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Wightons News
September 23, 2024

Digital Estate Planning – and The Tools You Need to Use as Part of Your Estate Planning

Today, most of our lives exist online – from photos, to emails, social media profiles, and financial accounts. Your whole life can be stored or managed online…… but what then…
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June 27, 2024

Sue Fridey – Celebrating a remarkable career

After over 25 years of dedicated service, Sue Fridey will be retiring from her role as Director at Wightons Lawyers from 30 June 2024.  Sue is taking a well-earned break…
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Wightons News
May 29, 2024

A proud history of legal service – Women in business

One of the oldest and most trusted law firms in Geelong, Wightons Lawyers have a proud history of providing legal services in the area for over 130 years. It’s a…
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Wightons News
November 16, 2023

Splitting superannuation after separation

When you separate and are working out ‘who gets what’, superannuation can often be an after-thought and less visible than the other property to be divided. However for the purposes…
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Wightons News
August 18, 2023

Family Law & Mediation – Do I need a Lawyer?

Mediation is a form of alternate dispute resolution that can be used to help people resolve family law disputes, outside of Court proceedings. An independent person, known as a mediator,…
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Wightons News
July 28, 2023

Family Law & Disclosure – do I have to provide that?

After you separate, you might not want your former partner to know the ins and outs of your spending, or how much money you’re earning. However parties to a family…
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Wightons News
June 15, 2023

Screening for risk in parenting matters – a new Court initiative

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is the main Court dealing with family law matters in Australia. A key focus for the Court is family violence, and how…
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Wightons News
May 5, 2023

Marriage, separation and divorce – family law and wills implications

By Charlotte Brancatisano, family lawyer, and Emily Ranner, wills and estates lawyer   Getting married and separating are life events that have a significant effect, from the emotional impact to…
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Wightons News
April 14, 2023

Superannuation Considerations in Estate Planning

Superannuation is not an asset that is presumed to be dealt with under a person’s Will, and careful consideration should be given to superannuation entitlements when completing one’s estate planning.…
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Wightons News
March 28, 2023

Estate Planning: Considerations for parents

Parents of minor children should consider numerous factors when their Will is concerned. With some proper planning, the detrimental effects of the loss of a parent can be minimised, as…
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Wightons News
March 6, 2023

Leading The Way: Women In Business

As one half of the leadership team at Wightons Lawyers, Justine Finlay and Susan Fridey share a passion for mentoring young team members and providing an example they can look…
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Wightons News
March 3, 2023

De Facto relationships in family law – what does it mean?

By Charlotte Brancatisano, Family Lawyer It is commonly assumed that in family law, if you live together you are automatically considered to be in a “de facto relationship”. However, that…
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Wightons News
January 9, 2023

Can I give this information to someone else? Confidentiality in Family Law

Family law disputes and proceedings can require you to provide personal information and private documents to the Court and other party, ranging from medical reports to financial documents. A worry…
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Wightons News
December 5, 2022

Support during Separation

Separation can be difficult and often requires dealing with a number of significant changes in a short space of time. An early, important step to take during or after separation…
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Wightons News
November 10, 2022

Pets & Separation – what happens to Fido?

Following a separation, questions about the care arrangements for the children and division of assets are usually front and centre. However there is a different member of the household that…
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Wightons News
October 15, 2022

ESTATE PLANNING: Wills & Powers of Attorney

A Will is an important document which leaves certain instructions to be effective upon your death. These instructions should include the appointment of an Executor, who is the person who…
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Wightons News
September 13, 2022

I’ve just separated from my partner; do we split assets 50-50?

There’s a widespread notion that following separation, the property or assets of a couple are divided “50-50” or that each person is “entitled to half”. Whilst in some cases an…
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Wightons News
August 14, 2022

What happens if you die without a will?

If a person dies without a valid will, they have died “intestate”. This means that the distribution of their estate will be made in accordance with the rules of intestacy…
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Wightons News
July 12, 2022

Stamp Duty | Concessions & Exemptions

When purchasing or acquiring a property, land transfer duty also known as stamp duty is required to be paid to the State Revenue Office at the time the property is…
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Wightons News
June 10, 2022

Debt Collection for Businesses

– By Ben McLean Running a business can be hard enough without having to deal with Debtors who owe you money. Try as you may, sometimes it can be very…
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Wightons News
May 23, 2022

Buying & Selling a Business

Buying or selling a business is a large decision with a number of considerations and requirements to be addressed. It is not always possible to buy or sell a business…
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Wightons News
April 13, 2022

Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a really important document that allows you to nominate someone you trust to act on your behalf. A Non-Enduring Power of Attorney ceases to operate if you…
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Wightons News
March 9, 2022

What is a Notary?

