Cecilia Castle

Residential tenants will soon receive greater protection from legislative changes improving rental conditions implemented by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (NSW). Changes to come into effect in the first half of 2025 include: Ending “no-grounds” terminations for renters, requiring landlords to provide reasons to end an expired lease. Such...

Federal elections are on the horizon, with community Teal Independent candidates making a strong pitch to challenge the local Liberal held seats of Berowra and Bradfield. Bennelong, Warringah and Mackellar are already represented by Teal Independents who are seeking re-election. A redistribution of boundaries has abolished the seat of North...

Thelma reviewed her will and prepared an Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”) in readiness for a long and worry-free retirement. The EPA would ensure her financial affairs would be managed by her chosen appointees in the event of her decline or losing her mental capacity. Being in good mental health...

Amendments to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act commenced on 1 December 2024 enabling sole parents to change their child’s name in certain circumstances. Parents seeking to unilaterally change their child’s name require court orders granting them sole parental responsibility under the Family Law Act allowing them to make...

Cookie-cutter will templates are gaining traction for testators looking for economical will solutions. Will kits and online will platforms provide templates to be filled in, signed, and as the proverbial saying goes, “Bob’s your uncle”.  But not so fast, says Bob. Disclaimers, terms and conditions of online wills and will...

Retirement village living is marketed as a lifestyle choice meeting the needs for over 55s. However, it is an expensive choice by comparative standards of normal home ownership. Martha sold her home to enable her to enter into a retirement village contract, only to find that when she needed to...

A new era of employment law has started. Most employees are no longer obliged to answer phones or emails from their employers outside of working hours.  However, this is not a restraint on employers attempting to contact employees. It just means employees are not obliged to answer or respond to their...

Most people call upon Notaries Public and Justices of the Peace to authenticate and witness legal documents. However, their respective roles and qualifications are vastly different. Justices of the Peace (“JPs”) are community volunteers appointed by the Governor of NSW. Their role is to witness legal documents and certify copies...

Owning property overseas whilst residing in Australia or owning property in Australia whilst residing overseas creates food for thought about the jurisdiction of wills. Australia is one of twelve countries that joined the Convention Providing a Uniform Law on the Form of an International Will 1973, with legislation commencing in...

For most of us our home is our most valuable asset. Knowing what it’s worth can open doors to wealth creation through the equity held in the home. There are various ways of valuing property. Online estimates can create a general insight without reference to the peculiarities of the property,...