News
Mercedes-Benz vs Dealers: 7 Learning Points
On 30 August 2023, the Federal Court delivered its long-awaited judgment in an action against Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd (‘Mercedes-Benz’) brought by its local Australian dealers (‘the Dealers’). The Federal Court found in favour of Mercedes-Benz. We have...
CO-OWNERSHIP PROPERTY DISPUTE – V.S. GEORGE LAWYERS CASE STUDY OCTOBER 2023
We recently acted for a client involved in a co-ownership dispute. The wife owned 80% of the property and the husband owned 20%. We acted for the wife. When the husband died, he bequeathed his 20% share in the property to his minor children. His sister was the trustee...
Franchising Code Review – Loss of Opportunity – AUGUST 2023
On 15 August 2023, the Australian Government announced a review of the Franchising Code of Conduct. Dr Michael Schaper will undertake the review of the Code in accordance with the Terms of Reference. Dr Schaper will consult widely with the public including dealers,...
Family Provision – Daughter in Law vs Estate – V.S. George Lawyers Case Study – August 2023
We are delighted to have recently acted in an interesting and complex family provision claim in which we achieved a tremendous result. We acted for the deceased’s son (let’s call him “Peter”). Peter’s mum gave him a “life interest” in her Will. After Peter’s mum died,...
Buying Property with Someone Else – Considerations for Property Co-owners
Buying a property with someone else is a great way to share the fun, stress, and cost of the venture. Often people buy a house with their significant other, to make a home or invest together. Others buy property with friends, relatives or business partners. Joining...
Buying a business? Some handy hints…
So you have found a business and you have your heart set on buying it. Or maybe you work for a business that looks like it is being sold. Congratulations that’s great news! However, before you rush off to hand over the purchase price or greet the new owner of the...
FAQ on Estate Planning
While many people are unlikely to nominate estate planning aka “Thinking about what will happen to my assets when I die” as being on their “most wanted things to do” list in reality, this is something that should be on all our “must do” lists. Proactively planning for...
Growing your business – understanding equipment leases
If you are starting or expanding a business, you would be aware that equipment can represent a large cost. Although in an ideal world, you would be able to meet that cost outright, the reality is that you may not have the capital to meet the costs of all the equipment...
Is a testamentary trust right for you?
One of the most loving things that you can do for your family is make plans for what happens after you die. This is particularly important if you have children or vulnerable adults who depend on you financially. A testamentary trust might be the right tool to help you...
First Home Buyers Choice NSW – stamp duty v land tax
For most people, buying their first home is a huge challenge, both financially and personally. With the cost of the “average” home in New South Wales exceeding a million dollars, saving a 20% deposit is itself a substantial undertaking, usually requiring years of...