Notaries are an ancient branch of the legal profession; holders of a unique office of trust who have special knowledge and experience in matters which cross international borders and jurisdictions.…
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Wightons News
March 4, 2022

Estate Planning Basics (and Complexities)

HAVING a comprehensive estate plan is essential to avoid unnecessary complications, costs and headaches. An estate plan goes beyond signing a will. The plan should also consider other assets and…
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Wightons News
February 10, 2022

Family lending and relationship breakdowns: a gift or a loan?

For many people, the prospect of purchasing a home in the current property market, with its escalating property values, seems unattainable without additional financial support. It is not unusual then…
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Wightons News
December 8, 2021

Supporting your children following a separation

For many parents, a breakdown of their relationship can create concern about their ability to provide financially for their children. Most parents would be aware of the existence of periodic…
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Wightons News
December 2, 2021

Understanding Family Law Court Changes

Recently, the family law landscape underwent a significant change. The two federal Courts that dealt with family law matters – the Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court…
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Wightons News
November 16, 2021

Wightons Lawyers will be there for you…

“WE’LL be there.” It’s a phrase that epitomises the team at Wightons Lawyers. Wightons has always been there for their clients and always will be. With a history almost as…
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Wightons News
August 5, 2021

Welcome Jacinta Learey

Welcome Jacinta Learey Wightons Lawyers welcomes Jacinta Learey to our ranks. Jacinta is an experienced lawyer who has worked exclusively in family law since 2016. Jacinta aims to achieve the…
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Wightons News
July 23, 2021

Geelong Community Foundation

Geelong Community Foundation - By Jesse Rankine Wightons Lawyers - "We're here to help" it's at the heart of everything we do. At Wightons we understand the importance of supporting…
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Wightons News
November 5, 2020

What is a shareholders agreement and why have one?

What is a shareholders agreement and why have one? - By Murray Pegg A shareholders agreement is a legally binding contract entered between all of the shareholders (owners) of a…
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Wightons News
October 15, 2020

Homemade Wills

Homemade Wills - Prepared by Wightons Lawyers The advantage of doing a homemade Will is that they can be done at home at little-to-no cost. However, doing a homemade Will…
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Wightons News
August 21, 2020

Congratulations Jesse Rankine

Congratulations Jesse Rankine - By Justine Finlay Jesse Rankine, Director, has been named on Doyle’s 2020 listing for Leading Victorian Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyers. To see the full…
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Wightons News
August 13, 2020

Corio office temporarily closed

Corio office temporarily closed - By Jesse Rankine We have been advised by Centre Management (Corio Village) that there have been a number of workers within Corio Village that have…
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Wightons News
June 15, 2020

Wills, Powers of Attorney and Covid-19

Wills, Powers of Attorney and Covid-19 - Prepared by Wightons Lawyers We remain open and continue to provide our clients with the necessary support and assistance with regard to Wills,…
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Wightons News
June 5, 2020

Family Law COVID-19 List in Family Court of Australia

Family Law COVID-19 List in Family Court of Australia - By Tamara Kotowicz The restrictions imposed on families during the pandemic has created isolation, financial pressures, stress and uncertainty. These…
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Wightons News
May 7, 2020

Important Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19)

Important Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19) - By Jesse Rankine The rights and obligations of landlords and tenants of commercial tenancies have been substantially altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The…
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Wightons News
May 1, 2020

Further Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19)

Further Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19) - By Jesse Rankine The Victorian Government has now passed the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (“the Act”) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.…
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Wightons News
April 16, 2020

Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19)

Commercial Tenancy Update (COVID-19) - By Jesse Rankine The Federal Government recently released a Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. A copy of the Code of…
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Wightons News
April 3, 2020

The impact of Corona Virus on parenting arrangements

The impact of Corona Virus on parenting arrangements - By Briony Robertson The ever changing directives of the Government and health authorities in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic…
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Wightons News
March 31, 2020

