Gemma Wheeler Carver, Associate, and Murray Thornhill, Director in our Employment and Dispute Resolution teams share the news that the Fair Work Commission has announced that the minimum […]
Building and Construction and Dispute Resolution Special Counsel, Daniel Morris, and Director, Murray Thornhill are seeing civil and construction contractors rely more and more on the repetitious and […]
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Clive Palmer have been ordered to attend mediation to try to settle their grievances outside of court. Simon Creek, our Executive Chairman […]
Wills, Estates and Succession Planning Senior Associate, Alyce Martin, and Law Graduate, Emma Watson discuss how Apple has announced that they will be introducing a new Account Legacy […]
In our most recent construction law update, Building and Construction and Dispute Resolution Special Counsel, Daniel Morris, and Director, Murray Thornhill provide an update suggesting there may be […]
Building and Construction and Dispute Resolution Special Counsel, Daniel Morris, and Director, Murray Thornhill discuss how a security of payment reform Bill has been reintroduced, and what likely […]
How will your farmland, agricultural business, stock, vehicles, equipment and other assets be transferred to the next generation? Alyce Martin Senior Associate in our Agribusiness and Wills, Estates […]
Murray Thornhill, Director and Gemma Wheeler-Carver, Associate in our Employment and Dispute Resolution teams discuss how the recent sentencing of an Esperance small business and its sole director provides […]
Dispute Resolution Special Counsel, Blair Campbell explains how incorrect information on a credit report may be hurting your business, and what you can do about it. Have you […]
Building and Construction and Dispute Resolution Special Counsel, Daniel Morris, and Director, Murray Thornhill provide their insight into Pindan Constructions’ insolvency and the potential next steps. What are […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family and De Facto Law Senior Associate, Dianne Caruso, explains whether someone who was formerly in a de facto relationship is entitled to make a Family […]
HHG Legal Group’s Building and Construction Special Counsel, Daniel Morris, and Director Murray Thornhill provide an overview of the long-awaited illegal phoenix activity legislation, that may provide hope […]
With the new WA lockdown announced with less than 24 hours’ notice, many employers and employees were left to decipher the directives issued by the Government themselves. With […]
HHG Legal Group’s Daniel Morris, Special Counsel in our Building and Construction Law team, reviews The Tensioned Concrete case and explains that is it essential to take legal advice […]
Claire Harrison, Associate in our Family & De facto law team, provides an important update for separated families that have care arrangements in place. On Sunday, 31 January […]
Simon Creek, Executive Chairman, Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Lawyer at HHG Legal Group, joins Oliver Peterson to take listener questions on 6PR. This week, they discuss the […]
Our Executive Chairman, Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Lawyer, Simon Creek, sat down with Jeziel at 98.5 Sonshine FM to discuss the new WA lockdown and rules, and some of the […]
Alyce Martin, Senior Associate, and Maria Zappala, Law Graduate in our Wills & Estates Planning team, explore the proposed changes to the Administration Act 1903 and the impact […]
HHG Legal Group Director, Murray Thornhill and Associate, Gemma Wheeler-Carver, from our Employment Law and Dispute Resolution teams, explore some key considerations for employers following the announcement of […]
Blair Campbell, Special Counsel in the Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation team has provided an overview of online scams including prevention practices and what you may be able […]
Our Criminal Law team’s Naomi Sherrington and Fintan Roberts explore the new legislation relating to persistent family violence and the penalties that now can apply to those charged with […]
After 100 years of delivering legal services across WA, first in Albany, then in Perth, Mandurah and Joondalup, HHG has acquired boutique law firm Kroon Legal, in Bunbury […]
Kimberly Jones in our Employment law team explains that on Wednesday, 9 December 2020, after discussions with various stakeholders and titbits of information about the bill being released […]
Murray Thornhill, Director and Emma Watson, Law Graduate in our Commercial & Property team have provided an overview of a recent investigation by the ACCC which involved Peters […]
The festive period is here and Gemma Wheeler-Carver, Associate in our Dispute Resolution and Employment Law teams has prepared this guide to help ensure your headaches from the […]
To ensure you know your rights when buying, and returning, merchandise, Blair Campbell, Special Counsel in our Dispute Resolution and Commercial Litigation team has provided a Christmas Consumer […]
Dianne Caruso, Senior Associate in our Family team has provided an update regarding Same-sex Divorce Applications. Divorce applications for same-sex couples Last week, the Family Court of WA […]
HHG Legal Group has been proudly serving Western Australians with their legal requirements for over 100 years. Since our beginnings, we have been committed to providing quality legal […]
Our Estates Litigation lawyer, Alexandra Turner, explores how stepchildren may be able to challenge a will in certain circumstances by making a claim for proper provision. Did you […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Julia McCullagh discuss the latest development in local government legislation and governance and the differing roles of local government council […]
HHG Legal Group’s Special Counsel, Blair Campbell, explores the concept of Proprietary Estoppel and how it has been recently claimed in the case of Moore v Aubusson to […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Kimberly Jones discuss the proposed changes to workplace health and safety laws in Western Australia and what all employers […]
HHG Legal Group’s criminal law team’s Senior Lawyer, Naomi Sherrington, provides an introduction to spent convictions, their applicability, and what circumstances may require disclosure of criminal or disciplinary […]
HHG Legal Group’s Corporate and Commercial law Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Kai Yuin Yeo provide a practical case study on priority of payment for rent and related […]
HHG Legal Group’s Building and Construction Law team’s Daniel Morris and Fintan Roberts, break down the proposed reforms found in the recently-introduced Building and Construction Industry (Security of […]
HHG Legal Group’s Special Counsel Blair Campbell, provides insight into the complexities of the employee vs contractor dichotomy and how the ability to characterise workers under either category […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill, Gemma Wheeler-Carver and Kimberly Jones provide an update on what employers need to know about the recent changes and extension to the JobKeeper […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provide a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. HHG Legal Group’s legislation updates aim to provide information […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provide a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. Welcome to a Legislation Daily update for 27 August […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Kimberly Jones discuss recent cases involving casual employee dismissals and the common misconceptions employers and employees may have about […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide an update on what employers need to know about the JobKeeper subsidy following its extension to […]
HHG Legal Group’s Dispute Resolution team’s Senior Associate, Blair Campbell and Lawyer, Alexandra Turner break down a recent Supreme Court decision involving statements made by a disgruntled former […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provide a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. HHG Legal Group’s legislation updates aim to provide information […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Anne Hurley and Kai Yuin Yeo provide a brief update on the changes which were made last week to the Commercial Tenancies (COVID-19 […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts discuss the key recommendations that have arisen from the Local Government Review Panel. Yesterday (5 August 2020) heralded […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto Law team’s Senior Associate Dianne Caruso provides a useful introduction for recently-separated partners to the Family Court’s property settlement process. WHAT […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto team’s Executive Chairman, Simon Creek and Criminal Law team’s Senior Associate Siobhan Nims provide a summary of the key facts to […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Associate, Gemma Wheeler-Carver and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provide an update on some recent employment law cases involving employee dismissals. With all of […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto Law team’s Senior Associate Dianne Caruso provides some great tips for recently-separated partners in regards to care arrangements and the benefits […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto law team’s Managing Associate, Dr Steve Cohen and Associate Biljana Radulovic provide an insightful case study involving the Child Support Agency […]
HHG Legal Group’s Wills & Estate Planning team’s Senior Associate Lucy Ferreira and Senior Law Clerk Aimee Christian provide clarity on some of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of […]
A collaboration between HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto, Property and Wills & Estate Planning teams, Anne Hurley, Sue Holgate and Lucy Ferreira explores the prevalence of […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Anne Hurley and Julia McCullagh explore the newly gazetted WA Code of Conduct which finally provides certainty for landlords and tenants looking to […]
HHG Legal Group Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provide a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. HHG Legal Group’s weekly legislation updates aim to provide […]
Following its report into the regulation of building standards, quality, and disputes, the Public Accountability Committee has released its final report last week. The Committee has made […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family Law Special Counsel, Ben Majoe and Executive Chairman Simon Creek provide clarity in relation to current binding financial arrangements and the coronavirus pandemic. While […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide an update on what employers need to know about the JobKeeper subsidy. So now that the […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Special Counsel, Anne Hurley and Dispute Resolution Associate, Patrick Beilby, explore the new Strata Title reforms and how buyers now have access to […]
Updated daily, HHG Legal Group Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provides a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. HHG Legal Group’s weekly legislation update aims […]
HHG Legal Group’s Murray Thornhill, Daniel Morris and Kai Yuin Yeo discuss the recently announced exemptions to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (WA) and […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Anne Hurley and Julia McCullagh explore the proposed measures to assist landlords and tenants during COVID-19, following the announcement of the Residential Tenancies […]
Updated daily, HHG Legal Group Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Fintan Roberts provides a weekly snapshot of new and upcoming legislation. Welcome to the first edition of our […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide employers need to know about the JobKeeper subsidy. Now that the legislation and JobKeeper Rules are […]
HHG Legal Group’s Executive Chairman, Simon Creek and Lawyer, Rachel Pocock provide an overview of the visitation directives for aged care facilities this Mother’s Day. On the 16th […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Julia McCullugh discuss what the Local Government Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Bill 2020 could mean for local governments. Our previous Local […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Anne Hurley explores the proposed measures to assist landlords supporting tenants during COVID-19, following the announcement of the SME Commercial Leasing Principles Code […]
HHG Legal Group’s Special Counsel, Janene Bon and Law Graduate, Maria Zappala provide readers with a clear synopsis on the new Act and how it may affect a […]
Are you a part of a split family and concerned about a co-parent using the latest restrictions as an excuse to lapse in their responsibilities? Executive Chairman, Simon […]
HHG Legal Group’s Dispute Resolution team’s Murray Thornhill, Patrick Beilby and Kai Yuin Yeo provide clarity around the national auction restrictions in relation to PPSOs. On 24 March […]
HHG Legal Group’s Property team’s Anne Hurley and Emma Catterall provide clarity around the SME Commercial Leasing Principles Code of Conduct, announced this week. The Federal Government announced […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide a synopsis of the FWC update and Award changes. In amongst the buzz of the JobKeeper […]
HHG Legal Group’s Criminal Law team’s Siobhan Nims provides a detailed update on the changes to the law around family and domestic violence, made in response to the […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family & De Facto Law team’s Claire Harrison provides clarity around the regionals and intrastate travel bans and parental orders and arrangements. [First published 30 […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide some alternatives to stand down and stoppage of work for employers. Following on from last week’s […]
In this article Janene Bon, Alyce Martin and Sue Holgate from HHG Legal Group’s Wills & Estates team delivers some important information relating to your superannuation. According to […]
HHG Legal Group’s Special Counsel, Janene Bon and Senior Associate, Lucy Ferreira, outline a few circumstances where a review of your Will may be warranted Now is the […]
HHG Legal Group’s Employment Law team’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver provide some clarity around what employers need to consider with the JobKeeper allowance announced yesterday. With the […]
HHG Legal Group’s Family Law Special Counsel, Ben Majoe and Executive Chairman Simon Creek provide clarity in relation to current binding financial arrangements and the coronavirus pandemic. A […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Julia McCullagh discuss the Public Health Act 2016 and how designated emergency powers may be given to Local Government officers. […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Gemma Wheeler-Carver, discuss the relevant “stand down” provisions, for both national system employers and State system employers. . In an […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Nikolina Milosevic, explores the details of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020 and its potential impact on small […]
