De Facto Break-ups
Sourced: Law Society of New South Wales
New laws give partners financial parity with marriages
New laws give de facto partners (in both opposite and same-sex couples) equal footing with marriage partners in financial settlements if the relationship breaks down.
However, the new laws could potentially make financial agreements made before their introduction invalid. The change only relates to relationship breakdowns occurring after the new laws commence on 1 March 2009.
To be covered, a person must have been in the relationship for at least two years, unless the former couple has a child, or the person has made a substantial contribution to the relationship. Read the rest of this entry »
Green Wash Advertising Crackdown
Sourced: Law Society of New South Wales
ACCC targets misleading environmental claims
GREEN WASH ADVERTISING – Businesses that offer consumers a green product or service can face criminal penalties up to $1.1 million, as well as negative publicity, if green claims don’t stack up.
A large number of vigilant non-government organisations are constantly on the lookout for green claims that are misleading, and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission appears to have made green claims an enforcement priority.
A notable series of investigations related to claims made by the Australian airconditioning industry. One company claimed that its products were ‘environmentally friendly’, whereas one of the gases it used was actually a potent greenhouse gas, and another was ozone-depleting. Read the rest of this entry »
Family Law: Take care with family loans
Many of us make loans to family members, for a whole range of reasons. It might be a parent helping a child to buy their first home. It may be to assist a sibling establish a business, or to meet an unexpected debt. .
Anyone who is considering a family loan should think carefully about the terms of the loan, even if it is documented. If something goes wrong you may find that if proper care has not been taken, it will be impossible to recover the debt.