Archive for January 2017
FAMILY LAW: JUDGE UNIMPRESSED OVER CLAIM FOR $10 MONA LISA
A Federal Court Judge was unimpressed when a divorcing couple made competing claims for household possessions including a $10 print of the Mona Lisa. This case is a good reminder to parties involved in family law property disputes to think carefully about the items that they wish to contest. Background The husband and wife had…
Read MoreSIGNIFICANT TREE COMPLICATES PROPOSED LAND DIVISION
When a Court refused permission to subdivide land because of a significant tree, it highlighted the extent to which significant trees are protected and the need to carefully consider how they will impact on property development Background The property owner wanted to subdivide his block which was located in the Adelaide suburb of Underdale. He…
Read MoreUNDERPAYMENT OF WAGES: THAT’S NOT IN MY JOB DESCRIPTION!
A group of Qantas employees took legal action for underpayment of wages after they were routinely asked to perform tasks that were outside the scope of their usual duties. Whilst it’s true that employees can occasionally be asked to do something in addition to their usual tasks, it’s not fair if this kind of thing…
Read MoreWHAT CAN YOU DO IF AN EXECUTOR ISN’T DOING THEIR JOB?
When a man refused to comply with a court order about the division of a deceased estate, legal action was taken to have him removed as executor. This type of scenario can be a huge issue for beneficiaries of deceased estates, especially when an executor isn’t doing the right thing. It can really help to…
Read MoreSEPARATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When a relationship breaks down, it’s tough on everyone. Separation from a partner is always difficult, but especially at this time of year when the kids are on school holidays, everyone else seems to be enjoying quality family time and there are celebrations and festivities all around. If you’re separating from your partner, it’s worth…
Read MoreCAN YOU GET WORKERS COMPENSATION FOR A DEGENERATIVE INJURY?
What happens when you have a bad back, dodgy knee or other injury and it’s made worse by your work? Can you get workers compensation? That was the situation for a butcher who suffered a left knee injury and then won the right to have his knee replacement surgery paid for by his employer. In…
Read MorePOLICE POWERS: CAN I BE SEARCHED?
When a situation involves the police, it can be difficult to understand your legal rights and you may not want to rock the boat just in case it makes things worse. But at the same time, knowing your rights and how to assert them may save you a lot of inconvenience later on. One example…
Read MoreCHILD SEX ABUSE SURVIVORS: YOUR RIGHTS
Child sexual abuse can have a lifelong devastating impact. The psychological and physical trauma is unimaginable, but there’s also the impact of being involved in the whole legal process if a survivor decides to take action. This was the experience of one survivor when the High Court of Australia recently ruled that he could not…
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