Szabo & Associates News & Updates

The loss of a relative or friend can be a difficult and emotional time. For those with the added responsibility of dealing with the estate, it can be a completely new experience and a daunting prospect.

Development Control Orders (Order) are important to Councils as a method of dealing with compliance issues. The authority for these comes from the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA). Failure to comply with an Order can have financial and legal consequences for the recipient.

If you believe that you have been left with inadequate financial provision from your grandparent's estate, it may be possible to contest the Will. The Succession Act 2006 (NSW) recognises that a grandchild may be an "eligible person" to make a family provision claim.

An Enduring Power of Attorney ensures that there is someone who can deal with your legal and financial affairs if you are unable to do so (see our article Do I really need an Enduring Power of Attorney?). However, it does not authorise someone else to make personal or lifestyle decisions for you. These may include where you live and what medical treatment you have in the future. In this article, we will outline the importance of the complementary role of an Enduring Guardian as part of your long-term planning.

Development consent is a valuable asset. In response to COVID-19, there have been some important changes made to the planning legislation and regulations as regards the lapsing of these valuable consents.