Opinion

The recent announcement by the Canberra Business Council (Council) and the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber) that they would work together to create one body to represent business in the region - is a no brainer and well overdue. The history of the split from the Chamber of a number of heavy hitters about 30 years...

How many times has this happened to you, you're at a party with people that you are meeting for the first time, or you are having a quiet after work drink and you meet someone new, or your new hairdresser is making polite conversation with you, or you are even standing in line at the supermarket making small talk with...

Last month's article discussed the difficult question that can arise as to the duration of a relationship, as duration is significant with respect to property settlement and spousal maintenance. This month, however, we look at what is an even more difficult question that needs to be resolved. This issue is whether or not there ever was a relationship. In matters...

One of the first things a family lawyer will ask a new client is when their relationship started and ended. To some people thisis not a difficult question. They may not havelived together until their date of marriageand that after a period of unhappiness, they moved out on a particular day. The reasonwhy it is important is because the legislation...

The issue of property settlement between married and de facto parties is complex and technical. A recent High Court decision just made this more the case. If you are 40 something and one of your parents (or both) have re-partnered and you are wondering about the effect this may have on your inheritance, then read on. If you think a...

Yes. That is the sound of a collective sigh of relief that can be heard around this time of year for many newly separated families. They have just navigated through the December/January school holiday period and of course the Christmas season. This means that short term issues have needed to be resolved for the first time such as - how...

Separation is a huge step. Sometimes, while dealing with the big issues, little things are left behind. Doing the right thing in small ways can make for an easier transition to living separately and also build some goodwill. Sometimes the small things can jeopardise agreement being reached. I have been present at settlement conferences that have failed because of a...