The decision to separate is a difficult one at the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused separating or divorcing families and families thinking about separating additional confusion and stress. This blog post gives a brief overview of the barriers and roadblocks Australian couples are facing along the path to separation during the pandemic,...
Author: altrialaw
A Sydney Family Lawyer Explains: Consent Orders in Family Law
What are consent orders? Consent orders are a legal document that makes an agreement between you and another party legally binding. In Family Court proceedings, the ‘other party’ is typically your ex-partner. You can use consent orders to formalise any agreement you and your ex-partner come to about your parenting arrangements of your assets. Doing...
Insanity Defence in NSW: new laws for people who commit crimes while mentally ill
In June of this year, the NSW parliament passed legislation that changes how people with mental health impairments will be dealt with by the NSW legal system. These changes come in under a Bill called the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Bill 2020 (the New Bill). Here’s what that means for the people...
A Sydney Drug Lawyer Explains: What to do if you’re caught with drugs
Last month, a light plane crashed en route to Australia because it was laden with so much cocaine that it was too heavy to take off. While that plane was bound for QLD, a Sydney man has been charged in connection with the crime – alongside members of a known crime syndicate in Melbourne. This...
A Sydney Lawyer Explains: What to do if you get a Letter of Demand
You’ve gotten an intimidating looking letter marked “Letter of Demand” in the mail. So, now what? Don’t toss it in the fire, don’t pretend it never arrived, and don’t bury it in the sand. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know and exactly what you need to do next to save...
Immigration to Australia during COVID-19
The pathways to immigration in Australia are complex in the best of circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing lockdowns have made the immigration landscape even more tricky to navigate. This blog post, written by an experienced migration lawyer, is designed to help you with some of the most common visa queries we’re seeing during the...
How much it REALLY costs to buy a house in Sydney
Buying a home in Sydney can be expensive. Even more so if you don’t know about or understand all the extra costs associated with buying a home. Once you add in mortgage fees, stamp duty, taxes, and inspections, the REAL cost of buying a home in Sydney is higher than what’s listed on your contract...
Enduring Guardianships Explained by a Sydney Lawyer
We’re all constantly reminded to ensure that our business, financial, and legal affairs are in order in case we become incapacitated or we pass away. But it’s equally important to consider who might make decisions about your lifestyle if you’re unable to make decisions on your own behalf. That’s what an Enduring Guardian is designed...
Racial Profiling: Your Rights If You’re Pulled Over – A Sydney Lawyer Explains
Australia is not immune to issues relating to racism. And Police Officers in the States and Territories of Australia are not immune to racial profiling. Just over one year ago, Victoria Police broke a man’s arm when they arrested him, noting that he ‘looked Middle Eastern’. While the parallels between the deaths of George Floyd...
What is a Power of Attorney and why do you need one?
A power of attorney (POA) sounds like something just for lawyers, but it’s not. It’s an important document that everyone over the age of 18 should think about. This blog post will outline what it means to give someone an enduring power of attorney and why you should do it. What is a Power of...