Publications - Miller Sockhill Lawyers

Estate Planning ·

What Happens If You Lose Capacity Without an Enduring Power of Attorney?

Many people assume that if they become unable to make decisions for themselves, their spouse or adult children will automatically be authorised to step in…

Legal Fundamentals ·

Can AI Replace a Lawyer? The Risks of Using AI to Run Your Legal Case

Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly utilised to explain unfamiliar concepts, summarise documents and produce apparently professional legal submissions within seconds. For a person facing legal…

Legal Fundamentals ·

New AML Rules for Australian Property Transactions

Australia’s anti-money laundering (AML) laws are undergoing their most significant expansion in almost two decades. For the first time, many legal professionals, conveyancers, real estate…

Family Law ·

Consenting Without Admissions: The Pros and Cons

Consenting without admissions means agreeing to a court order, such as a Domestic Violence Order, being made against you, without admitting that the allegations are…

Estate Planning ·

Online Wills: Are the Savings Worth the Risk?

Online Will services are increasingly popular in Australia. They are often promoted as quick, easy, legally binding and affordable alternatives to using an estate planning…

Estate Dispute ·

Contesting a Will in Queensland: Who Can Claim and What Time Limits Apply?

Contesting a Will – Understanding Family Provision Applications in Queensland Disputes about wills often arise when a person believes they have been left out of…

A dark wood gavel with a brass band rests on a wooden surface, casting a shadow. The Court has made it clear that add-backs are no longer part of the standard methodology for determining the property pool.

Family Law ·

The End of “Add-Backs”: A Fundamental Shift in Property Settlements

When One Party Wastes Money During Separation: What the Court Can Now Do Recent developments in Australian family law have significantly altered the way courts…

Legal Fundamentals ·

Guarantees and Indemnities in Queensland

Guarantees and Indemnities in Queensland: Why Legal Advice Matters In many commercial and property transactions in Queensland, a party may be asked to sign a…

Body Corporate ·

Important Considerations When Drafting Body Corporate By-laws

By-Laws in Queensland – Important Considerations Body corporate by-laws play a critical role in regulating the use of lots and common property within a community…

Employment Law ·

Annualised Salaries Under Scrutiny

Annualised Salaries – Federal Court Clarifies Set-Off and Pay Cycle Compliance A recent Federal Court decision involving Woolworths and Coles has provided important clarification on…

Consumer Law ·

Crypto Assets & Separation: What Couples Need to Know

As digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies become increasingly mainstream, they are appearing more frequently in family law property settlements. Although the Family…

Conveyancing ·

Understanding the New Queensland Seller Disclosure Regime

The property market rules and conveyancing in Queensland have changed significantly. As of 1 August 2025, a new statutory disclosure regime takes effect, transforming what…

Commercial ·

Understanding Option Deeds In Queensland Property Law

In Queensland property law, an option deed is a contractual tool that grants one party the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell…

Commercial ·

Avoid the Headache: How a Clear Supply Agreement Saves Time, Money & Relationships

In today’s commercial landscape, supply agreements are fundamental to maintaining smooth operations and fostering strong, reliable business relationships. These contracts establish the terms and conditions…

Contracts ·

Changes to Queensland’s Manufactured Homes Legislation

On 23 May 2024, the Queensland Parliament passed the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Act 2024. The amendments aim to improve consumer protections for people…

Body Corporate ·

Understanding the Process of Lot Owners Updating the Community Management Statement (CMS) in a Body Corporate Scheme

In a community titles scheme—commonly known as a body corporate in Queensland —the Community Management Statement is a foundational legal document. As the community evolves,…

Legal Fundamentals ·

Appealing a QCAT Ruling: Time Limits, Legal Grounds, and What to Expect

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) plays an important role in resolving a wide range of disputes, from minor civil claims and tenancy disagreements…

Family Law ·

Family Law Mediation in Queensland: What You Need to Know

When relationships break down, resolving disputes about children, property or finances can feel overwhelming. Many people imagine long, expensive and stressful court battles, but in…

Consumer Law ·

Understanding Bailment Law: What Is It and Why It Matters

Bailment is a fundamental but often overlooked area of law that governs many common, everyday transactions. Whether you’re dropping your clothes off at the dry…

Commercial ·

The Importance of Legal Due Diligence when Buying a Business in Queensland

Purchasing a business in Queensland can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it can also come with significant legal risks. Among the most crucial…

Consumer Law ·

Pricing Pitfalls: What Businesses Must Know to Stay on the Right Side of the Law

In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, pricing isn’t just about turning a profit — it’s about playing fair, staying transparent, and above all, staying within the lines…

Commercial ·

Vendor Finance in Queensland: Opportunities, Risks & Legal Essentials

Vendor finance, also known as seller finance, is a creative and flexible method of buying or selling property, businesses, or assets—without the involvement of traditional…

Body Corporate ·

Making the Move: Buying into a Retirement Village in Queensland

Retirement villages in Queensland are a popular option for Australians looking to downsize and move into a more low-maintenance, social location. But before buying into…

Estate Planning ·

Binding Death Benefit Nominations – Who is getting your super?

Why Binding Death Benefit Nominations Matter in Estate Planning For many Australians, superannuation is one of their largest assets—often more valuable than cash savings or…