A Message from the owners and Directors of HHG Legal Group – Perth, Albany, Mandurah and Joondalup The following plan is aligned with recommended measures of the […]
HHG Legal Group’s Director Murray Thornhill and Dispute Resolution and Employment Lawyer, Gemma Wheeler-Carver discuss employer obligations during this uncertain time. With the world’s human resources landscape exponentially […]
It is with great excitement that HHG Legal Group announces the opening of our state-of-the-art Perth office in the Cloisters Building, right in the heart of the CBD. […]
HHG Legal Group poised for another century of success with their continued commitment to regional WA and the latest Albany expansion. With nearly 20 years of […]
It is with great pleasure that HHG Legal Group announces the appointment of Sue Holgate as a senior family lawyer in the firm’s Mandurah office. With nearly […]
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND Metronet and the Mitchell Freeway extension projects will be amongst the largest and most complex infrastructure works in Western Australia’s history and HHG […]
HHG Legal Group’s Criminal Lawyer Siobhan Nims discusses the penalty and law in WA regarding the use of a mobile phone while driving. From 1 July 2020, new […]
Last night we kickstarted the year with an HHG Giving Back event attended by young professionals at The Aviary to raise funds for Wildlife Victoria. The evening’s […]
HHG Legal Group’s Murray Thornhill and Law Graduate Fintan Robert look into defamatory text messages and a trend towards protection in the virtual arena in light of the […]
HHG’s Construction and Infrastructure Special Counsel, Daniel Morris and Lawyer, Kai Yeo explain how this recent High Court case may have changed 120 years of contract law. For […]
HHG Legal Group’s Will & Estates lawyers Lucy Ferriera and Maria Zappala answer frequently asked questions regarding an enduring power of guardianship (EPG) and an enduring power of […]
HHG Legal Group’s Dispute Resolution Lawyers Murray Thornhill and Julia McCullagh have pulled together some answers to questions that dog owners might have about the laws that affect […]
HHG Legal Group’s Will & Estates lawyers Lucy Ferriera and Maria Zappala answer frequently asked questions regarding an enduring power of guardianship (EPG). What is an enduring power […]
HHG Legal Group’s Commercial Litigation Director Murray Thornhill and Lawyer, Alex Turner, explains how one of Australia’s most popular third-party travel sites breached Australian Consumer Law. The popular […]
With insolvencies on the rise in Australia’s construction industry, increasing reliance is sought to be placed on trust structures to protect accrued payment rights under construction contracts – […]
Nikolina Milošević, Solicitor, and Blair Campbell, Senior Associate, from HHG Legal Group’s Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, discuss the recent case of Australian Securities and Investments Commission […]
Commercial Litigation Director, Murray Thornhill and Lawyer Kai Yuin Yeo look into the legalities around unpaid internships. Unpaid work experience or internships are often sought by young […]
Our Senior Associate, Dianne Caruso discusses eligibility when making a family law claim in a de facto relationship. If you are in a de facto relationship and are […]
HHG Legal Group’s Will & Estates Senior Associate Lucy Ferriera and Law Graduate Maria Zappala answer frequently asked questions regarding an enduring power of attorney. What is […]
HHG’s Family Lawyer and Independent Children’s Lawyers, Steve Cohen and Dianne Caruso discuss the eligibility of inspecting a partner’s former spouse’s court file. In the decision of Naysmith […]
Family Law Insights by Simon Creek, Executive Chairman “The topic of divorce kicked the year off with a ‘bang’ with this morning’s commentary by David Curl in The […]
Last night HHG Legal Group celebrated its 100th anniversary and the year that was, with over 120 guests in the Urban Courtyard of the Cloisters Building in Hay […]
Saturday the 7th of December opened our 100th-anniversary celebrations with an open-house community brunch in Albany, right where the HHG story started. The event was […]
You are invited to join HHG Legal Group for an open-house community brunch to celebrate 100 years of legal service to the Great Southern.Our purpose is not […]
HHG Legal Group’s Murray Thornhill in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team and Special Counsel Anne Hurley from the Business, Tax & Property team discuss adverse possession laws […]
HHG Legal Group is very proud of our 100-year history and it was a great honour to be acknowledged by Business News this week. Standing alongside Kott […]
Do you know how to avoid not getting paid for your work due to time-bars? Conditions precedent, often called time-bars, are found in a large number of construction […]
From 1 July 2019, WA Government Department (and Local Government) some projects will require having a specific bank account to facilitate payments. From 1 July 2019, WA Government […]
HHG’s Dispute Resolution Lawyers Murray Thornhill and Alex Turner answer frequently asked questions regarding a nuisance. What is a nuisance? Everyone is entitled to enjoy their property. The […]
HHG Legal Group’s Murray Thornhill and Gemma Wheeler-Carver from the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law teams discuss the consequences of underpaying employees. Another large company has hit the […]
HHG’s Ben Majoe and Biljana Radulovic from the Family Law team provides insight into forensic accountants & how to locate assets in Family Law proceedings. In family law […]
HHG is very proud to announce the recent appointment of our Senior Associate, Dianne Caruso, to the panel of Independent Children’s Lawyers. “I am very proud and excited […]
HHG Legal Group’s Commercial Law and Dispute Resolutions lawyers Murray Thornhill, Blair Campbell and Nikolina Milošević discuss restraint of trade. Restraint of trade clauses are common clauses included in […]
Verge and Driveway FAQs by HHG Legal Group’s Property & Dispute Resolution Lawyers Murray Thornhill and Julia McCullagh With regular media reports filled with stories of residents’ shock […]
HHG’s Stewart Kattowitz and Erin Papalia from the Family Law team provide some clarity around Child Support assessments in the following article. When couples separate, they can choose to […]
HHG’s Murray Thornhill and Alex Turner have written this article discussing an interesting inheritance case involving unclarified adoption, guardianship and customary considerations. A recent decision of the Supreme Court […]
HHG Legal Group is very proud to announce the recognition of two of our lawyers in the Best Lawyers in Australia list for 2021. Recognised for another year […]
Gemma Wheeler Carver, Lawyer and Murray Thornhill, Director and Notary Public from the Employment Law and Commercial Litigation teams have written this article to update individuals and employers […]
HHG’s Dr Steve Cohen, Managing Associate and Rachel Pocock, Lawyer from the Family Law team provide some clarity around separation from a de facto relationship. So, what […]
Daniel Morris, HHG Special Counsel had the pleasure of chairing the panel discussion entitled “Doing it Overseas – the legal tips and tricks for taking construction smarts […]
Blair Campbell, Senior Associate and Murray Thornhill, Director and Notary Public from the Commercial Litigation Team update individuals and employers on the latest announcements. With the recent […]
HHG Legal Group is proud to announce the arrival of highly regarded family lawyer, Richard Crane to drive our Joondalup Family Law practice and the promotion of another […]
HHG Legal Group is proud to announce the internal promotion of three of our rising stars to Associate. Congratulations to Gina Nofal, Patrick Beilby and Biljana Radulović working […]
How family violence impacts on property settlement proceedings Written by Dianne Caruso, Senior Associate and Simon Creek, Managing Director and Special Counsel, Family Law The recent Full Court […]
Award wage increases announced across the country – have you updated your employee contracts? Gemma Wheeler- Carver, Solicitor and Murray Thornhill, Director and Notary Public from the Commercial […]
What you need to know before separating from your partner Written by Dianne Caruso, Senior Associate and Simon Creek, Managing Director and Special Counsel, Family Law Key considerations early on. […]
Written by Daniel Morris, Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution John Fiocco has recommended that WA law be changed so that, when a construction contractor or principal […]
Written by Claire Harrison, Associate, Family Law Earlier this week, the current Prime Minister, the Liberal Party’s Scott Morison, and the Opposition Leader, Labor’s Bill Shorten, engaged in […]
Can it be said that gone are the days of unspoken understandings, implied consent, assumptions, and acquiescence about the decisions impacting a child’s care, welfare, and development? Not […]
Written by Nikolina Milošević and Murray Thornhill You have purchased a used vehicle in the last six months which has been at the mechanic’s more than you have […]
Written by Rachel Pocock (Solicitor) and Simon Creek (Managing Director & Special Counsel) With Easter School Holidays fast approaching, we have created a guide for separated parents seeking […]
What impact does death have on your family law property proceedings? Written by Eliza Fitzgerald, Solicitor, Family Law Nowadays, couples are often separating later in their lives, and […]
4 things you need to know before signing up to a commercial lease Written by Anne Hurley and Oscar Dell’Anna Entering into a lease of commercial premises is […]
Written by Marcus Hodge, Special Counsel, Business & Property Looking to recent events in Christchurch, it’s easy to think that New Zealand law has failed to protect the […]
High Court set to decide if a sperm donor should be considered a ‘parent’ Managing Director and Special Counsel, Simon Creek, joins Channel 9’s Tracey Vo to discuss […]
Can insolvent contractors enforce adjudication awards? Yes in NSW, no in VIC, probably in WA Written by Daniel Morris, Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation It remains uncertain whether liquidators […]
Written by Daniel Morris, Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation In June 2018, we reported on the case of Michael Trkulja — the man who sued Google Inc for defamation. To […]
Written by Janene Bon, Tax, Business and Estate Planning There are two Bills before this State’s Legislative Assembly which will have significant implications for the taxation of transactions […]
In 2019, HHG Legal Group is celebrating 100 years of legal practice in Western Australia – and that’s a pretty amazing achievement. It’s a special year for us […]
Written by Steve Cohen, Associate, Family Law In recent years, the national divorce rate has risen; this has had major implications for schools and teachers – an important […]
Written by Eliza Fitzgerald, Lawyer, Family Law The High Court is set to deliberate on parental role of a sperm donor In recent times, an increasing number of […]
Written by Blair Campbell, Senior Associate, Commercial Litigation The eagerly anticipated final report of the Banking Royal Commission was finally released on Monday 4th February 2019, with the […]
Written by Blair Campbell, Senior Associate, Commercial Litigation Australians have long had a love-hate relationship with their banks, but the honeymoon is over following the shocking revelations exposed […]
Written by Emma Catterall, Solicitor, Family Law, Commercial Law and Wills & Estates With the upcoming return to school, many separated parents remain unsure of who is responsible […]
Written by Modiesha Stephens, Senior Associate, Tax, Business & Estate Planning Law As we approach the next Federal election, both major parties have announced tax policies that will […]
Retail Shop Leases: Top 5 Tips when your Landlord wants to redevelop Written by Oscar Dell’Anna, Solicitor, and Anne Hurley, Counsel — Business & Property If you run […]
Written by Eliza Fitzgerald, Solicitor, Family Law Paying child support is designed to help meet the cost of caring for and raising your children when they are not […]
Written by Daniel Morris, Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation Statutory demands can be an effective way to recover debts from insolvent companies that owe you money. A statutory demand […]
Written by Gemma Wheeler-Carver, Solicitor, Commercial Litigation Effective from 18 December 2018, the government has introduced a new regulation into the Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth) in the […]
Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Written by Eliza Fitzgerald, Solicitor, Family Law The Federal Parliament recently passed the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and […]
Written by Daniel Morris, Special Counsel, Commercial Litigation Construction contractors sometimes end up doing work without a right to payment under a contract. There can be several reasons […]
The Federal Parliament recently passed the Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and Cross-examination of Parties) Bill 2018 which effectively prohibits family violence perpetrators from being able to directly […]
Earlier this year, the Federal Attorney General, Christian Porter, announced that de-facto couples in Western Australia will soon be able to split their superannuation interests in financial proceedings […]
The power of the Court to assign a tax debt of one spouse to another pursuant to Part VIIIAA of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (‘FLA’) was […]
FIOCCO REPORT RELEASED ON REFORM OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SECURITY OF PAYMENT Last week, Barrister, John Fiocco’s report to the WA Minister for Commerce titled Security of Payment Reform […]
For separated parents, Christmas can lead to squabbling over children, court orders, and contact hours. We interviewed senior divorce lawyer, Simon Creek – about his top tips for […]
As of 1 December 2018, a model term will be included in all modern Awards. This model term adds to the requirements already set out in section 65 […]
Proposed changes to the Administration Act 1903 (WA) If you die without leaving a valid will, you are said to have died ‘intestate’ and your estate will be […]
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently announced an increase to the penalties for some breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The ACL can be […]
It’s safe to say pets are a very welcome addition to most Australian families and many consider the family pet to be a member of the family. As […]
Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation, is the day when many Australians have a flurry. What many of us may not realise, is that there are […]
Introduction On 11 February 2014, voluntary administrators were appointed to a large construction enterprise known as the Forge Group which had become insolvent. At the time of its […]
With WA’s population predicted to increase by more than five million by 2056 and the increasing need for innovative housing options, the Strata Titles Amendment Bill 2018 (WA) […]
HHG Legal Group’s family law team continues to win recognition for service levels, value and results.
