Insights
Plain-English notes on the law, from Adelaide Road.
A handful of short reads on what comes up most often. Written by a Gawler practice serving the community since 1985, without the legalese.
binding financial agreements
Binding Financial Agreements in Australia: How Prenups and Separation Agreements Work
A binding financial agreement (BFA) is a written contract under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) that sets out how property, super and maintenance are divided if a…
estate planning costs and process
Estate Planning Costs and Process in Australia: What to Expect, Step by Step
Estate planning in Australia usually involves an initial meeting, a review of your assets and family, tailored advice, drafting your will and related documents,…
executor duties and estate administration
Executor Duties and Estate Administration in Australia: A Practical Guide for Executors
An executor is the person named in a will to collect the deceased's assets, pay debts, funeral costs and taxes, and distribute what remains to beneficiaries acc…
Probate and letters of administration
Probate and letters of administration
Probate confirms an executor's authority to administer an estate under a valid will. Letters of administration authorise an administrator where there is no will…
spousal maintenance
Spousal Maintenance in Australia: Who Can Claim It, How Much, and How Long It Lasts
Spousal maintenance is financial support that one former spouse or de facto partner may be ordered to pay another under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). It requir…
testamentary trusts
Testamentary Trusts in Australia: How They Work and Whether Your Will Needs One
A testamentary trust is a trust created by your will that only comes into existence when you die. A trustee holds and manages the inheritance for your chosen be…
updating or revoking a will
Updating or Revoking a Will in Australia: When to Change Your Will and How to Do It Properly
You can update a will by making a new will or signing a codicil, and revoke it with a later will, a written revocation or by deliberately destroying it. Each me…
CTP claims South Australia
CTP Claims in South Australia: What Happens After a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in South Australia, you generally claim compensation from the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer of the vehicle…
debt recovery South Australia
How to Recover a Debt in South Australia: From Letter of Demand to Enforcement
Recovering a debt in South Australia generally follows the same sequence regardless of amount: gather the evidence, send a letter of demand, then go to court if…
dispute resolution South Australia
Dispute Resolution in South Australia: Negotiate, Mediate or Litigate
If you are in a civil or commercial dispute in South Australia, you generally have five paths open to you: direct negotiation, a formal settlement offer, mediat…
estate planning South Australia
Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Directive: The Estate Plan Every South Australian Adult Needs
A complete South Australian estate plan has three documents, not one: a will, an enduring power of attorney and an advance care directive. The will only takes e…
family law legal aid
Family Law Legal Aid in Australia: Eligibility, Services, and Private Alternatives
Family law legal aid provides eligible Australians with legal advice, dispute resolution and, in selected cases, court representation. Eligibility depends on fi…
pets after separation Australia
Who Keeps the Pets After Separation? Australian Family Law Explained
After separation in Australia, a pet may stay with one party, be transferred to another consenting person, or be sold. Courts now apply specific Family Law Act…
child support Australia
Understanding Child Support in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Child support in Australia is financial support paid for a child's benefit after parents separate. Services Australia can calculate payments under a statutory f…
consent orders Australia
Understanding Consent Orders in Australia: Your Guide to Formalising Family Law Agreements
Consent orders in Australia are written parenting or financial agreements approved by a family law court. Once made, they have the same legal force as orders de…
when do you need a family lawyer
When Do You Need a Family Lawyer in Australia?
You need a family lawyer when separation affects your children, property, financial security or personal safety, especially where agreement is uncertain or lega…
wills lawyers
Crafting Your Will in South Australia: Expert Guidance from Wills Lawyers
Wills lawyers help South Australians create legally valid wills that appoint suitable executors, distribute estate assets clearly and address foreseeable disput…
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