Never speak to police about criminal allegations without legal advice first. Anything you say can be used against you in court, and police interviews are designed to gather evidence for prosecution, not to help you. Contact us immediately if the police want to interview you.

Prevention is always better than cure. Our business law team can review your contracts, terms of trade, and business practices to minimise dispute risks. Clear contracts, proper documentation, and proactive legal advice often prevent the disputes that end up in court.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific situation. Many estate disputes can be resolved through negotiation, keeping costs manageable. We always explain all costs upfront before you commit, including court filing fees and potential cost orders.

Timeframes vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case and whether it settles out of court. Simple matters might resolve in a few months, while complex disputes that go to court can take 12-18 months or more. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Yes, in many cases. Under NSW law, eligible persons can make family provision claims even if they’re not named in the will. This includes spouses, children, dependants, and people in close personal relationships with the deceased. We’ll assess whether you qualify and have grounds for a claim.

In NSW, you generally have 12 months from the date of death to commence proceedings. However, the court can extend this time limit in exceptional circumstances. It’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as gathering evidence becomes more difficult over time.

Will disputes are inherently challenging for families, but many can be resolved through respectful negotiation rather than bitter court battles. We focus on achieving fair outcomes while minimising family conflict wherever possible. Our approach prioritises communication and mediation before litigation.

The evidence required depends on the grounds for your challenge. This might include medical records, witness statements, financial documents, copies of previous wills, or evidence of your relationship with the deceased. We’ll help you identify and gather the evidence needed for your specific case.

Many will disputes arise from unclear wording, outdated documents, or inadequate provision planning. Our comprehensive estate planning services help prevent the situations that commonly lead to family disputes. Learn about our estate planning approach.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific property matter. Many property transactions can be handled on fixed-fee arrangements, giving you cost certainty. We always explain all costs upfront before you commit.

While not legally required, having a professional legal review of commercial leases is strongly recommended. Commercial leases are complex, long-term commitments with significant financial implications. Professional advice often identifies unfair terms and negotiates better conditions, potentially saving thousands over the lease term.

Key areas include rent review mechanisms, maintenance and repair obligations, permitted use restrictions, assignment and subletting rights, and make good requirements. We review all these aspects and explain their practical implications for your business operations and costs.

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. Simple lease reviews might be completed within days, while complex property purchases can take 6-12 weeks from contract to settlement. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Yes, we regularly assist with subdivision applications, development approvals, and planning compliance matters. We work with planning consultants and other specialists to guide your project through the regulatory requirements while protecting your legal interests.

Landlord breaches can include failure to maintain the property, unreasonable rent increases, or wrongful eviction attempts. We assess the breach, advise on your rights, and take appropriate action to protect your tenancy and business operations.

Careful lease review and negotiation are essential. This includes ensuring fair rent review mechanisms, appropriate make-good obligations, flexibility for business changes, and protection against unfair eviction. We help negotiate terms that protect your business interests.

In commercial litigation, the losing party often pays a portion of the winner’s legal costs. We always explain cost risks upfront and can discuss litigation funding or insurance options where appropriate. Many disputes settle before court, avoiding adverse cost risks entirely.

Never speak to police about criminal allegations without legal advice first. Anything you say can be used against you in court, and police interviews are designed to gather evidence for prosecution, not to help you. Contact us immediately if the police want to interview you.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. Costs depend on the complexity of your charges and court proceedings required. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate. We offer payment plans for most matters and always explain all costs upfront.

Not necessarily. Many factors affect sentencing, and we know how to present your case for the best outcome. Even serious charges don’t automatically mean imprisonment – how your matter is presented in court can dramatically affect whether you receive a custodial sentence.

In many cases, yes. Section 10 dismissals, conditional release orders, and other options can help you avoid criminal conviction even when charges are proven. We focus on protecting your future by exploring every avenue to avoid conviction.

Drink driving (PCA/DUI) is both a traffic and criminal offence. While it affects your licence and driving record, it also results in a criminal conviction that can impact employment, travel, and professional licences. Our criminal defence team handles the criminal aspects, while our traffic law specialists can address licence implications.