It has been reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that in 2017, Western Australia was the only state where over 60% of the assaults that occurred were […]
How many times have you bought something online, whether a retail product, a news service, a game or app, and been required to click your agreement to the […]
Bullying is a scourge in the workplace. From the more obvious forms of physical violence and overt sexual harassment, to its more subtle forms, like exclusion and rumour […]
If you have guaranteed the debts of a person or entity that is in financial distress, you should take legal advice as soon as possible. Whatever you do, […]
Legislation criminalising so-called revenge porn have been introduced in Western Australia, providing long-overdue consequences for those found guilty of image-based abuses. Simon Creek discusses what the new legislation […]
Precedent only a possibility for Melbourne man suing Google for defamation After a six-year, David-and-Goliath battle, Milorad ‘Michael’ Trkulja has been given the green-light to sue Google for […]
Faced with a speeding fine that doesn’t sit right? Sure that you weren’t travelling at the speed alleged? You’re not alone. A number of traffic infringements remain under […]
As this financial year draws to a close, are you wondering if you made the most of your tax planning opportunities over the last 12 months? Now is […]
HHG Legal Group is proud to be an expert for Legalwise News, assisting the publication answer reader questions. In their fourth edition, Greg Gaunt previews the next round of hearings […]
Interesting times are afoot for those that are affected by, or work within, the family law system. The Federal Attorney General, Christian Porter, recently launched details of a […]
HHG Legal Group is proud to be an expert for Legalwise News, assisting the publication answer reader questions. In their second edition, Greg Gaunt provided his take on how to […]
Falling in love can happen at any age, including as we get older and supposedly wiser. Unlike marriage in your twenties and thirties, tying the knot after fifty […]
In today’s age of pervasive communications technology, there are a plethora of social media platforms available at our fingertips, enabling us to communicate our message, views, and opinions […]
HHG Legal Group is proud to be an expert for Legalwise News, assisting the publication answer reader questions. In their inaugural edition, Greg Gaunt discussed whether a ‘Banking Oath’ […]
It may be surprising to some that, in Australia at least, there is no fundamental right to privacy. There are laws that protect aspects of your confidential information, […]
The mere thought makes every property owner shudder – to be notified that their land is going to be compulsorily acquired by a government authority. Even though landowners […]
This week’s Federal Budget contained a number of integrity (aka revenue-raising) measures that will impact small businesses. There was also at least one announcement which will be welcomed […]
A suite of new changes came into play in 2017, resulting in a changed legal landscape for family violence and restraining orders. This year will see even further […]
The Hayne Royal Commission into the banking and finance industry has so far uncovered and brought about admissions of widespread unfair and dishonest practices by institutional lenders and […]
Twelve-year old boy borrows family credit card to fly self to Bali Join HHG Legal Group Managing Director, Simon Creek, and Radio Presenter, Oliver Peterson, as they discuss recent […]
The collapse of Lehmann Brothers in 2008 marked the start of the global financial crisis (GFC). A post mortem on some of the reasons causing or contributing to […]
Technology is fuelling a global acceleration, with our employment landscape changing alongside it at an alarming rate. One striking feature of the new working environment is what we […]
In May 2017 the government extended the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business to 30 June 2018. This means that there are less than 5 months before […]
A rise in cases of financial abuse proves that seniors in all stages of frailty must implement appropriate safeguards against seemingly trustworthy family members or friends. It’s becoming […]
Getting married later in life: questions to ask before tying the knot (part one) Join HHG Legal Group Managing Director, Simon Creek, and Radio Presenter, Oliver Peterson, as they […]
Older West Australians getting married; what are the risks and rewards legally? More West Australians are getting married later in life – but for those over 50, tying […]
We recently reported on the decision in Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd v Shade Systems Pty Ltd [2018] HCA 4. There, the High Court held that Australian security […]
Aside from those dealing with very simple criminal matters, the majority of people traversing their way through the criminal justice system will need to deal with the issue […]
Unless you have discovered the secret of immortality, you are going to need a will at some time. Estate planning is an essential, but all too often neglected […]
In November 2017 the Federal Government circulated the Treasury Laws Amendment (OECD Hybrid Mismatch Rules) Bill 2017 (Bill). If passed in its current form, Schedule 1 of the Bill will […]
Introduction Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have been making headlines in recent times. In 2017, the value of Bitcoin soared exponentially. Despite being a highly volatile asset, digital currencies […]
Last year saw a chorus of sexual misconduct allegations – particularly in Hollywood – build to a crescendo with claims against media mogul Harvey Weinstein and the perpetuation […]
It’s a special day for most, teeming with flowers, chocolate treats and heart-shaped trinkets… But for failing couples, Valentine’s Day looms like a dark cloud, serving as a […]
There has never been a time when access to powerful communication tools has been more widespread and available. Yet this power to communicate has generally not come with […]
In a move described by Subcontractors WA as “unprecedented”, the administrators of insolvent construction company, Cooper & Oxley, have set up special purpose bank accounts to ensure subcontractors […]
On 14 February 2018, the High Court of Australia unanimously decided that an adjudicator’s determination of a construction pay dispute cannot be challenged in a court unless the […]
The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry (established by the Federal Government on 14 December 2017) will investigate alleged misconduct in the […]
In Australia formal Wills are documents made in writing and signed by the Willmaker in the presence of two independent witnesses. A Will that fails to meet these […]
The question of parentage has become unprecedentedly topical in recent times, with current marriage equality laws drawing attention to the prevalence of same-sex couples in our community who […]
Powers of Attorney can form an important part of your plan to manage your financial affairs once you lose capacity (or at any other time prior). Your choice […]
Under the Fair Work Act, all manner of third parties can be held liable for (and ordered to pay penalties in respect of) breaches by employers of the […]
Within the last few years, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and Western Australian Office of State Revenue (OSR) have intensified efforts to ensure employers are compliant with their […]
The beginning of the New Year is a time for reflection and setting resolutions for a ‘New You’. Whether through saving more money, getting fit or quitting smoking, […]
Basic principle: the right to be paid what your work is worth and lump sum contract A contractor is entitled to be paid for their work: where the […]
Basic principles There are two basic principles to remember about timing: time is virtually always of the essence of a construction or works contract; and the contractor almost […]
Standard of Workmanship Most standard-form contracts provide that a contractor’s works are to be carried out in a “proper and workmanlike manner”. Different words may be used but […]
There is no doubt that in the internet era we all engage and devote significant time to our online presence for personal use, study and in the workplace. […]
Last week, Amazon launched its full Australian offering on its online store, serviced by its new Victorian distribution hub. There has been much speculation regarding the likely impact […]
Each year, HHG Giving Back supports three charities, providing financial contributions and pro-bono legal advice. By supporting Hagar, Path of Hope and Fresh Start, we hope to ensure […]
As a career litigator, I have learned that resolving legal disputes – often within families and family businesses – always requires attention to the relational dynamics; the versions […]
Current insolvent trading laws stigmatise corporate failure. They effectively force directors to sacrifice companies in order to safeguard themselves against prosecution and impede businesses from trading out of […]
Scorned lovers have ditched keying their ex’s car in favour of revenge porn –the act of sharing a person’s intimate photographs or videos without consent. Instances of revenge […]
What’s wrong with taking your children on a quick Bali holiday in the summer holiday break? The children have lived with you since separation and save for your […]
A respected leader, philanthropist and lawyer; Simon Creek has become an influential public figure in Perth. As HHG Legal Group Managing Director and Special Counsel, he is frequently […]
Workplace Christmas party fails are the stuff of legend (and blockbuster hits) – but also some not-so-funny litigation. Which begs the question: what happens when drunken antics become […]
Are you a contractor or a developer? Do you often battle with prolonged or disrupted works? This month’s e-checklist highlights some of the simple tips and tricks to […]
In disputed estate matters, the Court is required to cast judgment on your relationship – from how you manage household bills through to your Facebook relationship status and […]
When WA billionaire Michael Wright passed away in 2012, his ‘secret daughter’, Olivia Mead, was left a $3 million trust under his will. Subject to stringent conditions and […]
Strong whistleblower Laws in the Asia Pacific Region? Several jurisdictions have recently or are currently reviewing their laws relating to protection of whistleblowers both in the public and […]
There is an increase in cases involving aged people in varying stages of frailty, being manipulated or deceived, or just worn down, into making decisions that strip away […]
Pre nuptial agreements were first made famous in the early two thousands by celebrities like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and the Kardashians. Famously, it was rumoured that Brad […]
Everywhere we look Christmas decorations are appearing in shopping centres which serve as a timely reminder that the Christmas holidays are almost upon us. In fact, Christmas is […]
In 2002 the WA government introduced legislation which, among other things, sought to limit liability where individuals are injured or die, having effectively taken an obvious risk. In […]
Looking to recent events in Las Vegas, it’s easy to think that US law has failed to protect the victims of that senseless tragedy. As much as Australians […]
Get exactly what you pay for with free or discounted initial consultations Even the frugal would baulk at a ‘first-hour free’ amputation. After all, surgery involves precision. Deft-handed […]
Did you know the Family Court recently ruled a WA couple’s 25-year marriage ‘invalid’? Hear what HHG Associates, Nicole Young & Hayley Ellison, had to say about it […]
We’ve all heard of the pressures that can come with the FIFO life. But now there are disturbing claims that those pressures could be contributing to cases of […]
In July this year a new type of restraining order called a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) was created. Overall the new FVROs seem easier for applicants to […]
In today’s modern era, technology is advancing exponentially, from internet banking, to online grocery shopping, almost anything can be done online from the comfort of your own home. […]
On 5 September 2017, the Commonwealth Parliament passed into law the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 (Bill). The purpose of the Bill, as the name […]
When someone passes away, the law tells us that their property should be distributed in accordance with inheritance laws without delay. The window for taking legal action […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This […]
Delivering a construction project on time and on budget, to the client’s satisfaction, often requires assistance from teams of industry consultants. These include engineers, architects, surveyors and certifiers […]
Introduction: the prevention principle in a nutshell An owner who prevents a contractor from performing its contract may not make any claim for the non-performance. This is known […]
Legislation exists that seeks to ensure a testator, in death, has adequately provided for those they had a moral obligation to support during their lifetime. The Family Provision […]
Following the commencement or breakdown of a marriage, many people re-evaluate who should benefit from their estate in the event of their death. For this reason, it is […]
Smacking children and Family Law – What is okay and what is not? It’s safe to say the landmark decision in the “Smacking Grandparents Case” has received […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This […]
Simon Creek, Managing Director and Head of Family answers some of the most frequently asked questions around financial agreements. What is a Binding Financial Agreement? It is a […]
HHG Legal Group’s Janene Bon and Lucy Ferriera explore the dire situation when a person dies without a Will. If a person dies without a valid will, […]
Family Law Basics Series: What is a Single Expert Witness’ Role in Financial Matters? In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and […]
