Latest News
130 Years of Duffy Elliott Lawyers
Duffy Elliott Lawyers has commemorated its 130th anniversary, marking 13 decades of dedicated service to the western region of New South Wales. First established as.
Michael Joseph Duffy
Michael Joseph Duffy, the Firm’s founder, moved to Cobar in far west NSW shortly after graduating as a Solicitor in Sydney. He became Cobar Councils.
Jury Duty
If you are lucky enough, you may at some point in time be included on a jury roll which means you can be summoned to.
Changes to Disclosure Requirements in off the plan sale contracts
In 2017 Dubbo experienced the largest population growth of any local government area in Western NSW.With a growing population comes a need for new houses.
Electronic Leases (E-Leases)
NSW Land Registry Service has converted over 2 million Certificates of Title from paper to electronic titles.The next step in converting to full electronic conveyancing.
Altering your Will on the way to the Altar
Recently, the Supreme Court had to consider what a Will ‘made in contemplation of marriage’ means.The CaseRe Estate Grant, Deceased [2018] NSWSC 1031Click this link to.
Changes to cladding laws
Changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Identification of Buildings with Combustible Cladding) Regulation 2018 commence on 22 October 2018.This new legislation requires that owners of certain.
Stepping Toward Electronic Conveyancing in NSW
Paper Certificates of Title and paper settlements are fast becoming part of our history and the future for Conveyancing is Electronic.In NSW the Financial Institutions.
Demerit Point Licence Suspension
Certain traffic offences carry demerit points such as disobeying traffic signs or other road rules, or driving a defective vehicle. Double demerits will apply to.
Landmark Compulsory Acquisition Case
Australians Love the classic movie “The Castle” for the quirky antics of the Kerrigan Family, and the timeless one liners…Lawyers love “The Castle” for the.
Exciting News in the Pipeline for Prospective First Home Buyers
ATO Releases Draft Ruling on First Home Super Saver SchemeSince 1 July 2017 first home buyers have been eligible for stamp duty exemptions under the.
When does the State get your Estate?
If I don’t make a Will, who inherits my estate?When someone passes away, the first step your lawyer should take is to check if there.
Enduring Powers of Attorney explained
Duffy Elliott Lawyers answer frequently asked questions about Enduring Powers of Attorney.What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?Simply, an Enduring Power of Attorney is a.
Injunction Granted to Stop Trespass by Developer’s Crane
A recent case in the Victorian Supreme Court discussed the extent of a landowner’s right to possession of airspace above their land.The CaseThe plaintiffs owned.
Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program
In an effort to deter drink driving, since February 2015 any driver convicted of a serious or repeat drink driving offence must participate in the Mandatory Alcohol.
Christmas Closure
Duffy Elliott Lawyers will be closed from 1pm, Friday 22 December 2017 and will reopen at 8.30am, Monday 8 January 2018.The Directors and Staff wish.
Share your Family Law Experiences
In May 2017 the Federal Government announced its intention to conduct a review of the family law system. The Australian Law Reform Commission released the.
Changes for Learner, P1 and P2 Drivers
From Monday 20 November 2017, a number of changes to how you can obtain your licence will commence.Learner drivers will have to pass the Hazard.
Driver Disqualification Update
From 28 October 2017, major changes in relation to licence disqualification laws will take place.People who commit offences such as driving while unlicensed, suspended, cancelled.
Inheritances received after a separation
The Family Court of Australia recently looked at whether an inheritance received by one party three years after separation should be included as property to.
Final Occupation Certificate – The Holy Grail for Purchasers, or is it?
A final occupation certificate has long been thought to give peace of mind to purchasers of dwellings, however a recent court of appeal case held.
Section 60I Certificates explained
What is a section 60I Certificate?If you need to go to Court for children’s matters you must first obtain a section 60I certificate.The Court cannot.
When Does a Gift Become a Loan?
A recent NSW Court of Appeal case examined the circumstances when money initially provided as a gift could later be classified as a loan.The CaseIn.
What happens to your super when you die?
Did you know the provisions in your Will do not necessarily determine where the proceeds of your superannuation go? A recent case highlighted the importance of ensuring.
Duffy Elliott Lawyers Farewell Denise
In August 2017 Duffy Elliott Lawyers said farewell to longstanding staff member Denise. Denise had been part of Duffy Elliott Lawyers, previously MJ Duffy &.
Loose-Fill Asbestos
From 1 September 2017 a Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land must include a warning that if the dwelling was constructed prior to 1985 then the purchaser.