Yes, many criminal convictions can affect your driving privileges, especially if they involve vehicles, violence, or drug offences. Some criminal matters also involve traffic-related charges. Our traffic law specialists can advise on licence implications alongside your criminal defence.

Different courts handle different types of criminal matters based on their seriousness. Local Court handles summary offences, District Court handles most serious crimes, and the Supreme Court handles the most serious matters like murder. We appear in all jurisdictions.

Simple matters might resolve in one court appearance, while complex defences or serious charges can take many months. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific charges and the defence strategy we recommend for your situation.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific situation. Going through the family law process is expensive, but we always explain costs upfront before you commit.

You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying for divorce. Once you apply, the divorce order typically becomes final one month and one day after the court hearing. However, property settlements and parenting arrangements are separate matters that may take longer to resolve.

Important: You don’t need to wait 12 months to speak with us. We can provide valuable guidance from the moment you’re considering separation, helping you understand your rights and plan for the future.

Separation is when you and your partner decide to end your relationship and start living separately (which can be under the same roof). Divorce is the legal termination of your marriage, which can only happen after 12 months of separation. Property and parenting matters are handled separately from divorce.

The Family Court considers financial and non-financial contributions made by each party, as well as future needs factors like care of children, age, health, and earning capacity. “Fair” doesn’t always mean “equal” – it depends on your specific circumstances.

The Family Court considers financial and non-financial contributions made by each party, as well as future needs factors like care of children, age, health, and earning capacity. “Fair” doesn’t always mean “equal” – it depends on your specific circumstances.

Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation and agreement without going to court. We always aim to achieve practical solutions through discussion first. Court proceedings are typically used only when agreement cannot be reached or when urgent protection is needed.

Our family law team provides services throughout NSW and can appear in Family Court matters Australia-wide. With remote consultation capabilities, distance is no barrier to accessing expert family law advice.

For serious offences or when your licence is at risk, absolutely. For minor matters, we’ll tell you honestly if you can handle it yourself. Generally, if you’re facing licence loss, criminal conviction, or your livelihood depends on driving, you need expert legal help.

Standard residential conveyancing typically takes 4-6 weeks from contract to settlement. Timeframes can vary depending on factors like finance approval, special conditions, and cooling-off periods. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Conveyancers are limited to handling the transfer of property. As property lawyers, we have unrestricted scope to provide legal advice and representation on all property matters. This means if complications arise during your transaction, you don’t need to engage another professional – we can handle everything from contract review to dispute resolution.

We conduct comprehensive searches including title searches, planning certificates, land tax certificates, strata reports (if applicable), and various environmental and compliance searches. These searches identify potential issues that could affect your property’s value or use.

Yes, our property lawyers have extensive experience in commercial property transactions including retail, office, and industrial properties. We understand the additional complexities involved and provide comprehensive legal support throughout the process.

Our conveyancing services are limited to NSW only, but if you need an interstate lawyer or conveyancer, we will do our best to introduce you to someone who can help. We serve clients throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains region, with particular expertise in the Penrith area.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific situation. Many of our services offer fixed-fee options for straightforward Wills, while complex estate planning is billed at competitive hourly rates. We always explain costs upfront before you commit.

Simple Wills can typically be prepared within 1-2 weeks from our initial meeting. More complex estate planning involving trusts or business succession may take 3-4 weeks. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific requirements during your consultation.

A Will is one component of comprehensive estate planning. While a Will directs how your assets are distributed after death, estate planning includes strategies for incapacity, tax minimisation, asset protection, and succession planning. We help you understand what level of planning is right for your situation.

Your Will should be reviewed whenever you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, significant asset changes, or moving states. We recommend reviewing your Will every 3-5 years to ensure it remains current with your circumstances and any changes in the law.

If you die without a Will (intestate) in NSW, your assets are distributed according to a predetermined formula set by law. This may not reflect your actual wishes and can create complications for your family. The court appoints an administrator to manage your estate, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

While it’s legally possible to prepare your own Will, mistakes can be costly and may invalidate your Will entirely. Professional Will preparation ensures your document meets all legal requirements, clearly expresses your wishes, and minimises the risk of disputes. The cost of professional preparation is minimal compared to the potential problems of a DIY Will.