Our estate planning and dispute resolution teams are all too often, and increasingly, acting to rescue seniors from falling victim to trusted family or friends crossing the line […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Wills and Estate Planning, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout this process. This week […]
A partial property settlement is a distribution of property (assets or money) that is distributed or paid to one party from the asset pool of separated couples, prior […]
With email communication becoming the most commonly used means by parties to negotiate commercial and other agreements, it is important that everyone who communicates electronically is aware of […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Wills and Estate Planning, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout this process. This week […]
When large principals and construction contractors become insolvent, there will, by definition, be insufficient money to pay all suppliers of labour, materials and professional services all the […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This week […]
A recent Supreme Court decision has cast doubt on Local Governments’ power to order rectification of building works carried out prior to 2012. In Chan v City of […]
WA’s District Court has answered some important questions about the law governing building and construction in WA. In Malatynksi v Ranclaud [2017] WADC 75, Judge Goetze: (a) upheld […]
Less than two weeks apart, two District Court Judges decided the same building law question, for the first time, in opposite ways. The question was: can the Magistrates […]
If I was married outside of Australia is my marriage recognised in Australia? Leading on from our previous article “Married Twice to the Same Person – Subsequent Ceremonies […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This week […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Wills and Estate Planning, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout this process. This week […]
We at HHG Legal Group every day advise employers and employees about their risks and rights in managing the employment relationship including in relation to termination of employment. […]
Married Twice to the Same Person? Subsequent Ceremonies with unintended consequences We all have friends who have had a destination wedding then returned home for a second ceremony, […]
Cash flow is King In any business, cash flow is king. In construction, this is true at all points in the contractual chain. For head contractors, this means […]
The rapid pay dispute resolution provisions of the Construction Contracts Act 2004 (WA) were recently amended. One such amendment in particular has been the source of much consternation […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. this week […]
The Impact of Children’s Wishes in determining parenting arrangements The High Court of Australia has affirmed the Family Court’s wide discretion in the recent decision of Bondelmonte […]
Earlier this year, we announced that at about the same time in February 2017, the High Court and the NSW Court of Appeal had declined to reopen an important […]
A common concern following the breakdown of a relationship is that the other party may be attempting to hide assets available for distribution or alternatively that they are […]
Contractors are sometimes kept waiting on site by a disorganised principal or head contractor. Their usual response is to make a claim much later for the wasted cost […]
Project Bank Accounts (“PBAs”) have been used on WA Building Management and Works (“BMW”) projects worth $1.5m to $100m for about 8 months. WA Premier, the Hon. Mark […]
An up-to-date Will is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity. However, many young people may not realise how necessary a will actually is, even filing this […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This week […]
Supporting small business growth has become a widely articulated agenda within the Australian political arena. The government and opposition and some minor parties have recently maintained a robust […]
In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing information and guidance that may answer questions you have throughout the Family Law process. This week […]
Family Law Basics Series: What are the benefits of engaging the services of a family lawyer? In this series we will discuss the fundamental basics of Family Law, providing […]
Fierce Fight for Domestic Violence Leave Australian employees are already protected in their employment if they are experiencing domestic violence. This is because the Fair Work Act 2010 […]
Double Demerits in WA ran throughout the Easter break from Thursday 13 April 2017 until Monday 17 April 2017. Double demerits are not in play for the […]
What happens if someone breaches Family Court Orders? Breaching an Order, whether it is in relation to parenting or financial matters, made by the Family Court of Western […]
Today, external administrators were appointed to construction company, Builton, following an unpaid subcontractor’s application to wind Builton up in insolvency. Where there is one unpaid subcontractor, others typically […]
What makes a house a home, a place for the kids to play in, to entertain friends and family? A safe and tranquil place where you can relax and truly be […]
Since 12 November 2016, small businesses can apply to courts under the Australasian Consumer Law (“ACL”) to set aside or amend unfair contract terms. The Australian Competition and […]
At HHG Legal Group we pride ourselves on giving back to the community. HHG Giving Back (the charitable arm of the firm) which was launched in 2015, has […]
Following on from our due diligence checklist, we now explore the question if you already own a practice “Do you need a business partner?” what should you […]
Concerning the Personal Property Securities Register (‘PPSR’), the courts have reminded us recently of the importance of: (a) generally, where the grantor is a company, using the […]
The Huffington Post recently published a blog article about the benefits and pitfalls of semi-separation from a practical perspective. While the article considered the practicalities of the way […]
The recent shocking leaked news that a 12 year old boy was accused of sexually assaulting a 9 year boy in Mandurah left parents at the affected school […]
A Perth company has recently advertised on Gumtree seeking 457 Visa applicants only. This has caused controversy in the already volatile employment industry of Western Australia. What is […]
In recent months immunisation has resurfaced as a prominent topic of discussion in the media by politicians and doctors as a result of the launch of the new […]
For those who are currently looking to grow their own medical practice or are considering investing in one, it is important to do your due diligence. Due diligence can be […]
To vaccinate or not; That is the question – but who is responsible for the answer when we approach the discussion of immunisation and separating parents? This has […]
Divorce on the rise It is apparent from the 2015 divorce statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, that Perth is seeing a rise in the […]
It is not uncommon for an ex-partner to try to sell, give away, or hide property in order to either defeat orders of the court, or remove those […]
It is widely held that subcontractors are vulnerable to not being paid for the work they do. So much so, that legislatures around Australia have made special laws […]
On Friday, 24 February 2017, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission named its key enforcement and compliance priorities for 2017. These include unfair contract terms, cartels, and misconduct in […]
By Murray Thornhill and Jordan Hurley The Telecommunications Interception and Access Act 1979 (Cth) (TIAA), as amended in 2015, requires that Australian telecommunication companies retain specific […]
In an earlier article, we looked at how the High Court appeal in Southern Han Breakfast Point Pty Ltd (in Liquidation) v Lewence Construction Pty Ltd & Ors […]
Mr Trump has a $1 trillion domestic infrastructure investment “plan”, utilising home-grown labour and material. Whilst time will test the legitimacy of these plans, they prompt countries all […]
The latest home builder to collapse in WA, Builton, has left 130 homeowners with unfinished homes. Its home indemnity insurer, QBE, has warned homeowners not to make any […]
A recent decision of the WA Court of Appeal, related to a dispute within a successful family business, has passed a magnifying glass over the nature of a […]
In our article, “High Rise, Higher Risk for Builders”, we noted the dangers faced by contractors working for developers that align themselves financially with proponents of “get-rich-quick” […]
Moving Away In family law when a parent seeks to move with the children to another town, state or country it is known as relocation. What if […]
The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (Cth) (as amended in 2015) (TIAA) requires that Australian telecommunication companies retain specific data for a period of at least two […]
The WA Supreme Court once again offered guidance to adjudicators on the proper way to determine pay disputes under the Construction Contracts Act 2004 (”CA”). In Cooper […]
The construction industry is entering an era of rapid change of arguably unprecedented proportions. Double-brick-and-tile and concrete tilt panels are already giving way to new methods of […]
Does your business involve sales on credit, deferred payments, lay-by, hire-purchase, consignment or storage? If so, other people or entities will have physical possession of assets that belong […]
What is an ICL? Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) are appointed by the Family Court to represent the child’s interests. The ICL is not your child’s legal representative, […]
When a relationship breaks down, even in circumstances where parties are amicable and able to agree on a division of their asset pool, negotiation and discussions can often […]
It is not uncommon for an ex-partner to try to sell, give away, or hide property in order to either defeat orders of the court, or remove those […]
When partners separate and move to finalise the division of their finances, the fact that one party played a greater role in the management of the financial affairs […]
Australian Courts often deal with cases involving commercial arrangements where foreign companies operating in Australia have arranged their corporate affairs, at least in part, to minimise paying tax […]
Double Demerits start in WA this festive season on 23 December 2016 and run until 8 January 2016. Every year, the traffic law team at HHG is […]
Christmas gives us a chance to reflect and plan for the year ahead. It is also an ideal time to consider making a Will or reviewing your existing […]
On 30 November 2016, the Senate passed the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2016 (commonly referred to as the ABCC bill). Amongst the most significant aspects […]
Third Parties in Family Law The third party provisions of the Family Law Act give explicit power to the Family Court to alter the rights of third parties […]
CATASTROPHIC FALLS FROM GRACE: CHRISTMAS PARTIES, INTOXICATION AND DISMISSALS Dec 2, 2016 Last year we reported on a case where an employee’s dismissal for appalling behaviour at the […]
Last year we reported on a case where an employee’s dismissal for appalling behaviour at the work Christmas Party was found to be unfair. However, during 2016 […]
When a relationship breaks down, even in circumstances where parties are amicable and able to largely agree on a division of their asset pool, negotiation and discussions […]
POST SEPARATION FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: WHY QUICK SETTLEMENTS CAN BE VITAL Nov 28, 2016 When a relationship breaks down, even in circumstances where parties are amicable and able to […]
The ACCC yesterday launched an unprecedented legal action against Meriton Serviced Apartments for allegedly manipulating its ratings and reviews on the Trip Advisor website. The ACCC is arguing in the […]
This week WA’s State Parliament passed the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill 2016 and received Royal Assent on 29 November 2016. Contractors and subcontractors now have the benefit of […]
This week WA’s State Parliament passed the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill 2016 and received Royal Assent on 29 November 2016. Contractors and subcontractors now have the benefit of […]
HHG INSOLVENCY UPDATE: DIRECTORS BEWARE RE GUARANTEES AND COMPANY ADMINISTRATION Directors who are guarantors may consider one reason to place their struggling or insolvent company into external administration […]
Much has been written about the proposed changes to WA’s Construction Contracts Act 2004. In particular, many have complained that the proposed changes will allow construction contractors […]
When parties separate and enter into negotiations or commence proceedings in Family Court for a property settlement, one of the first steps that is required to work out […]
UNFOUNDED CONFUSION OVER CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ACT CHANGES Much has been written about the proposed changes to WA’s Construction Contracts Act 2004. In particular, many have complained that the […]
Family farms present a difficulty in family law property settlements. Often, farmers are asset rich, but cash poor. It may not be viable for the farm to remain […]
Enforcement of Questionable Foreign Judgments in Australia An article co-authored by Murray Thornhill and Jordan Hurley featured in 2016 Fall issue of The Primerus Paradigm Magazine […]
The bill seeking to reestablish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (“ABCC”), being the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013 (“ABCC bill”), was passed by […]
Most couples that separate will own property, either individually or jointly, and the division of that property is an issue that should be dealt with as soon […]
You may be aware of the general 20-business day deadline to register a security interest to ensure that your property does not end up in the hands […]
Justice Dawson said this some 25 years ago in the NSW Minister for Works’ application to the High Court seeking permission to appeal a fair value award […]
