Justice Robert French has just taken up residence as new Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. He came from the Perth wing of the Federal Court where he was involved in some important cases. Of special interest is Re Richstar Enterprises, a 2006 case with a significant impact on private law areas of personal liability, insolvency and taxation. It was civil litigation by creditors of the failed Westpoint Group.

We do “simple Wills” all day every day. Husband and wife, adult children, first marriage, everyone healthy and well. A simple Will provides for the husband and wife to be executors of each other’s Will, with the children as alternatives when they are over 18. Everything to each other, then to children, then to grandchildren.

But firstly we have to establish that it is that “simple”. Amongst other things, consideration needs to be given to...

It is a common misconception that a Lessor waives its right to administer a rent review clause if not administered in accordance with the timing under the Lease.

Loans to adult children can cause headaches and heartaches if that child’s marriage breaks down and, as often occurs, there is a subsequent argument as to whether the money advanced by you was a gift [and therefore not repayable] rather than a loan as you had intended.