Insights
How will a family lawyer help me?
Family lawyers assist people considering or experiencing separation in more ways than you might think. We will advise you on the law as it applies to you; that part is fairly obvious. But what isn’t is just how many legal issues family lawyers have to...
Are you in a de facto relationship?
The answer to this common question is not as simple as you might expect. A person will be considered to be in a de facto relationship if, looking at all the circumstances of the relationship, they have a relationship as a couple and are living...
Resigning as a Director? Don’t be late or the last
From 18 February 2021 changes to the Australian Law were introduced by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Combating Illegal Phoenixing) Act 2020 meaning that: if a director’s resignation is not notified to ASIC within 28 days, the resignation will take effect on the date of...
Dividing fences, neighbours and the obligation to pay
Updated 19 November 2020 Neighbours do not have to have a dividing fence if each neighbour agrees. However if one neighbour wants a dividing fence, then both neighbours of the adjoining land are responsible for the cost of building and constructing the fence....
How does domestic violence impact parenting arrangements?
Domestic violence and parenting It is important that children grow up in a safe environment where they feel secure, loved and protected. Children who are exposed to domestic violence are far more likely to develop physical and/or mental health problems and, as...
A fair go for subcontractors – BIF Act amendments 2020
Subcontractor late payments Queensland Working in the building industry with or as a subcontractor? This year has seen significant changes made to building industry payment laws that may affect you. In July the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act...
Corporate Law Update
Director Identification Numbers – more Than Just A Vehicle For Regulation Miller Harris Business Legal Services: On 22 June 2020 the Commonwealth Government passed into law new legislation requiring company directors and executive officers of companies to obtain and...
Is your ex entitled to property that you acquire after separation?
Updated 20 August 2020 The simple answer to this question is – yes. Generally any property that is acquired after separation and before a final property settlement will be included as an asset in the property pool available for distribution even if the asset is held...
Commercial Landlords and Tenants: Renegotiating your lease in a pandemic
At Miller Harris, we know that local businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19. The Commonwealth government previously announced a “code of conduct” to allow business tenants to negotiate rent relief with their landlords during the pandemic. That code of...
Important legal information about redundancy
Redundancy - Is it genuine? During these times of economic uncertainty, redundancy could, understandably, be on your mind. As a business owner, you might be faced with the difficult decision to reduce employee numbers. If you are an employee at risk of redundancy...
What you need to know about the new Federal HomeBuilder grant
Federal HomeBuilder grant 2020 The Australian Government has recently announced a new “HomeBuilder grant” to boost the Australian economy, particularly the construction industry, in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The new HomeBuilder grant provides eligible...
Separated but living under one roof? Here is what you need to know
One impact of Coronavirus may be that more people find themselves separated from their spouse, but continuing to live together for a period of time. In family law this is coined “separation under one roof” and there are important consequences to be aware of. The most...
Businesses beware! Business name renewal invoice scams
Many business owners carry on business using a registered business name. Registered names need to be renewed from time to time. Private company service providers now have access to the business names register information, and some offer “renewal services”. ...
COVID-19: The impacts of Coronavirus on family law and parenting
Co-parenting can be difficult at the best of times. The additional uncertainty and significant changes in response to the global pandemic will see parents face new challenges. The message from the courts is that where possible parents should continue to comply with...
Making the transition to retirement living – 4 questions you might have about manufactured home parks
Cairns is soon to introduce its newest (and first) land lease community, also known as a manufactured home park. The Botanica Lifestyle Resort is the first of its kind in Cairns and a new option for those looking to make the transition to retirement living. There are...