Clear, comprehensive estate planning significantly reduces the risk of family disputes after your death. We draft Wills that minimise ambiguity and ensure fair provision, helping preserve family relationships. Learn about will disputes we help resolve

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific charges. Many traffic matters can be resolved efficiently, keeping costs manageable. We always explain all costs upfront before you commit, including court filing fees and potential penalty differences.

Not necessarily. Many factors affect penalties, and we know how to present your case for the best outcome. Even when the facts aren’t favourable, how your matter is presented in court can dramatically affect whether you keep your licence, receive a reduced disqualification, or qualify for a work licence.

Simple matters might resolve in one court appearance, while complex defences or serious charges can take several months. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific charges and the defence strategy we recommend for your situation.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific situation. Many of our services offer fixed-fee options, while others are billed at competitive hourly rates. We always explain costs upfront before you commit. And remember, you pay nothing upfront – all fees come out at settlement.

Even when the facts aren’t in dispute, how your case is presented can dramatically affect your penalty. We focus on minimising consequences, exploring options like section 10 dismissals, conditional release orders, or work licence applications that can protect your future.

In some circumstances, yes. NSW law provides for restricted licences in cases of employment hardship. We assess your eligibility and handle the application process, which requires detailed preparation and strategic presentation to succeed.

Some traffic offences are criminal matters (like drink driving), while others are regulatory violations. We handle all traffic-related charges, and serious matters that cross into broader criminal law territory can be referred to specialist criminal lawyers if needed.

If you accumulate enough licence points or serious offences within five years, you can be declared a habitual offender and lose your licence for 5+ years. Appeals are possible but time-limited. Early legal advice is crucial for anyone approaching this threshold.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific business needs. Many business matters can be handled on fixed-fee arrangements, giving you cost certainty. In the alternative, we offer competitive hourly rates. We always explain all costs upfront before you commit.

While not legally required, proper legal setup from the start can save significant costs and complications later. We help you choose the right business structure, understand your obligations, and establish solid foundations for growth – often for less than the cost of fixing problems later.

Companies offer limited liability protection and more professional credibility, but have greater compliance obligations. Sole traders are simpler to set up and operate, but offer no asset protection. We’ll assess your situation and recommend the most suitable structure for your goals and risk tolerance.

All employees should have written employment contracts that comply with Fair Work legislation and relevant awards. Even casual workers benefit from clear terms. Proper employment contracts protect both you and your employees by setting clear expectations and obligations.

Yes, we regularly review and negotiate commercial leases for Penrith businesses. Commercial leases are complex documents with significant financial implications. We ensure you understand all terms, negotiate fair conditions, and protect your interests throughout the lease term.

First, review the contract terms and document the breach. Often, a formal letter of demand can resolve the issue without court action. If that fails, we can advise on your options, including negotiation, mediation, or legal proceedings to recover losses and enforce your rights.

We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. During your initial consultation, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate based on your specific dispute. Many matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, keeping costs manageable. We always explain all costs upfront, including potential court fees and adverse cost risks.

Timeframes vary significantly depending on the complexity of your dispute and whether it settles out of court. Simple debt recovery matters might resolve in weeks, while complex commercial litigation can take 12-18 months or more. We’ll provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and dispute strategy.

While informal discussions sometimes work, having legal representation early often leads to faster, better outcomes. We can handle initial negotiations on your behalf, often resolving disputes before they escalate to expensive court proceedings. Early legal advice can also prevent you from inadvertently damaging your legal position.

Mediation involves a neutral third party helping both sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It’s faster, cheaper, and confidential compared to court proceedings. Court litigation involves a judge making a binding decision after hearing evidence from both sides. We’ll advise which approach is best for your specific situation.

Yes, we regularly handle interstate commercial disputes. NSW courts have jurisdiction over many commercial matters involving interstate parties, particularly where contracts specify NSW law applies. We work with interstate legal networks when necessary to protect your interests across Australia.