Appearing in the Fair Work Commission via telephone from his prison cell late last month, a Victorian man complained of unfair treatment because he was sacked after pleading […]
The WA Supreme Court has once again struck down adjudicators’ determinations of payment disputes under the Construction Contracts Act 2004. In doing so, the Court has sought […]
Collier Homes is the latest in a spate of home builder insolvencies. Once again, home buyers will be left to claim up to $100,000 from the home indemnity […]
Most couples that separate will own property, either individually or jointly, and the division of that property is an issue that should be dealt with as soon […]
Have you ever thought about what will happen to your Facebook account when you die? Chances are that you haven’t, if our own anecdotal evidence is to be […]
Following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship, one party can often find themselves in a significantly weaker financial position than their former spouse. This can […]
This week, the Supreme Court of Western Australia held Mr Terence John McLernon accountable for his online actions as a ‘keyboard warrior’ and awarded a record $700,000 […]
Recently, Courts in the United States and the United Kingdom have received claims from Uber drivers in excess of millions of dollars, for unpaid wages and other entitlements. […]
Are you a small business or have dealing with small businesses? Do you have or are you engaged under a standard form contract? Are you prepared for the […]
Last week the Fair Work Commission awarded a man $10,000 compensation for unfair dismissal even though he admitted to downloading hard core porn onto his work computer and […]
Introduction Secured and unsecured creditors alike are often advised to lodge a proof of debt (‘PoD’) as soon as possible after a debtor company goes into liquidation. Secured […]
When the Family Court refers to property orders being “final” it means that the orders have been deemed to finally determine the financial relationships between the parties […]
This is the third and final article in our series on warranties in construction contracts. So far, we have looked at two essential but often overlooked features of […]
This is Part 2 of our series considering warranties in construction contracts. In our last update, we considered the nature of product and workmanship warranties as contractually binding […]
This is Part 1 of our series considering warranties in construction contracts. Product and workmanship warranties are a preoccupation of most construction contractors and owners. We have […]
Aging Population Australia is fortunate enough to be an aging population. The Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest that by 2101 there will be 11.2 million Australians over […]
As part of HHG’s commitment to contractors, we were honoured to be the first law firm in Western Australia to host, together with the Society of Construction Law […]
Two building and construction-related issues have received much media and political attention in WA recently: subcontractor payments and home indemnity insurance. Historically, these issues have been treated […]
Edith Cowan University’s decision to require 102 year old Professor David Goodall to suddenly work from home attracted negative media attention and community opinion. The University no doubt took […]
There is a lot of debate around and research into when overnight stays for 0-4 years olds should commence, or at least when this should happen with regularity. […]
Security of payment for construction contractors is high on the agenda for the WA State Government which is rolling out a suite of reforms, including: – the use […]
Problem gambling can often be a root cause of marriage or relationship breakdowns. In family law matter where one party has reduced the asset pool available for division […]
It is in the best interests of the children of separating parents that the parents reach agreement as to their ongoing care. Separating parents may reach agreement in […]
Last week, the High Court heard the latest round of debate about whether a court can overturn an adjudicator’s determination of a construction payment dispute without any “jurisdictional […]
In our recent update (HHG Construction Law Series Part 8: Challenging Adjudications: A New Era?) we considered whether Australian courts might be paving the way towards greater judicial […]
Now that the coalition has returned to the job of governing the nation, it is a good opportunity to consider how the superannuation changes announced on 3 May […]
There are many situations where family members help each other out by lending money to each other. The loans are often unrecorded, informal, and rely on the […]
How does family law deal with loans to couples by family members? When does the law consider those debts to be secured or unsecured and what is […]
Security of payment laws can be effective for getting construction contractors paid quickly for the work that they do. But sometimes it is necessary to challenge an adjudicator’s […]
In a recent case of Saintclaire & Saintclaire (2015) FamCAFC 245, the Full Court of the Family Court of Australia (“the Full Court”) found that a Binding Financial […]
1. Legal terminology Following legislative change to Australian family law in 2007, commonly used terms such as “child custody”, “child access”, “sole custody”, “joint custody” and […]
When partners separate and move to finalise the division of their finances, the fact that one party played a greater role in the management of the financial affairs […]
A de facto relationship is defined in s 13A of the Interpretation Act 1984 (WA). In Western Australia, a de facto relationship is a relationship where two people […]
On 9 May 2016, the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2014 [No. 3] (“RO Bill”), one of a range of proposed laws tabled by the Coalition government […]
For the second year running, HHG Legal Group has been announced as the only exclusively WA finalist in the prestigious annual Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards. The Australian […]
The future is now – from targeting suspicious drones, to weaponising their own, police forces around the world are harnessing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles to target […]
Until the 2011 General Conditions are updated you will need a special condition in contracts for sale where the contract is made on or after 1 July 2016 […]
Following the Coalition claiming the Federal Election, the new Government may consider it has a mandate to seek to legislate for the “Protect Vulnerable Workers” policy which was […]
With the Coalition claiming victory in the 2016 federal election, the new government may consider it has a mandate to seek legislation changes to broaden the coercive […]
We are beginning to see the next big thing in Internet-related innovation. From Fitbit to Google Glass, the so-called ‘Internet of Things’, or the ‘IoT’, is poised to […]
The Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 6) Act 2016 (Act) was passed by Parliament and received Royal Assent on 25 February 2016. The Act introduced […]
Liquidated damages (LDs) give powerful relief for delayed construction works. But the right to LDs can be quite vulnerable because of the prevention principle and the doctrine of […]
The new law for incorporated associations in Western Australia (Associations Incorporation Act 2015) commenced today, 1 July 2016. How does it affect your association? All associations […]
Claims for the fair value (quantum meruit) of a construction contractor’s works are sometimes available when there is no right to be paid under a construction contract. […]
Employers should take notice that they may face prosecution under state Health and Safety laws as well as under Fair Work’s anti-bullying jurisdiction for encouraging or participating in […]
Presenting the final part of the three part checklist from HHG Legal Group’s Tax Law Team. Make sure you are aware of not only your tax planning opportunities […]
Presenting part two of a three part checklist from HHG Legal Group’s Tax Law Team. Make sure you are aware of not only your tax planning opportunities but […]
Presenting part one of a three part checklist from HHG Legal Group’s Tax Law Team. Make sure you are aware of not only your tax planning opportunities but also […]
Following our media commentary a few months ago on the recent decision of the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission in Kentz v CEPU [2016] FWCFB 2019 […]
It is a fact that the ‘poorest of the poor’ in this country will probably continue to get Legal Aid if they really need it, at least for […]
The main Australian statute dealing with privacy is the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). While the Privacy Act applies to most Australian federal government agencies and most private […]
It is only a matter of time before the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) (Telco Act) is left stranded in the Triassic Period as the latest wave of innovative […]
Rapid adjudication of payment disputes can literally save a construction contractor’s business. But before you can adjudicate a pay dispute, one has to exist. There are two common […]
1. Introduction Purchasing shares in private or proprietary limited companies in Australia continues to be an attractive option for many international investors. But what happens when the […]
Outside the statutory regime, Australians have limited recourse to protect their privacy rights at common law. This is because, unlike other common law countries, our Courts have not […]
Sometimes, a construction contract may not tell you how much your principal or head contractor has to pay you for construction work. Other times, it may fail to […]
If rainy weather prevents you from getting the job done on time, virtually all construction contracts will allow you to claim an extension of time (EOT). In fact, […]
A contractor gets paid an agreed price for delivery of an agreed scope of works by an agreed time. That is of the essence of lump sum […]
On the Footy Oval The recent “Coward Punch” of Agid Gardoud against James Bristow on the football field has highlighted a light handed approach towards violence that […]
A person’s ability to create a legally valid will may be uncertain where that person’s sound judgment is affected by mental disabilities. In order to possess the so-called […]
It is becoming increasingly common for grandparents to play a major role in their grandchildren’s ongoing care and development. Accordingly, the Family Court places significant weight upon the […]
In 1983, the Hawke government introduced the compulsory superannuation scheme whereby employers have since been obligated to pay on behalf of employees a percentage of their total income […]
It is not uncommon for an ex-partner to try to sell, give away, or hide property in order to either defeat orders of the court, or remove those […]
Unfortunately drug abuse is a common problem facing society today. Specifically, the use of the drug known as ‘ice’ has been referred by to as a widespread epidemic. […]
It is in the best interests of the children of separating parents that the parents reach agreement as to their ongoing care. Separating parents may reach agreement […]
In family law matters involving trusts, there is often a dispute about whether the trust assets are available for division between the parties. Each family law property […]
Separating couples do not necessarily have to go to Court in order to fairly divide their property. Whether the couple is a married couple or a de facto […]
It is increasingly common for couples to separate within two years of the date of their marriage. This can be the case even if the couple were in […]
What is Probate? A Grant of Probate is a certificate issued by the Supreme Court of Western Australia that attaches a copy of a deceased person’s Will. […]
As lawyers we are often asked what differentiates us from “agents” when both of us appear to do the same thing. So, should you see a “migration agent” […]
More and more frequently grandparents are seeking advice in relation to their rights regarding grandchildren. Over the last twenty years, grandparents have played an increasingly important role in […]
When a relationship breaks down, so can the trust between the parties. One party may find themselves in a situation where: a) they are suspicious that the […]
In general, the Family Court makes orders that bind the parties to the proceedings (being the parties to the marriage) only. However, the Court also has the power […]
Football boots are laced, balls pumped and the oval freshly marked. Soon Saturdays will be filled with the sounds of competitive spirit and cheering fans as Peel Thunder […]
Hagar Australia (the Australian branch of Hagar International) works indiscriminately with people who have suffered severe human rights abuses in Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan. The organisation exists […]
Over the last 20 years, there have been significant cuts to Legal Aid funding. In addition (according to the Law Council of Australia) in 2015 the Federal Government […]
After separation, it often becomes difficult and strained for a couple to live under one roof. A dilemma may arise when it is time for one party to […]
When starting a small business there is a lot to do, and it can be tricky to manage the competing priorities. Getting your product or service into the […]
The prohibition against “pay if paid” and “pay when paid” provisions in construction contracts is widely known. Equally well known to contractors is the hardship this often causes […]
In Western Australia, getting married or divorced after making a Will automatically revokes (invalidates) that Will. Subsequent Marriage Sections 14 of the Wills Act 1970 (WA) provides […]
For a number of years, we have noticed an increasing number of parties entering into Binding Child Support Agreements. A question often arises as to how and when […]
The majority of family law matters are settled outside of Court. There are a number of steps that couples can take to resolve the legal aspects of their […]
