A simultaneous settlement can be demanding - here's what to know! Buying or selling property is widely accepted as one of life’s major stress factors. When you buy and sell a property at the same time, and try to complete both transactions together, then this can add considerably to the stress levels. An event like this is known as a simultaneous settlement and is often encountered in the [...]

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Enduring Guardian Appointment When making estate plans, many people under-estimate the importance of appointing an enduring guardian. An Enduring Guardian can make lifestyle, health and medical decisions on your behalf. Especially if you lack the capacity to make those decisions yourself. An Enduring Guardian acts as a substitute decision-maker and can consent to your future medical and dental [...]

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An Overview of Retail Leases Commercial or Retail leases form part of many business transactions. When leasing commercial property, it is important for both landlords and tenants to understand the relationship they are entering and the rights and obligations they each have. A commercial lease governs such matters. Some commercial leases are classified as ‘retail’ and, in New South Wales, are[...]

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Responsibility for Repairs and Maintenance   What is a Commercial Lease? A commercial lease is a legally binding contract. It gives a tenant certain rights over a property for a set period of time, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the lease. A commercial lease is used when leasing property used primarily for business. You should never sign a commercial lease without [...]

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Enduring Powers of Attorney explained   A lot of people have heard of a Power of Attorney however, most do not fully appreciate the extent of its power, the benefits it delivers, or the types of Powers of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a useful legal document used to allow someone to handle their affairs in a variety of circumstances. It is often used if they are planning to go [...]

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GST and Residential Property Transactions   The responsibility for remitting Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) generally falls on the party making a ‘taxable supply’. In a property transaction, this has traditionally meant the vendor or developer (supplier), unless the contract provides otherwise. From 1 July 2018 purchasers of ‘new’ [...]

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Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)   The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) was created by the Department of Home Affairs to facilitate a flexible approach to hiring migrants in industries experiencing skill and labour shortages. The DAMA program is currently only available in the Northern Territory. Under the DAMA program, employers can sponsor skilled and [...]

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The importance of obtaining correct advice and presenting all arguments and material when an application is lodged, cannot be understated. Importance of correct immigration advice and comprehensive work   Initial enquiry Our client initially came to Harbourside Legal Services seeking assistance with an immigration matter due to an error by a former representative; one that left[...]

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Situations can arise for people who once held permanent residency as an infant, and left Australia as a child, only to want to return to Australia as an adult with no viable permanent visa options (sometimes due to age, employment skill set etc.) Importance of obtaining legal advice and comprehensive work to regain permanent residency.   Initial enquiry The client came to [...]

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