The Role of the Independent Children’s Lawyer
Sometimes during court proceedings regarding the parenting arrangements of a child, the court will appoint an independent children’s lawyer (ICL) to represent that child and present to the court an unbiased account of that child’s views and interests. The key […]
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Confidentiality and Privileged Information: It belongs to you!
In the wake of the “Lawyer X” scandal, it serves as an appropriate reminder that client information (your information) is confidential and privileged on all accounts. It belongs to you and cannot be disclosed to anyone without your express permission. […]
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Duty of Disclosure – the Rule Applies to Everyone
“For duty, duty must be done. The rule applies to everyone. And painful though that duty be …” – WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Full and frank disclosure of your financial position during property settlement negotiations […]
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What Does that Mean?
Quite often our client’s first interaction with lawyers and the legal system is their first interaction of this kind. That alone can be incredibly daunting, and what may already be a stressful situation can become more so or even confusing. […]
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Steady as She Goes
As a business we’re now embracing the concept of quarterly themes to build on what we have achieved and with a view to attaining even higher levels of client servicing, team engagement and involvement with our communities. These themes will […]
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What is the Difference Between a De facto Relationship and a Marriage?
Relationships in contemporary Australian society are marked by changes to our social dynamics, such as the ever increasing population and growth of our multicultural and inclusive society. Yet there are only two formal types of relationships in the eyes of […]
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What to Expect at Your First Date at Family Law Court
There is no doubt that going to court is a daunting experience, especially so when considering that your future financial and emotional wellbeing, and that of your children, could rest on the outcome. For many, by the time their family […]
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Happy New (Financial) Year
As the accountants are gearing up to tackle your shoebox of receipts and process your tax returns, we’re taking the time to stop and reflect on the financial year that was. We have a lot to be proud of as […]
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How to Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable World of Change
Change is scary, right? Deciding to separate from your partner can be an overwhelming process, whether it is a joint decision, or something initiated by only one person in the relationship. There are many factors to be considered as you […]
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You Work in a Law Firm but You’re Not a Lawyer?
When people find out I work in a law firm with no intention of becoming a lawyer myself, I’m often met with reactions of bewilderment, confusion, and in some cases sympathy. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve […]
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You Want to Stop but You Don’t Need to Stop
I’ve recently chalked up three years since I moved with my young family from our home of over 15 years in Brisbane to the relative calm of Toowoomba. In the years I had been living in Brisbane there would not […]
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Am I in a De Facto Relationship?
In this day and age it’s often misconceived what being in a de facto relationship actually means. Put simply, in the eyes of the Australian law, a de facto relationship is a relationship between two adult persons that: live together […]
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Same-Sex Marriage in Australia – What are the Key Legislative Changes?
Recently, Australians participated in a “postal survey” to share our opinion on whether marriage laws should be amended to include same-sex marriage. On 15 November 2017 it was declared a “yes”, the majority of the Australian population was in favour […]
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Family Court removes legal hurdle for young transgender Australians
Amity Anderson, Legal Partner and Hillary McVeigh, Paralegal In a recent landmark decision of Re: Kelvin, the Full Court of the Family Court has ruled that young Australians seeking treatment for gender transition will no longer have to seek Court […]
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Best Wilson Buckley recognised as Leading Family Lawyers
The independent Doyle’s Guide has released its 2018 list of Leading Divorce & Family Lawyers, naming Best Wilson Buckley Family Law as a Top Tier firm in Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Western Queensland. This is the third consecutive year that […]
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‘Tis The Season
It’s getting towards the end of the year. For some, it’s been quite a long year. The impact of family law matters on both parties and their legal practitioners shouldn’t be ignored. This year has been one of the hardest […]
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It’s Just the Vibe of the Thing…
A great character once distilled a good passage of legal precedent into that most simple and understandable of phrases that still resonates with Australians all over today. While on the surface such a phrase appears to lack meaning there is […]
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300 Words
Like the TV show (but less words). Leading up to Christmas can, for many families, feel like being in the middle of a television drama. The emotions are high, the drama is high, and the Christmas cheer is lost for […]
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Take Pause this Christmas
The Christmas period can be very challenging for separated families. In addition to all the usual Christmas hype, you need to navigate your way through parenting arrangements, holidays, and meeting the expectations of your children, your former partner, and extended […]
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Name Game – How do I change my Surname After Marriage?
In the lead up to marriage, there is often a lot to think about. How many guests will attend the wedding? What colour will the invites be? Have I confirmed the venue booking? And most importantly, what flavour(s) will the five tier wedding cake be (chocolate is always a winner!)?
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