HHG Legal Group provides ongoing support to the construction industry in WA by working with industry and government representatives on proposals to reform how the law deals with […]
All Australian lawyers have ethical duties and obligations. These ethical duties and obligations are created by law. Family lawyers in particular have ethical obligations to: a) the court; […]
A US federal judge has (unsurprisingly) found that a Celebes crested macaque monkey cannot be the copyright owner of a series of “selfie” photographs created in Sulawesi, Indonesia. […]
Land tax is an annual tax on land. It is assessed on the total unimproved value of all land held by the owner (or owners) at midnight on […]
Many people share their experiences and stories from their Wills and Estate matters with family and friends. This can create myths about the way that Wills work. Here […]
To some people, dividing assets after separation simply means transferring cash and property between each other on a handshake. However, this does not satisfy section 81 of the […]
HHG Legal Group, WA’s premier medium sized law firm, is yet again a top 10 performer in the leading national ‘Top 50 Law Firms’ rankings. […]
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), Enduring Powers of Guardianship (EPGs) and Advanced Health Directives (AHDs) allow you to have control over your financial and personal affairs in circumstances […]
It is important for the landlord and the tenant to register a commercial lease on the title of the property with Landgate (WA’s register of land ownership). Where […]
Spousal maintenance is when one person provides ongoing financial support for their former partner. In certain circumstances, a spouse may have to provide financial support to the other […]
Probate is the process of proving the validity of a Will to the Supreme Court. The Executor named in the Will is responsible for applying to the Supreme […]
In the recent decision of Harbrow & Boston, the Federal Court found that the parties were not in a de facto relationship, even though they had a child […]
In our last article, we looked at some of the legal and commercial risks for builders, which arise out of high rise and mixed use development construction. […]
News about higher-density living in WA tends to focus on changes to consumers’ expectations and investment opportunities. We also hear often about developers locking horns with conservative councils […]
New Australian foreign investment rules came into force on 1 December 2015 following the passage of the Government’s Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Legislation Amendment Bill 2015. These included […]
Many foreign purchasers of land in Australia are surprised by the unforgiving nature of Australian real estate contracts. Whereas in some parts of the world you can back […]
A Perth woman has discovered that the best way to prove ownership of your dog and avoid costly legal disputes is to keep Fido’s registration up to date. […]
When parties separate, it is not unusual for settlement discussions to take months and years to resolve. When a matter goes through the Court system and requires a […]
Parenting Orders A parenting order is defined in section 64B of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) and refers to a set of directions made by the Family Court […]
We have found that many construction contractors are surprised to learn that registering Personal Property Security Interests (“PPSI”) is not only useful for plant hire companies but also […]
10 Things You May Not Know about Family Law Many people share their experiences and stories from their family law matters with family and friends. This […]
There are growing concerns in the community about privacy breaches involving remotely piloted aircrafts (“RPA”), commonly known as drones.[1] RPA have the ability to intrude on a person’s […]
It is important for the Landlord and the Tenant to register a commercial lease on the title of the property with Landgate (WA’s register of land ownership) as […]
Family farms are subject to a distinct rural ideology in which farming is considered a male vocation. The cultural values of farming dictate that a son will inherit […]
When it comes to property settlement, section 79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) requires the Court has to first identify the property available for division. […]
When the Family Court refers to property orders being “final” it means that the orders have been deemed to finally determine the financial relationships between the parties to […]
Plant and equipment hire companies have been celebrating amendments to the Personal Property Securities Act 2009. These amendments have been welcomed as allowing hire companies to save on […]
If you agree to sell your property to someone and then let them move into the property before they have paid the whole of the purchase price, you […]
Where there a disputes over custody of children, the Family Court will often be called upon to decide how much time those children will spend with each parent. […]
There are many situations where family members help each other out and provide unsecured loans to each other. The loans are often unrecorded, informal, and rely on the […]
Social occasions for work colleagues are supposed to be relaxed and build morale. Even though attendance at functions may be voluntary, held outside of the workplace and after […]
Family farms present a difficulty in family law property settlements. Often, farmers are asset rich, but cash poor. It may not be viable for the farm to remain […]
Under section 6.26(1) of the Local Government Act 1995 (WA) (“the Act”), rates must be paid on all land unless specifically exempted under the Act. Generally, […]
Contract documents used for modular construction projects should be designed especially for the unique features of modular construction. HHG Legal Group’s construction team has developed bespoke contracts for […]
HHG Legal Group has been announced as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards. The 15th Annual Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards are the premier legal […]
Cutting down the size of your workforce is not usually a happy time – but it can be painless. An excellent redundancy strategy will not […]
From a date yet to be fixed (which could be as early as 1 October 2015), those in the business of short-term vehicle, mobile plant and equipment hire […]
We are pleased to announce that HHG Legal Group’s senior associate, Daniel Morris, is amongst the “leading Perth-based practitioners” selected by the University of Melbourne to present at […]
While the vast majority of employees do the right thing, employee theft affects business-owners everyday. Suspicious activity needs to be dealt with swiftly, firmly and fairly. […]
There are growing concerns in the community about privacy breaches involving remotely piloted aircrafts (“RPA”), commonly known as drones. RPA have the ability to intrude on a person’s […]
The concept of equal shared parental responsibility is a cornerstone of Family Law child related matters but what does equal shared parental responsibility actually mean? Section […]
The use of cheap building materials has come under scrutiny following last November’s high-rise apartment blaze in Melbourne. Under the Building Code of Australia (“BCA”), external walls […]
As most separated or divorced parents would know, child support is managed through the Child Support Agency of the Department for Human Services. Individual child support assessments can […]
There has been a marked increase in WA in the number of criminal prosecutions of employers without worker’s compensation insurance. Administrative oversight is more often than not the […]
What is “high conflict” separation? While it might seem obvious to some, “high conflict” is not easily defined. Some people presume that high conflict applies to marriages […]
Announced recently as a finalist in the 2015 Australasian Law Awards for State and Regional Law Firm of the year, HHG Legal Group has expanded to Mandurah. With […]
Do you own or are you starting up a small business? Do you have all the correct legal documentation to ensure that you and your clients are secure […]
Parenting Orders A parenting order is defined in section 64B of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) and refers to a set of directions made by […]
Keeping legal costs down is something which resonates with all family law clients. Section 117(1) of the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) states that […]
HHG Legal Group was recently featured in the latest issue of Governance Directions, The Governance Institute of Australia’s members publication.
Adjudication of payment disputes under construction contracts has the advantage of being relatively quick and cost effective, with a determination (usually) guaranteed within 28 days of the application […]
It is only natural in most Family Law child related matters that each parent would want to spend as much time with their children as possible. One possible […]
Bouncers and security guards often look and behave like police but their ability to make arrests or use force is actually no greater than any other citizen. Their […]
In the recent WA Court of Appeal decision of Australian Gypsum Industries Pty Ltd v Dalesun Holdings Pty Ltd [2015] WASCA 95, the WA Court of Appeal considered […]
Unfortunately allegations of sexual abuse are common in Family Law proceedings. In our experience sexual abuse allegations (though not always) are often made in conjunction with domestic violence […]
What happens if Final Parenting Orders made by the Family Court are not working for you, the other parent of your child or your child themselves? […]
Lend Lease Services Pty Ltd, contracted to construct a refined sugar plant for Sugar Australia Pty Ltd, granted performance bonds totalling just over $4 million. Alleging delayed completion, […]
Charitable work carried out by the legal profession, including pro bono legal representation, is rarely acknowledged in the community, mainly because so much of it is confidential and […]
There are many ways to pursue a debt from someone, when you’ve chased and they won’t pay. Most commonly this involves one or more of the following – […]
This year is the first year in Western Australia when around half of our Year 12 school students will become adults before they sit their final exams, and […]
Cases involving the proposed relocation of a child are difficult cases for the Court to decide. The Family Law Act does not have specific provisions which deal specially […]
Injuries and accidents in the workplace require mandatory reporting and are closely monitored. An administrative oversight to maintain workers compensation insurance is also a crime that has recently […]
Immunisation in Australia Vaccine preventable diseases in children include: • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Diptheria • Tetanus […]
In Family Law financial settlements it is never as easy as slicing the assets of a relationship down the middle. s 79(4)(a) of the Family Law Act 1975 […]
With our focus on disruptive technology in this month’s E-Check, and no better example being seen in our focus on client digitalBTC, we thought it was important to […]
Online review websites such as TripAdvisor and Urbanspoon often decided for us where the best place to eat is or where best to wash our car. It has […]
Its big news in the Big Apple this week that divorce papers have been allowed to be served via Facebook, but its old news for Aussies. The Family […]
Employees and employers are bound together in a unique relationship and breaking up is often hard to do. There are amicable separations, however quite often there is a […]
A standard company constitution will not always protect shareholders in the event of a dispute between members. This is where a shareholders’ agreement, regulating the rights and obligations […]
Given the extremely remote chance of having a large lottery win surely a party would never need to worry about what treatment the Family Court might give to […]
Before signing a contract to buy real estate, buyers must make inquiries about what they are buying. Otherwise, they may lose their right to complain that they are […]
There is a lot of debate around and research into when overnight stays for 0-4 year’s olds should commence, or at least when this should happen with regularity. […]
Cotton On tells staff to keep it real or face the sack: http://bit.ly/1MIE7N7 Requiring workers to be genuinely enthusiastic and fun at all times or risk dismissal […]
One of the most important life decisions that people make is who to leave their estate to after they die. The drafting of a Will is much more […]
Victorian Supreme Court Declares Enforcement of Payment Awards by Insolvent Contractors Never do subcontractors have more reason to be worried than when head contractors become insolvent and no […]
There can often be a perception by parties to Family Law child related matters that the battle has been won once the Court makes Final Orders. Unfortunately, given […]
Standards Australia invites public comment on a draft of its new general conditions for use in construction contracts, called AS 11000 – 2015. Once published, this Australian Standard […]
While the Western world has generally championed the virtue of freedom of speech in the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shootings, the protests erupting in other parts of […]
HHG Legal Group is pleased to invite applications from blue chip, senior Commercial/Trusts/Estate Planning lawyers looking for an exciting new role at Associate Director/Salaried Partner or Senior Associate […]
In this digital age when an employee has had a bad day at work it can be tempting for them to shout “Unfair” over a highly visible social […]
On the 19 January 2015 the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) released a ‘guide to securing personal information’. The guide provides ‘reasonable steps’ that organisations should […]
“The Cloud” is used to refer to an off site storage system that is through an internet connection. This mode of storage is becoming increasingly popular in todays […]
In Western Australia, section 53I of the Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 (WA) prohibits the use of DNA of more than two people to create an embryo. Other […]
