Electronic Signatures in Queensland

George Economous2024-11-09T06:19:48+10:00

Can Statutory Declarations And Affidavits Be Signed Electronically In Queensland?

Amazingly there were a few good things to come out of the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of these was that new laws were passed which came into effect on 30 April 2022 allowing for both statutory declarations and affidavits in Queensland to be signed electronically which relates to electronic signatures in Queensland. These documents can now be witnessed over audio visual (AV) link by special witnesses or...

Changes To REIQ Contracts

George Economous2024-11-09T06:19:54+10:00

New Changes To REIQ Contract Terms

Maybe you are buying or selling a house this year; maybe you are an agent or conveyancer. In any case, it is important to note that as of 20 January 2022, several changes have been made to the standard Contract for Houses and Residential Land (new 17th ed) and the Contract for Residential Lots in a Community Titles Scheme new 13th ed). The changes released by the Queensland Law Society and

Do I Need a Liquor Licence

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:01+10:00

Do I need a Liquor Licence and if so… which one?

One regularly asked question is do I need a liquor licence? If you (or your business) wish to sell liquor, then a license is generally required. The liquor industry is regulated. In Queensland there are a number of liquor licences available including:

(1) Commercial hotel licence

This licence allows the sale of alcohol typically at a tavern or hotel. This licence may also allow the sale of liquor...

E-conveyancing – What does it mean?

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:08+10:00

The traditional approach to conveyancing translates to, legal processes relevant to the buying of or selling of a property. This style of conveyancing typically involves a significant paper trail with the parties having to attend a physical settlement. E-Conveyancing, refers to the same process, however, the process is completed electronically meaning a reduction in time, cost and paper work, which benefits all parties involved.

PEXA – The future of conveyancing…… now at Olsen Lawyers

PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is leading the way in...

Letter of Wishes

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:16+10:00

What is a Letter of Wishes?

A letter of wishes (sometimes referred to as a memorandum of wishes) is a document which is prepared in conjunction with your Will. A letter of wishes is commonly used to provide additional information to your executors/guardians which is not contained in your Will. This allows you to draft a Will, with the substantial reasoning behind each gift being explained in the letter of wishes. It is important to note that a letter...

How To Care For Your Pet On Your Passing?

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:22+10:00

Wills for Pets

As Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, it is no wonder that more people are considering how to care for their pets once they have passed away. In the eyes of the law pets are classified as property and as such can be dealt with under a persons Will. What this means is that while you cannot leave a bequest directly to your pet, you can ensure...

Understanding Wills – What is a Will?

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:30+10:00

What is a will?

It is commonly asked what is a will. A will is a document which expresses how and to whom the property of an individual (the testator) will be distributed after their death. It is prudent to engage a solicitor and give clear instructions regarding how and to whom your property will be distributed after your death to ensure the validity of your will. Under a will, a trustee holds property on trust for the nominated beneficiaries and an...

Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:37+10:00

Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty - What You Need to Know!

Additional foreign acquirer duty (AFAD) is an additional duty that applies to foreign acquirers purchasing residential property in Queensland. From 1 July 2018, the Queensland Government increased the AFAD amount from 3% to 7%. This means that a foreign person now needs to pay an additional 7% transfer duty to the Government when acquiring residential land in Queensland.

Who has to pay AFAD?

AFAD applies to “foreign persons” who include: Foreign individuals – an individual...

Will Mandatory Meth-Testing of Rentals become Law in Queensland?

George Economous2024-11-09T06:20:48+10:00

Mandatory Testing

A New South Wales woman has been forced to vacate her house after learning that the dwelling was found to contain residue of methamphetamine. The drug commonly known as ‘ice’. After being ill for months, she was horrified to learn that her house contained residue of the drug and that all of her possessions were contaminated as a result. This unfortunate personal story highlights important questions regarding not only the feasibility and likelihood of mandatory meth-testing at the cost...