Unregistered Firearm? Hand it in now to avoid penalty
From 1 July 2017 to 30 September 2017, individuals who have an unregistered firearm or firearm-related item in their possession – for whatever reason –.
Identity checks – why are they important?
At Duffy Elliott Lawyers we take all steps necessary to identify our new and returning clients.We also ensure our conveyancing client’s comply with Verification of Identity.
Guide to Living and Working in the Orana Region
Our Senior Associate, Melissa Mastronardi, has been working with NSW Young Lawyers and the Orana Law Society on the Guide to Living and Working in the Orana.
Duffy Elliott Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea
On 25 May Duffy Elliott Lawyers participated in the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea raising $900 for the Cancer Council NSW.Duffy Elliott Lawyers would like to.
When can I get divorced?
If you have been married and separated from your partner you might wonder when you can apply for divorce.The general rule is either party to.
How does divorce affect my property matters?
Many family law clients are worried what affect a divorce will have on their family law matters. The two most common questions asked of our.
Never married? De Facto? When can you have a property settlement?
If you were living with someone in a de facto relationship and have separated, you may need to consider having a property settlement.You can have a property.
Good News for Developers of Land Used for Primary Production
The BackgroundProperty Developers often acquire agricultural lands on the edge of existing urban areas and hold them as land as a “land bank” for future.
Looking to buy property with your SMSF?
Here is what you need to know if you are looking to purchase Property with your SMSFThe Basics:Self-managed super funds (SMSF) are now the largest.
Merry Christmas from Duffy Elliott Lawyers
Dear Clients & Colleagues, Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.The Partners & Staff at Duffy Elliott LawyersPlease note this office will be closed from 1pm,.
Changes to Energy Efficiency Disclosure Requirements for Commercial Property
If you are a commercial property owner, looking to invest, or just interested energy efficiency the following article will most definitely interest you.From 1 July.
LawConnect – Innovation at Duffy Elliott
Duffy Elliott is implementing the next big thing in secured document sharingAt Duffy Elliott Lawyers we are continually looking to use technology to improve the services we.
No Objections here: Melissa up for top award
Senior Associate Melissa Mastronardi has been announced as a finalist for 2016 NSW Young Lawyer of the Year. Melissa is one of four finalists handpicked.
Social Media at meetings & Other Strata Law Changes that are important to you!
If you own or rent a residential strata unit these changes will impact you. The new laws starting on 30 November 2016 have been modernised.
Expre$$o Martini’s – Liquor Licences could offer local café owners expansion opportunity
Are you a local restaurant or café owner looking to expand your business through a Liquor Licence or Primary Service Authorisation? Duffy Elliott Lawyers can.
New Asbestos Register Unlikely to Affect Dubbo Residents
Law changes have established the National Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Register. If a property is listed on the register it needs to be disclosed in the.
Are you looking to sell property? Here is how to prove your identity
New Verification of Identity Requirements hope to Decrease Fraud With an aim to decrease fraud in property transactions new laws have come into effect implementing new Verification.
Making a Will? Your Solicitor puts your needs first
Robert Badenach & Anor v Roger Wayne Calvert - [2016] HCA 18 On 11 May 2016, the High Court of Australia held that a solicitor.
FIXTURE v CHATTEL – A QUICK FIX OF KNOWLEDGE
What is a Fixture? It’s the age old debate between both vendors and purchasers and lessors and leasee – What is a Fixture? Historically a.
Robert Duffy to Tackle Ironman Everest
The importance of a good Work/Life balance can never be underestimated. At Duffy Elliott our staff live busy lives outside of work hours. There is no.
What is Probate?
What is a Grant of Probate? Probate is the proving of a Will in the Supreme Court of the appropriate State or Territory. It is.
PEXA – the Future for Conveyancing
Conveyancing is becoming electronic through PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). PEXA is a secure online settlement room where Lawyers, Conveyancers, Land Registries and financial institutions communicate..
Swimming pool safety law changes - What you need to know
New Swimming pool safety laws throws vendors in the deep end. Do you own a house with a swimming pool/spa? Are you planning on selling or.
The importance of Estate Administration
As an Executor, managing Estate Administration can be time consuming and complex. It's important you understand your obligations. Estate Planning Estate planning involves identifying your.
4 legal essentials for starting a business in Dubbo
You're starting a business in Dubbo. It's exciting times, you have a new idea, a fresh opportunity, you can't wait to get going. Before starting.