The Federal Government has recently released proposed changes to the tax treatment of Employee Share Schemes (“ESS”) to make it easier for companies to set up an ESS. […]
If you are the spouse in a Family Court proceeding who becomes bankrupt, your property is immediately vested in the Trustee in bankruptcy (“the Trustee”) except for your: […]
Is it ok to physically discipline your children with a slap or a smack? A mother of three has recently been charged with common assault for allegedly slapping […]
The Court generally requires that the debts incurred by either or both of the parties should be paid from the property of the parties upon the breakdown of […]
In construction contracts, payment rights often conflict and compete with each other for priority. Never is this truer than in the context of a contractor’s insolvency or an […]
Our Prime Minister has been unable to convince the Indonesian President to spare the lives of two of the members of the “Bali 9” scheduled for imminent execution. […]
Often landowners in rural areas will allow other family members to build homes on the family farm or semi rural property. This article deals with the particular issue […]
Each family law property matter broadly involves a four step process: The first step is to identify the assets and liabilities of the relationship, and to […]
There are calls for harsher cyber safety laws to protect victims of so-called “revenge porn.” Women’s groups say lashing out by posting intimate pictures online is becoming more […]
With the Cricket World Cup starting on 14 February 2015 in Australia and New Zealand, there are numerous bowlers who have been selected by their countries to represent […]
According to Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, many of the Charlie Hebdo cartoons would be banned in Australia due to the controversial section 18C of the Racial Discrimination […]
Wignalls Winery and HHG Legal Group celebrated the start of the holiday season at the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s final Business After Hours event for 2014. […]
Home builders around the country are at risk of having to pay hundreds of thousands for houses to get knocked down and rebuilt from scratch. That is the […]
Have you got your tickets to the Vintage Blues Festival at Wignalls Winery yet? We are pleased to see the return of this iconic event! Held in […]
Whether you work on a mine site or in the CBD it’s likely you’re about to be tested for illicit drugs. However it is feared that part of […]
The question seems simple, the answer is more complex. Even where one partner is the registered owner of the family home, that partner is not necessarily entitled to […]
When parties separate and enter into negotiations or commence proceedings in Family Court for a property settlement, one of the first steps that is required to work out […]
It is well recognised that a marital or relationship breakup can have a major impact on a business. Below are some of the key issues to consider,if you […]
Insolvency is a game-changer in any industry. It presents a particular risk in the construction industry for two reasons: (a) The frequency of insolvencies in the construction industry; […]
WA is expected to see significant changes to its planning laws as a result of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2014 and the Land Acquisition […]
Since 7 June 2012, a new statutory regime has governed the process of certifying building designs and structures by building surveyors. That regime appears in the Building Act […]
Psychologists regularly remind us of the importance of setting boundaries. Sometimes when people cannot between them set the boundaries, or one of them won’t respect boundaries, all that […]
Getting a divorce The Family Law Act 1975 established the principle of no-fault divorce in Australian law. This means that a court does not consider why the marriage […]
An injunction is a kind of order made by a court that requires a person to do, or refrain from doing, a particular act. The circumstances in which […]
We all know how expensive building works can become. In some industries, it is not unheard of for projects to be priced in excess of $10bn. Obviously, the […]
Claims under construction and works contracts require specialist legal expertise and advice. The team at HHG has unique and award winning construction law expertise for the benefit of […]
We all know how expensive building works can become. In some industries, it is not unheard of for projects to be priced in excess of $10bn. Obviously, […]
Your divorce or separation is bound to have a significant impact on all aspects of your life. This period in your life may be a challenging and difficult […]
A recent Western Australian case looked at the issue of whether the tenant’s notice to exercise the option to renew in its lease was effective and found that […]
A trust is a structure of ownership that separates legal ownership from beneficial interest. The trustee legally owns and controls the assets of a trust, but is bound […]
The anticipated introduction of the Work Health and Safety Bill (WHS Bill) will see company directors and board members, amongst others, placed at greater risk of prosecution for […]
There have been numerous efforts in the recent past to have gay marriage legally recognised in Australia. All such attempts have been unsuccessful. The most recent example occurred […]
The recent Supreme Court of WA case of Pipeline Services WA Pty Ltd v ATCO Gas Australia Pty Ltd [2014] WASC illustrates the importance of complying with arbitration […]
A post-nuptial agreement, known in Australia as a ‘Binding Financial Agreement’ (BFA), is the post-wedding day equivalent of the growingly prevalent pre-nuptial agreement couples may choose to enter […]
Registration on the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) is an essential step in protecting your property from being seized by third parties. The Personal Properties Security Act 2009 […]
Many employment contracts include a restraint of trade or anti-competition clause in an attempt to protect an employer’s business interests. Employers seek to ensure that knowledge their […]
Ensuring safety in the workplace includes ensuring that all employees are well enough to safely perform their duties. Employers owe this important duty of care not only to […]
What does “legal capacity” mean? Legal capacity is defined as a person’s capacity to make reasonable judgements. ”Legal capacity” in WA is defined in the Guardianship and Administration […]
Being able to access legal information from remote locations is helping to simplify legal matters for remote and FIFO workers. Simon Creek our Managing Director talks about this […]
Recent decisions in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) confirm that employers’ requirements to submit to drug testing must be based on safety concerns and cannot unreasonably intrude into […]
A recovery order is defined in section 67Q of the Family Law Act 1975. It is an order of the Court that can require a child be returned […]
If you have separated but were married for five years or less, the court will closely examine the parties’ financial contributions, particularly if there are no children. Some […]
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney? Enduring Powers of Attorney enable a person over the age of 18 years (the donor) to appoint a person or agency […]
In the recent decision of Child Support Registrar v Ahern and Anor [2014] FamCAFC 105) the – Full Court of the Family Court of Australia made clear the […]
Knowing whether the ATO regards people who work for you as employees or independent contractors can have serious implications for your business, particularly if you are in the […]
Construction is all about getting materials and labour on site, on time and in sequence. If even one supply or one trade arrives late or finishes late, the […]
Construction project cost blowouts are nothing of a recent phenomenon, especially given the construction boom Perth is currently experiencing. However they do pose significant financial risk to contractors […]
Inheritance claims in Western Australia fall under the Family Provision Act 1972 (WA). This Acts assists people who fall within a certain class to change the way the […]
As per Australian law, everyone including children and newborn infants must be issued with their own passports. Obtaining a child’s passport is essential in many different circumstances – […]
Up until recently, it has been possible to argue in family law property matters that one party has made contributions to the asset pool by way of “special” […]
As predicted by our construction law team, the High Court on Wednesday unanimously held in BROOKFIELD MULTIPLEX LTD v OWNERS CORPORATION STRATA PLAN 61288 & ANOR [2014] HCA […]
HHG Legal Group acted for the successful liquidators in Pozzebon (Trustee) v Australian Gaming and Entertainment Ltd, in the matter of Australian Gaming and Entertainment Ltd (in liq) […]
Insolvency is a game-changer in any industry. It presents a particular risk in the construction industry for two reasons: the frequency of insolvencies; and the interdependence of many […]
If you have separated but were married for five years or less, the court will closely examine the parties’ financial contributions, particularly if there are no children. Some […]
What are the legal consequences if cattle escape and trespass on to another’s land? Or worse yet, if somebody else’s cattle trespass on your land and cause damage […]
What is Alternate Dispute Resolution? Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) is an umbrella term for issue resolving processes that do not involve court in which an impartial person assists […]
The Department of Commerce is currently in the process of drafting new regulations under section 14A of the Retirement Villages Act 1992 (WA) (the Act). This will be […]
“Inheritance claims” (as they are commonly known) may be made pursuant to the Family Provision Act 1972 (WA) in Western Australia, or under equivalent legislation in other Australian […]
International parental child abduction occurs when one parent or guardian takes their child from its home country without the permission of the other parent or guardian, or without […]
A recovery order is defined in section 67Q of the Family Law Act 1975. It is an order of the Court that can require a child be returned […]
As per Australian law, everyone including children and newborn infants must be issued with their own passports. Obtaining a child’s passport is essential in many different circumstances – […]
The recent Supreme Court of WA case of Pipeline Services WA Pty Ltd v ATCO Gas Australia Pty Ltd [2014] WASC illustrates the importance of complying with arbitration […]
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney? Enduring Powers of Attorney enable a person over the age of 18 years (the donor) to appoint a person or agency […]
What does “legal capacity” mean? Legal capacity is defined as a person’s capacity to make reasonable judgements. “Legal capacity” in WA is defined in the Guardianship and Administration […]
Recent decisions in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) confirm that employers’ requirements to submit to drug testing must be based on safety concerns and cannot unreasonably intrude into […]
HHG Legal Group Managing Director, Simon Creek, currently appears on a fortnightly 6PR radio segment with Peter Bell. Follow the links below to hear Simon Creek discussing Family […]
HHG Legal Group Managing Director, Simon Creek, currently appears on a fortnightly 6PR radio segment with Peter Bell. Follow the links below to hear Simon Creek discussing Family Law and […]
The Federal Government has long been aware that divorce can become a major source of transitory poverty. Logic dictates that two breadwinners under one roof usually make enough […]
Owning a dog can be a joy. For some, our canine companions become more than just our pets; they become our best friends and part of our families. […]
A South Australian foster parent of a three month old baby that passed away was devastated to learn that she was not permitted to organise a funeral or […]
The Proper Limits of Adjudicators’ Discretion under the Construction Contracts Act 2004 Across Australia, security of payment legislation empowers adjudicators to “determine” payment claims under construction contracts. […]
The starting point for any family law property settlement is identifying the assets and liabilities of the marriage or de facto relationship. In order to identify the […]
Studies show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 15 years old are more likely than other Australian children to live with one parent. The need for […]
Australian Family Law Courts doing it for the kids. In matters concerning children, the Family Law Courts of Australia look to the “best interests of the […]
In Western Australia’s modern context of high divorce rates, remarriage and mixed families, the question of what parental responsibilities stepparents have and can take toward a stepchild presents […]
Insolvency is a game-changer in any industry. It presents a particular risk in the construction industry for two reasons: a) the frequency of insolvencies; and […]
Some Australian States and Territories have supplemented their de facto relationship laws with the introduction of relationship registers. Registers provide advantages over presumptive relationship recognition in that entering […]
Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act) as amended by the Family Law Amendment (Shared Parental Responsibility) Act 2006 provides that all persons who have […]
Bankruptcy affects parties and proceedings in family law in significant ways. Once a party to a marriage or de facto relationship which has broken down becomes bankrupt, his […]
An injunction is a kind of order made by a court that requires a person to do, or refrain from doing, a particular act. The circumstances in which […]
Police have a range of tools available to them in situations of family violence. They can issue a Police Order, a Violence Restraining Order, and a Misconduct Restraining […]
