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The following legal articles have been written in-house, by the staff of Comasters Law Firm and Notary Public.  To view these articles, you will need to have Adobe Reader.  If you do not have this program, you can download this software free of charge from the following webpage: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

    COMMERCIAL LAW

1. Commercial Letters of Credit:  Discusses the widely used method of international payment.

2. Director's Duty to Prevent Insolvent Trading:  This may be of interest if you are a Director of a Company. (For a copy, email us).

3. Employment Law - Termination of Employment:  The requirements for lawful termination of employment.

4. Federal Unfair Dismissal Laws and Termination of Employment:  Brief information for employees under the Australian federal award system.

5. Franchising (No. 1):  Discusses the nature of franchising and the concepts found in Franchise Agreements.

6. Franchising (No. 2):  Examines the statutory requirements of a franchise agreement.

7. Franchising (No. 3) - The Code of Conduct: Discusses the mandatory Franchising Code of Conduct including disclosure requirements of the franchisor and the rights of the franchisee.

8. Franchising (No. 4) - Changes to Franchising Legislation (From 1 March 2008): Discusses the amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct that came to effect on 1 March 2008.

9. Shareholder Remedies:  Discusses the remedies available for shareholders when a company does not act in their interests.

10. Starting A Business in Australia:  Discusses what issues need to be considered before setting up a business.

11. REVISED! Buying a Business:  Discusses the pertinent issues one should consider when buying a business, including stamp duty, leases, goodwill and other assessments.

12. Employment Contracts - Checklist of the Main Provisions:  Discusses the main provisions in an employment agreement.

13. Foreign Investments in Australia: Discusses what you need to know if you are a foreigner wishing to invest in Australia.

   LITIGATION

13. Suing and Being Sued (Legal Action):  Discusses the process of suing someone for A$250,000.00 including the steps taken in court.

14. Civil Litigation:  A brief guide to the procedures of going to court.

   FAMILY LAW

15. Marriage and Divorce:  Discusses the legal processes involved in a breakdown of marriage, divorce and custody of children and property division.

16. Pre-Nuptial Agreements:  Explains amendments to the Family Law Act, which recognises Pre-Nuptial Agreements in Australia.

   PROPERTY LAW

17. Purchasing Properties in New South Wales:  Discusses the steps in purchasing a house, apartment or commercial property.

18. Selling Properties in New South Wales:  Discusses the steps in selling a house, apartment or commercial property.

19. Property Development and the Law: Discusses the potential pitfalls of property development.

20. Property Development and the Local Council:  Discusses the steps in obtaining development consent from the Local Council.

21. Building Contracts – Part 1 General:  Discusses contracts between the builder and the owner.

22. Building Contracts - Part 2 Dispute:  Discusses ways to resolve disputes between the builder and the owner.

23. Negotiating Retail Leases:  Discusses commercial leasing of shops.

24. Leases (when a tenant does not pay rent):  Discusses options of a commercial landlord.

25. Strata Inspection Reports:  Explains what a strata inspection report is and its usefulness.

26. Building Inspection Reports and Pest Inspection Reports:  Explains building inspection reports and pest inspection reports.

27. Easements: Imposing an Easement: Discusses the ability to impose an easement on an adjacent property.

   IMMIGRATION LAW

28. Business Skills Visas (From 1 March 2003):  Discusses the changes to Business Skills Visa which came into existence on 1 March 2003.

29. Business Skills Visa - Investor:  Discusses one of the categories of a Business Skills Visa since the changes on 1 March 2003.

30. Resident Return Visas:  If you are an Australian permanent resident and intend to travel overseas you should read this.

31. Contributory Parent Visas:  Discusses the fast track of parent visas.

32. General Skilled Migration (From 1 September 2007):  A discussion on General Skilled Migration Visas; the application categories, requirements and the points test.

33. Retirement Visas:  A general discussion on the Australian temporary residence program that allows retirees to spend some or all of their retirement years in Australia.

34. Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visas - Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457): Employers would apply for these visas for their foreign employees to work in Australia.

   OTHER LAWS

37. The Tort of Defamation:  Discusses the elements and procedures involved in this civil action.

38. Wills and Estates:  A guide to the formal requirements of Australian wills and the consequences of intestacy.

39. Legal Professional Privilege:  Explains the concept of Legal Professional Privilege.

40. Legal Research on the Internet using AustLII:  Explains how to use the AustLII website to find Australian legislation and cases.

41. Power of Attorney & Guardianship:  Discusses delegation of power in financial and lifestyle matters.

42. Australian Taxation (Residence Rules):  Explores the income tax liability of tax residents, and whether their worldwide income would be taxable in Australia.

43. Tax Rates (2007-2008 to 2010-2011): Sets out income tax rates for four (4) financial years as prescribed by the Federal Labor Government's Budget in May 2008.

44. Injunctions:  Discusses the nature of injunctions and how one can be applied for.

45. Court Actions in Tort:  Discusses civil actions in court seeking compensation for losses suffered due to negligence, trespass to land, nuisance, deceit and defamation.

46. NEW! Driving Offences and Penalties:  Discusses the infringement tickets that drivers dread to receive from the police (speeding and alcohol offences).

* Updated on 10 October 2008