Legal insights
Legal insights from our Frankston office: plain-English guides to Victorian law on property, business, disputes, family, wills and estates, and notarial work.
Latest articles
Updates on changes to the law, and step-by-step guides to common legal matters in Victoria. Each article is general information only, not advice about your situation. For advice, talk to us.
Our legal insights are grouped by topic below. In each guide, we explain the law in plain English. Then, for how we help with each type of matter, see our practice areas.
Property and building: start with buying property in Victoria or auction reserve price disclosure. For building work, for example, read about building defects and your rights as a home owner. We also explain the new domestic building contract laws and Victoria’s building law overhaul. Subcontractors can also read about fairer payments on jobsites.
Wills and estates: first, read why every adult needs a will. After a death, see how to apply for letters of administration. You can also read about appointing a medical treatment decision maker.
Business and disputes: for business owners, we explain directors’ duties and why a lawyer should review a commercial lease. Similarly, if you are owed money, see how to recover a debt. Then, for court proceedings, read taking someone to court.
Employment: for instance, employees can read about unfair dismissal. Employers should also read about wage theft as a criminal offence.
Notarial work: finally, what a notary public does and when you need one explains notarial work for documents used overseas.
When someone dies without a valid will in Victoria, their estate does not automatically pass to their family. Before any…
From 1 January 2025, intentional wage theft is a criminal offence in Australia. Learn what the new laws mean for employers, what penalties apply, and what steps you should take now.
A notary public certifies documents for use overseas. Learn what a Victorian notary does, when you need one, what an apostille is, and how a notary differs from a Justice of the Peace.
Thinking about taking someone to court in Victoria? This plain-English guide explains which court to use, how costs work, what alternative dispute resolution involves, and what to expect from civil litigation.
Australian directors owe clear legal duties under the Corporations Act 2001. Learn what those duties are, what the business judgment rule means, and how to avoid personal liability.
Victoria’s building laws changed significantly on 1 July 2026. Learn what the new buyer protections, Home Warranty reforms and rectification orders mean for homeowners.
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. A conveyancing lawyer guides you through contracts, Section 32 statements, stamp duty, and settlement.
How to make a valid will in Victoria, how to sign it, what cancels it, and who inherits if you die without one.
Discovering defects in your new home or renovation is stressful and expensive. Victorian law provides protections for home owners against defective building work.
When a debtor fails to pay, knowing the correct legal steps can mean the difference between recovering your money and writing off the debt entirely.
Losing your job unexpectedly is stressful and can have serious financial consequences. If you believe your dismissal was unfair, you have 21 days to act.
Signing a commercial lease is one of the biggest financial commitments a business can make. A lawyer can identify risks before you are locked into a long-term obligation.
Talk to us about your matter
Tell us briefly what has happened or what you are planning. We will explain your options, the next steps and how we charge. Call 1800 776 529 or send us a message, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm.