Dying without a will in NSW means a statutory formula decides who inherits, not you. Learn how intestacy works and how a will avoids it.
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Separating: The First Steps to Take When a Relationship Ends in Australia
Separating in Australia? Learn the first practical and legal steps to take, from safety and finances to parenting and getting early advice.
The Christmas Parenting Order Deadline Is Coming: Here’s What You Need to Know
Planning Christmas parenting arrangements after separation? Learn about the 13 November 2026 Court filing deadline, mediation options and why starting early matters.
The risk of DIY and online Wills, not prepared by lawyers
Creating a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) will and online wills with non legal companies, in New South Wales (NSW) might appear to be a cost-effective and straightforward solution for outlining your estate…
When Mediation Works (and When It Doesn’t) in Family Law
If you’re going through a separation or parenting dispute, someone has probably mentioned mediation: “You should try mediation first.” “The Court will expect you to mediate.” “Mediation is always better…
Go Your Own Way: The Legal & Emotional Weight of Disinheritance
“You can go your own way…” – Fleetwood Mac By Jacinta Watkins | ALA Law Disinheritance. It sounds like a bold move—and it is. Whether it’s cutting out an estranged…
Working With a Barrister: How to Get the Best From Your Family Law Team
When you’re going through a separation, parenting dispute, or property settlement, the legal system can feel overwhelming. You might suddenly hear new words like “counsel” or “barrister” and wonder: Why…
Family Affair: The Reality of Family Provision Claims
“Don’t need no hateration, holleration in this dancery.” – Mary J. Blige Estate planning is meant to bring clarity. But sometimes, instead of smooth transitions, families get courtrooms and claims.…
Estate Debts, Tax, and Distribution: What Happens When the Estate Has Liabilities?
“Money, so they say, is the root of all evil today.” – Pink Floyd When it comes to estate planning and administration, money is often the source of complications—especially when…
Allegations of financial abuse during a relationship— and What to Do During a Property Settlement
If you’ve been accused of financial abuse, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or misunderstood. Financial arrangements within a relationship are often complex, and what now appears controlling may have been…
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Image credit: Photo by Andy Greene on Rollingstone. July 2025 – The Soundtrack of Legacy Series By Jacinta Watkins | ALA Law If estate planning had a theme song, The…
Recognising Financial Abuse as a Victim— and What to Do During a Property Settlement
A simple guide for anyone separating and worried about financial control, loss of access to money, or allegations of financial abuse. Financial abuse can be one of the most distressing…
Cracking Complex Property Pools: Trusts
What Clients Need to Know When Trusts Are Part of a Property Settlement Trusts are one of the most confusing parts of a family law property settlement. Many families use…
The Show Must Go On: Helping Your Clients Navigate Business Succession Planning
When Queen sang “The Show Must Go On”, they weren’t just talking about keeping the music playing—they were speaking to the heart of family business succession. As professional services providers…
My Ex is Manipulating or Alienating my child against me, what can I do?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent actively turns the child against the other parent. Allegations of parental alienation and child manipulation are extremely common and vary in severity, from a…
Super Splits Simplified: What You Need to Know When Dividing Super in a Separation
Superannuation is often one of the biggest assets in a property settlement — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many clients are surprised to learn that splitting super…
We Are Family: Estate Planning for Blended Families
“I got all my sisters with me.” – Sister Sledge Modern families don’t always follow traditional paths. Blended families—formed through remarriage, long-term partnerships, step-parenting, or children from previous relationships—are a…
Why Children Can’t Be in a Will Appointment – And What You Should Do Instead
Thinking about getting your Will sorted but wondering if you can bring your kids along to the appointment? Many parents assume it’s fine to have their children present, but in…
How do I stop my ex from seeing the kids?
If you believe your ex-partner should not have contact with your children, it is important to understand the legal process and what the Family Court considers when making decisions about…
What is a Mortgagee in possession in NSW?
In New South Wales (NSW), when a borrower defaults on their mortgage, the lender (the mortgagee) may take possession of the property to recover the outstanding loan amount. This legal…