OUR SERVICES
Melbourne-based lawyers providing a broad range of legal services to individuals and businesses
Corporate & Commercial
We provide expert guidance for businesses on legal matters such as contracts and transactions.
Family & Relationship Law
We give compassionate support and legal expertise for family & relationship issues.
Property Law & Conveyancing
We provide a range of property law and development services to our clients. This includes carrying out simple residential conveyancing matters through to large scale property developments.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Litigation involves resolving conflicts through the court system, typically used when alternative methods like mediation
Corporate & Commercial
Buying and selling businesses
Whether you are buying or selling a business, we are able to assist and guide you on each step along the way. In either of the transactions, it is crucial that the Contract of Sale accurately reflects the terms on which you agree to sell or buy the business. We ensure that your interests are safeguarded, and you clearly understand the documents that you are signing to prevent any dispute from arising in the future.
Leases
If you own a commercial premises, it is essential to have the right Lease in place, which is tailored to your circumstances.
If you are a tenant of a commercial or retail premises, it is essential to ensure that you are permitted to use the premises for the purpose for which you are seeking to use it. It is also crucial that you understand your financial obligations under the Lease, including the rent review method and outgoings.
Business Licensing and Permits
If you are establishing a new business or purchasing an existing business, you need to be aware of what permits and licences are required. Food Registration and Beauty Registration are mandatory for food and beauty businesses respectively. If you wish to supply liquor from the premises, you must also apply to VCGLR for the purpose of obtaining a liquor licence.
We can assist with advice and obtaining the required licences or permits. It is essential that the planning permit for the premises allows for the specified use prior to applying for the registrations and licences.
Shareholders Agreement
The purpose of a shareholder agreement is to govern the relationship between a company, its directors and shareholders. In essence, it outlines the obligations and rights of shareholders as well as their obligations upon cessation as shareholders. It should be carefully drafted and tailored to each individual company requirements.
Shareholders and/or partnership disputes
Business disputes can arise for various reasons and are not uncommon. Irrespective of whether or not you have a shareholder or partnership agreement in place, it is essential for all parties involved in a dispute to seek to resolve it on a commercial basis through mediation or negotiation prior to engaging in time consuming and expensive litigation which may potentially damage the profitability and reputation of the business or company.
If the negotiation or mediation fails, it may become necessary to issue proceedings to preserve the value of the business or company and/or enforce your rights. The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) provides numerous statutory rights and causes of action for shareholders. Get in touch with us to obtain advice on your rights and obligations.
Family & Relationship Law
Property & Children Matters
Going through a breakdown of marriage or relationship can be an emotionally challenging phase. To assist you with the process, it is crucial that you have a lawyer who understands the complexity of family and relationship law. We can assist you with a range of complex matters including:
- separation and divorce
- property settlement
- parenting arrangements
- child support
- intervention orders
- spousal maintenance.
Once the parties reach an agreement, it is crucial to have such agreement documented to prevent any dispute from arising in the future and sever all financial ties following the breakdown of a relationship. We can help in ensuring that the document represents what you have truly agreed and that it binds both parties legally.
Financial Agreements
A financial agreement can be an effective way for couples to plan for the division of their assets in the event of a separation. Such agreement can be made before or during a relationship, or after separation. Get in touch with us to find out if it is the right option for you.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Litigation involves bringing a dispute to court as a formal method of resolving conflicts that are considered incapable of alternative dispute resolution or where alternative dispute resolution has been unhelpful.
Litigation is typically seen as the final option for settling a disagreement (other possibilities include mediation, arbitration, or simple negotiation) – though in certain instances, going directly to litigation may be suitable. You could end up being the defendant in a lawsuit arising out of a contract dispute, or alleged damage caused by your actions.
You may also want to take legal action against someone for money owed from a breach of contract, or for damages caused by someone’s actions or failure to fulfill obligations. In this situation, you would be the party bringing a lawsuit.
We offer a unique level of experience and expertise in litigated disputes. It is always prudent to act quickly whether you are the one intending to bring a lawsuit or defending a lawsuit brought against you.