Publications - Miller Sockhill Lawyers

Uncategorised ·

Non-Refundable Deposits and Instalment Contracts

Non-Refundable Deposits and Instalment Contracts For buyers and sellers of property in Queensland, arranging to release “non-refundable” deposits under a contract has traditionally been…

Uncategorised ·

Is Development Approval Required Before Registering a Lease?

Is Development Approval Required Before Registering a Lease? Overview Property owners and landlords should take the time to consider the particulars of their property…

Liquor Licensing ·

Do I Need a Liquor Licence?

Do I Need a Liquor Licence? Liquor licensing is administered by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations (the OLGR) in Queensland and is…

Litigation ·

Considering Litigation? Consider Your Costs!

Considering Litigation? Consider Your Costs! As Ben Roberts-Smith’s failed defamation Claim now turns to the matter of costs, reportedly an astonishing $35 million! …

Family Law ·

Divorce – Not Always a Simple Process

Divorce – Not Always a Simple Process You may have seen our article on ‘How to Apply for a Divorce?’ and it appears that…

Commercial ·

Misleading and Deceptive Conduct

Misleading and Deceptive Conduct In Australia, the Australian Consumer Law (“ACL”) provides for various consumer protections. The ACL is found in Schedule 2 of…

Litigation ·

Alternative Dispute Resolution

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Civil litigation can be stressful and expensive. Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) is an option that should be considered if you want…

Commercial ·

Important Updates for Unfair Contract Terms: What You Need to Know

Important Updates for Unfair Contract Terms: What You Need to Know Overview The Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Act 2022 (Cth)…

Body Corporate ·

The Functions and Powers of a Body Corporate

The Functions and Powers of a Body Corporate In Queensland, there are currently over 500,000 properties that are part of a Community Titles Scheme.…

Estate Planning ·

Understanding Probate

Understanding Probate What is Probate? Probate refers to the legal process of validating and executing a deceased person’s will. It involves the court’s recognition…

Legal Fundamentals ·

What is Legal Professional Privilege?

Legal Professional Privilege You may have heard the phrase ‘Legal Professional Privilege’, but what does it mean here in Australia and how does is…

People with a disability smiling and laughing

Estate Planning ·

Estate Planning and Consideration to Special Disability Trusts

Estate Planning – Special Disability Trusts Special disability trusts came into effect on 20 September 2006 and can be utilised in estate planning where…

Australian flag blowing in the wind in front of a blue sky

Immigration ·

Upcoming Changes for New Zealand Citizens Applying for Australian Citizenship

Are you a New Zealand Citizen Considering Applying for Australian Citizenship? Up until recently, the majority of New Zealand citizens living in Australia faced…

awards ·

Are you aware of your QLeave Obligations as an Employer?

Are you an employer in the building and construction industry? If yes, then you may need to consider your obligations under the legislative scheme regarding…

Commercial ·

Construction Company Liquidation And The Homeowner

What Happens to Homeowners When a Construction Company Goes into Liquidation? The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have forced many companies into liquidation with…

Estate Planning ·

Asset Protection – Planning for Incapacity in a Business or Investment Context

Asset Protection – Planning for Incapacity in a Business or Investment Context Often when people consider executing an Enduring Power of Attorney document, they…

Employment Law ·

Employment Law: Awards

Employment Law: Awards What is an Award? An Award is the minimum entitlements and conditions an employee is required to be given in the course…

Estate Planning ·

PROVIDING FOR YOUR PETS IN YOUR WILL

PROVIDING FOR YOUR PETS IN YOUR WILL In today’s modern households, pets are considered members of the family. When we plan to go on holiday…

Estate Planning ·

Deeds of Family Arrangement

Deeds of Family Arrangement When a person dies their assets will generally be distributed in accordance with the wishes that they record in their Will,…

Estate Planning ·

Capital Gains Tax and Inherited Property

Capital Gains Tax and Inherited Property For most of us, conversations surrounding Capital Gains Tax (or “CGT”) can be boring, stressful and confusing. These feelings…

Body Corporate ·

Community Titles Schemes – Common Property

What is Common Property? In a community titles scheme, all property outside of an individual lot owner’s boundary is common property pursuant to section 10…

Property Development ·

Option Agreements

What is an Option Agreement? An option agreement is an agreement between two parties regarding an option to buy and/or sell a property. Generally, option…

Commercial ·

Preliminary Agreements – Are They Binding, And Other Considerations

Preliminary agreements are often used in commercial transactions, and can serve many different purposes depending on how they are drafted and the type of arrangement…

Litigation ·

Enforcement Hearing Process

Overview Once a money order is made, what is the next step in enforcing the order against a debtor? The next step is to progress…