When I Leave a Retirement Village or Aged Care Facility?
Transitioning into a retirement village or aged care facility can be (and often is) a very stressful and unnerving time in one’s life. There are numerous things to consider, and they often pile on top of what is already a hard decision. Unfortunately, what people don’t often contemplate when moving in, is what will happen […]
Timely Wills
With Christmas holidays just around the corner, now is the time to put in place (or review) your Will and estate planning documents. Ideally, your Will should be in place well before your holidays! Aside from beating the last minute rush, there are plenty of other good reasons – for example: are you traveling with […]
Elder Abuse
Australia’s population is aging and living longer. Age, mental health and medication of an older person can increase their vulnerability and reduce their capability for self-protection. This is fertile ground for abuse to occur. Elder abuse can be defined as: The mistreatment of an older person Is usually committed by someone the older person trusts; […]
Dividing Fences
A dividing fence (usually) defines the common boundary between neighbouring properties. Sometimes disagreements can arise about a dividing fence, or proposed dividing fence. For example, the fence may be in need of repair, or you (or your neighbour) simply want a new, higher fence constructed out of something entirely different to the original fence. The Dividing […]
Estate Planning & Pensioners Assets Test
Think about the value of your combined assets… Most likely you and your partner are under the threshold of the pensioner assets test, or at least if you are over the threshold; you still get a part pension inclusive of the “extras” such as discounted rego, pharmacy items etc. Pensioner discounts add up to some […]
What to do when debts are overdue
In small to medium business, cash flow is a major priority, and when invoices, debts and loans are not being paid, overdue debts can instigate a flow-on effect that can leave your business and reputation in the wind. What to do when a debt or loan becomes overdue depends mostly on how long overdue it […]
Do You Love Your Builder?
But more importantly, does your builder love you? The building industry has become a legalistic minefield in recent times. We constantly see the differing views of what the “builder / home owner” relationship should entail, and how to effectively convey this in your building contract, so that both parties are working together to build your […]
Elder Abuse and Power of Attorney
Have you (or someone you know) made a Power of Attorney (POA) and are now uncomfortable with it? Do you know of anyone who may be abusing (or being abused by) their power under a POA? In the recent case of Cohen NSWSC 336, the poorly drafted POA gave the Attorney unnecessarily wide powers to confer benefits […]
Calculating the cost of buying a house
The cost of buying a house is likely to be one of the largest sums of money you will spend, but what about all those extra expenses that might not have crossed your mind? Buying property is a big step, whether you are a first-time buyer or onto your fourth purchase. While you will be […]
Appointment of Enduring Guardian (AEG)
The time may come when you cannot speak for yourself. If you had a serious accident, or became gravely ill, who would make health, medical and life style decisions for you? What medical treatment would you want to receive? Would you want to withhold certain medical treatment? An Appointment of Enduring Guardian (AEG), incorporating an […]