Wills
Changes to the law relating to wills took effect on 1st March 2008. Some of these changes alter the interpretation of a will even if it was made before the change came into force.
Further significant changes will commence in 2009 relating to what happens to your property when you do not have a will. The rights of a spouse in this respect are improved.
It is important to have your will checked to ensure it is up to date and takes changes in the law into account.
Defacto Relationships
Defacto couples, including same sex couples, will shortly be covered by the Family Law Act. This substantially changes entitlements for Defacto spouses and will advantage some and disadvantage others.
If this concerns you please call us to make an appointment to discuss your concerns.
Dividing Fences
The law has again been changed in this area with effect from 1st Feb 2009. Changes were also made that affect the ability to get orders to access your neighbours land to carry out work.
Environmental Planning
This is a constantly changing area of law with wide ranging changes taking effect from 27th Feb 2009 including new information required for zoning certificates for contracts for the sale of land.
New Planning Scheme for the Clarence Valley: Clarence Valley Council LEP 2010.
The Clarence Valley Council has announced that the new planning scheme called the Clarence Valley Draft LEP 2010 will be going on public exhibition from 1 Feb 2010. The scheme, when it becomes effective, can have a significant impact on the right to build a dwelling on some rural land.
This exhibition of the draft will also affect current conveyancing practices and some draft sale contracts may need to be updated and buyers will need to be made aware of
We will be reviewing the Draft LEP and updating our comments on our web site as soon as we can.
Fair Work Act
This new Federal law commenced 1 July 2009 and makes significant changes to unfair dismissal rights including the time limit to make a claim.
The NSW Government has referred its industrial relations power to the Commonwealth Government.
As from 1st January 2010 the Fair Work Act applies to employers who are sole traders, partnerships or non-trading corporations whose employees are currently covered by the New South Wales industrial relations system. Unincorporated businesses and charities are also brought into the Federal system.
· Employers and employees affected by this referral will generally still be covered by their existing State Award for at least one year.
· However, all workers will be covered by the National Employment Standards from the start.
· No existing employees will suffer a reduction in net pay.