Restraint of Trade Clauses in Employment Contracts Many employment contracts include a restraint of trade or anti-competition clause in an attempt to protect an employer’s business interests. […]
The Family Law Amendment (Family Violence and other Measures Act) 2011(Cth) (the FV amendments) which amended the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) (‘the FLA’) came into operation on […]
What is an ICL? Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) are are appointed by the Family Court to represent the child’s interests in parenting order cases. The ICL is […]
Adult Child Maintenance A child who is over 18 may be able to obtain financial support from a parent if the child: · is completing their secondary or […]
It has been reported that 45% of the Australian population aged 16 to 85 years have suffered symptoms associated with mental illness at some point in their lives. […]
Res judicata is a Latin term which means that the issue before the court has already been decided by another court, with the same parties. In case of […]
If you are intending to ask the court to make a decision regarding parenting orders (orders about who your children live with, and with whom they spend time), […]
A trust is a structure of ownership that separates legal ownership from beneficial interest. The trustee legally owns and controls the assets of a trust, but is bound […]
This may seem like a redundant question, but for many people faced with the trauma of separation from their family, and moving out of the marital home, the […]
Many of our clients across diverse industry sectors have sought from us practical advice on the implications of the recent changes to The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act). […]
The history of corporate governance over the last one hundred and fifty years suggests that its fundamental purpose has been to maximise corporate profit with a view to […]
1. Legal terminology Following legislative change to Australian family law in 2007, commonly used terms such as “child custody”, “child access”, “sole custody”, “joint custody” […]
Insolvency is a game-changer in any industry. It presents a particular risk in the construction industry for two reasons: a) the frequency of insolvencies; […]
It is important to make sure you know what your responsibilities and opportunities are well before the end of the financial year. For advice on any of the […]
Family Court of Western Australia Western Australia is unique amongst Australian states in being the only state with its own Family Court. Family law matters in all […]
If you have been served with an Application for Divorce there are certain circumstances in which you can oppose the divorce, and correct mistakes or misrepresentations in the […]
Going through a divorce can be traumatic enough in and of itself. If it is coupled with family violence there can be disastrous consequences for victim and for […]
Collaborative practice in family law uses consensual legal practices rather than employing adversarial approaches. It is argued that collaborative law commits lawyers and clients to resolving disputes […]
With the high rate of separation in marriages and de facto relationships, more and more people are facing the prospect of dividing their assets. To some people, […]
What is a post-nuptial BFA? A post-nuptial agreement, known in Australia as a ‘Binding Financial Agreement’ (BFA), is the post-wedding day equivalent of a BFA entered into […]
There is commonly confusion around builders’ and contractors’ right to payment when disputes arise or contracts are terminated before completion of works. Where does the confusion lie and […]
Child support is not the only liability that is imposed on single parents. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) a father of a child who is not […]
In July last year the Sunday Times revealed J.K Rowling as the author behind the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Whilst there was speculation that it was a publicity stunt […]
Criminal law in Western Australia is governed by the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, these are a few […]
Getting a divorce The Family Law Act 1975 established the principle of no-fault divorce in Australian law. This means that a court does not consider why the marriage […]
Obtaining legal documents for a few hundred dollars online instead of a few thousand at a law firm may sound like an attractive option. However, doing so can […]
As outlined in our previous article in HHG E-Check, since January 2014, a worker may apply to the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) for an order to stop bullying […]
A de facto relationship is defined in s 13A of the Interpretation Act 1984 (WA). In Western Australia, a de facto relationship is a relationship where two people […]
As a result of the large mining sector in Western Australia, Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) jobs are more common here than in most other places in Australia. While FIFO […]
Your divorce or separation is bound to have a significant impact on all aspects of your life. This period in your life may be a challenging and difficult […]
Don’t think you could get arrested for having dinner with friends or for catching up for a beer with old mates? Think again. If your friends happen to […]
Background In Australia, pre-nuptial agreements are called Binding Financial Agreements (BFA’s). The Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) allows couple to enter into legally binding financial agreements with […]
The recent case of a Tiffany Paterson who sued the police for not adequately enforcing her restraining order provides court ordered restraining orders with enhanced prospects of […]
Going through a separation or divorce can be extremely challenging especially when there are children involved, and it is fair to say that genuinely amicable separations are very […]
What if I get married after making my will? If you marry after you have made a will, your marriage cancels your will unless that will was […]
International Instruments Most people are aware that Australian children are protected by a range of Commonwealth and State Acts of Parliament. Australia has also ratified a […]
Minor changes in taxation law are not usually a matter of concern or interest to most people, unless their financial situation is directly affected by those changes. Up […]
Violence & Annoyance, Go Away! Stay Away! Court ordered boundaries in shifting relationships. Psychologists regularly remind us of the importance of setting boundaries. Sometimes when people cannot […]
Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a process involving you and your ex-partner meeting with a family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) to try to sort out your family law […]
The Surrogacy Act 2008 (WA) was passed by the West Australian parliament on 10 December 2008 with the associated Regulations, Directions and Rules commencing on 1 March 2009. The commencement of […]
Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even professional networking sites such as LinkedIn are increasingly changing the way family law matters are conducted in Australia. […]
There is little argument that client demands are far greater today than they were in times past. There is also general agreement that client demands and expectations will […]
“How well do you understand your MBA contracts? Are you using your contract as an effective business tool? What are the key things to remember to ensure your […]
Separating couples should be aware that their financial circumstances can change dramatically from the date of separation to the final split of the matrimonial/relationship property. Recently, a woman […]
When a marriage or de facto relationship breaks down and parties separate, property settlement is often not the only issue. As any parent would know, children […]
After separating from a de facto partner it is important to ensure your affairs are reviewed and updated to reflect the change in your relationship status. Issues to […]
Am I too late? Some deadlines have no extensions, and no excuses To ensure the Courts don’t get clogged up with old cases based on distant past […]
Don’t be Deceived. The Australian Consumer Law and its predecessor legislation have for 40 years served to enable victims of sharp or misleading practices […]
Why the Right Evidence, In the Right Way, At the Right Time is Essential for Success In Litigation A golden rule in litigation is: never make an […]
What simpler legal question could there be than: “What is a debt”? You don’t need to be a lawyer to answer that one, right? Everyone knows that a […]
This article is a timely reminder never to sign a document where agreements or promises are recorded unless you have made sure, with the benefit of legal […]
HHG Legal Group Director, Murray Thornhill, recently sat down with ABC South Coast presenter, John Cecil, to discuss the Tips and Traps for Buying a Business. Date: 15/01/14 […]
Over 2013 the median residential rental price in Perth fell by $10 to $460 dollars per week. Many renters see reductions like this as an opportunity to snap […]
Changes to West Australian property laws are set to alter the way we see the Granny Flat. As at August 2013 a home owner is no longer required […]
‘Punching above its weight’ once again, medium size WA law firm, HHG Legal Group, was yesterday independently ranked #3 out of all law firms in Australia. Managing […]
Christmas and New Year are a time for family, celebration and indulgence. The silly season brings with it overseas holidays, marriages and births. Did you know that if […]
On 1 January 2014, amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 will come into effect. Among the amendments is a new jurisdiction for the Fair Work Commission to […]
On 1 December 2013, exactly 10 years after Simon Creek and Murray Thornhill purchased the nearly 100 year old Hudson Henning & Goodman, turning it into what is […]
If you like to tweet, why not follow HHG Legal Group on @HHG1919? For legal tweets with a more personalised flavor, you can also follow HHG’s Managing Director, […]
The Legal Practice Board recently created a Professional Development Committee. Among other things, this new committee will be responsible for reviewing the compulsory professional development requirements of solicitors […]
As a member of the Albany community, we belive it is our duty to support those organisations that enrich the community. The Albany Tennis Academy is one such […]
HHG has been nominated as one of Australia’s Top 50 law firms! We are proud to be nominated and greatly appreciate the votes of our clients and friends. […]
HHG has been nominated as one of Australia’s Top 50 law firms! We are proud to be nominated and greatly appreciate the votes of our clients and friends. […]
HHG Legal Group’s two Directors, Simon Creek and Murray Thornhill will be locked up in Fremantle Prison this Thursday! In aid of the Convicts for a Cause charity, Simon […]
HHG has moved in Mount Barker. Our new office is located in the Mount Barker Community Resource Centre: Office 5, 1 Lowood Rd, Mount Barker. The office is […]
Happy Financial Planning Week, when all Australians are encouraged to seek help with their finances. Remember – financial planning is not just for the wealthy! Financial planners, accountants […]
Welcome to the new and improved HHG Legal Group website! Hello and welcome to the brand new HHG Legal Group website. The new site has some great new […]
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE RESIDENTIALTENANCIES ACT 1987 (WA) Below is a summary of some of the important changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987(WA) which came into effect on […]
How to Protect your Bonds and Bank Guarantees Join Murray Thornhill, Director, Colin Thorpe and other members of the litigation team, as we provide tips and examine traps […]
End of year tax planning: PAF’s and Charitable Giving HHG Legal Group’s Janene Bon and Bernadette Duell will present a Q&A session providing an opportunity for clients and […]
HHG LEGAL GROUP’S SIMON CREEK RE-ELECTED TO LEGAL PRACTICE BOARD OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Along with John Fiocco, Valerie Hodgins, Noelle Hossen, Elizabeth Macknay and Sabina Schlink, HHG Legal […]
Business Succession Planning: How to ensure the continued success of your life’s work whilst providing for the future of your loved ones What happens when one member of […]
After two years of consolidation, medium size law firm, HHG Legal Group, is ready for further growth and innovation. Following a stint as Chairman during a brief foray […]
STEP-CHILDREN & ESTATE PLANNING – MAJOR CHANGES TO THE LAW In Western Australia, long awaited amendments to the law to allow step-children to claim against the estate of […]
How to make films that make money Simon Creek’s comments appear in Kim McDonald’s article in the business section of the West Australian (Thursday 14 December 2012). As […]
The New Commission for Not-for-Profits, Charities and Private Philanthropy: How does it affect you? A Q&A Session with HHG Legal Group When: Wednesday 6 March 2013 Time: 5.15pm […]
As a law firm that has always taken pro bono and charitable work very seriously, we are thrilled to be able to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities […]
UPDATE ON WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY LAWS HHG Legal Group is mindful that the national ‘harmonisation’ of Work, Health and Safety laws will have a significant impact on […]
HHG Legal Group is pleased to announce the appointments of Murray Thornhill as Managing Director and Simon Creek as the newly created role of Chairman, a milestone in […]
Grapes and Gallops 2013 HHG Legal Group – Proud Sponsors HHG PROUD SUPPORTERS OF GRAPES AND GALLOPS FESTIVAL IN MOUNT BARKER HHG Legal Group has sponsored the Grapes […]
LUNCHTIME Q&A WITH THE HHG COMMERCIAL TEAM The Wrap Up of 2012 Commercial Law Issues and What to Expect in 2013 When: Wednesday 27 March 2013 Time: 12.00pm […]
Having a comprehensive and up to date Estate Plan is not a luxury but a necessity. An out of date Will may result in your assets being distributed […]
An Advance Health Directive (AHD), often referred to as a “Living Will”, is a legal document you can sign now directing/stating which medical treatment you want or do […]