot more than shared care through our GP and local hospital would … [Read more...]
“The Ghost of Financial Past”: How to Avoid Being Haunted by Your Partner’s Credit History
In the not so distant past it was ‘normal’ for Aussies to partner off in their youth, marry in their early twenties and, as a couple, they would collectively develop a credit rating reflective of their shared financial habits. Whatever this was, couples copped this on the ‘collective chin’. However, with Australians taking longer to settle down to a life of coupledom, and with these … [Read more...]
A Franchising Opportunity
Do you have a great idea for a business with a proven track record for success? You may wish to consider franchising your business idea. Franchising is, by definition, not actually a business. In fact, when you create a franchise you are actually selling a marketing idea for a business. This might include a framework for the business operation, rights to logos and marketing materials and the … [Read more...]
Franchisors: Understand Your Disclosure Obligations
In January 2015 the ACCC took measures to revise the ‘Franchising Code’, a document pertaining to specific codes of industry conduct as they relate to business franchises. Yesterday, 22nd September 2016, the ACCC announced that they have instituted their first proceedings in the Federal Court, relating to penalties under the revised Franchising Code. Specifically, the ACCC alleges “that Morild … [Read more...]
Technology & Teens: Understanding the Risks
Maddalena Romano is a solicitor with many years’ experience working as a criminal lawyer. As a trained teacher, she is deeply passionate about the needs of young people and the capacity of education to influence the lives of people positively. I couldn’t imagine a life without technology. In fact, separate me from my mobile phone and I’m pretty sure it won’t take long before the headaches and … [Read more...]
Money-Scrambling Scumbags: What is the Real Face of the Law?
As lawyers we are used to copping a lot of stick for our reputation as greedy, money-scrambling scumbags. It is a stereotype that, while annoying me no end, is the driving factor behind the way I approach my profession. You see, as a lawyer, I firmly believe that I make a difference. Before I go any further I wish to clarify the difference between jobs which clearly are vocations and those … [Read more...]
Two Lawyers and A Politician Were Drinking At A Bar: The Story of Public Service Super in SA
This story starts like all good stories – at the bar over a few drinks!. There were two lawyers and a politician at the bar – no seriously, there were! We were at the recent Telstra Business Awards ceremony of which Welden and Coluccio Lawyers were a South Australian finalist, and we got to discussing matters of estate planning with one of the state's leading politicians. In that discussion, … [Read more...]
Land Held in Trust? What You Need to Know About Registering Trustees
It is increasingly common to find that land is held in a family trust. As a strategy this holds many benefits (particularly those related to assets testing and taxation). However, if you are involved in such a situation it is critical that you understand the importance of having yourself, as a trustee, registered. When land is held in a trust, the trust itself cannot be registered as the … [Read more...]
How my Dog Made me Think About Wills and Funeral Arrangements
Our beloved Maltese terrier, Cooper, died a month ago. Despite the fact that he was an old man of 14 years, it was still a fairly traumatic experience for the whole family. Having made the difficult decision to euthanize him, we were next asked, “What would you like to do with his remains?” Not having experienced, discussed or even considered this before, we had little idea of the options … [Read more...]
Your Right to Know? Understanding the Role of Suppression Orders in the Salt Creek Investigation
Last week South Australians were horrified by the allegedly vicious attack on two young, female backpackers at Salt Creek in the state’s south. The attack has initiated one of the most restrictive suppression orders granted in recent legal history. Maddalena Romano explains exactly what this means and answers the question, is this appropriate considering the circumstances? What is a suppression … [Read more...]