Family Law obligations of parents in these uncertain times

Family Law obligations of parents in these uncertain times - By Susan Fridey Many parents are unsure as to their obligations to facilitate time between the other parent and their…
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Wightons News
February 21, 2020

Meet Emily Fraser

Meet Emily Fraser Wightons Lawyers welcomes Emily Fraser who has joined our ranks as a graduate lawyer. Emily has worked for us as an assistant over the past year and…
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Wightons News
October 14, 2019

Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017

Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 - Prepared by Wightons Lawyers On 19 June 2019, the Victorian Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 came into force. It allows Victorians suffering from a…
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Wightons News
September 10, 2019

There is no such thing as a ‘water-tight’ Will

There is no such thing as a 'water-tight' Will - By Jesse Rankine Wills and Estates lawyers are frequently requested to prepare a ‘water-tight’ Will – a Will that cannot…
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Wightons News
August 5, 2019

Safeguarding your property interests

Safeguarding your property interests - By Briony Robertson Many clients come to us following the breakdown of a relationship wanting to rely on the manner in which a property is…
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Wightons News
July 10, 2019

Superannuation Death Benefits

Superannuation Death Benefits - Prepared by Wightons Lawyers Did you know that your superannuation benefits may not pass the way you hope they do?   Superannuation does not generally form…
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Wightons News
June 7, 2019

Am I entitled to a property settlement?

Am I entitled to a property settlement? - By Briony Robertson One of the common misconceptions in family law is that you need to have been in a de facto…
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Wightons News
April 2, 2019

Pets: Parenting plans or property settlements?

Pets: Parenting plans or property settlements? - By Briony Robertson After the breakdown of a relationship, there are clear legal principles that govern what happens to the property of the…
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Wightons News
November 7, 2018

Recent changes to Child Support Legislation

Recent changes to Child Support Legislation – by Briony Robertson The laws regarding Child Support in Australia have recently been amended, with many of the changes taking effect from 1…
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Wightons News
October 19, 2018

Congratulations to Jesse Rankine, LIV Accredited Wills and Estates Specialist

Congratulations to Jesse Rankine, LIV Accredited Wills and Estates Specialist – by Wightons Lawyers We are thrilled to announce that Jesse Rankine has obtained accreditation from the Law Institute of…
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Wightons News
September 27, 2018

Cyber security update

Cyber security update – by Jesse Rankine The use of technology in modern business has increased dramatically over the past decade. While we used to send most correspondence via post…
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Wightons News
July 7, 2018

Cross-examination of victims of family violence

Cross-examination of victims of family violence - By Briony Robertson On 28 June 2018, the Federal Government introduced a new bill to Parliament which, if passed, will protect victims of…
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Wightons News
May 10, 2018

Appointing a Medical Decision Maker

Appointing a Medical Decision Maker – by Ben McLean On 12 March 2018 the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 (the Act) came into force in Victoria. The Act…
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Wightons News
March 20, 2018

Family Violence and Renting

Family Violence and Renting – by Tamara Kotowicz When there is an Intervention Order and the parties to the order reside in a rental property this may have implications for…
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Wightons News
January 8, 2018

Jesse Rankine joins the Wightons partnership

Jesse Rankine joins the Wightons partnership – by Wightons Lawyers The directors of Wightons Lawyers, Murray Pegg, Justine Finlay and Sue Fridey, are pleased to announce that Jesse Rankine has…
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Wightons News
November 22, 2017

Testamentary Trusts

Testamentary Trusts - Prepared by Wightons Lawyers Testamentary Trusts are Trusts that are created within your will. Testamentary Trusts are designed to provide your beneficiaries with asset protection and can…
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Wightons News
September 8, 2017

Family Violence

Family Violence – by Sue Fridey Family violence continues to cause distress, harm and concern to the victims, families and the community. Family violence comprises not only acts of physical…
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Wightons News
July 17, 2017

Does my loan need a whitewash?

Does my loan need a whitewash? – by Murray Pegg Buying into the family business can have some traps. David and his three younger brothers started a business 30 years…
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Wightons News
June 28, 2017

Debt Collection for Businesses

Debt Collection for Businesses – by Ben McLean Running a business can be hard enough without having to deal with debtors who owe you outstanding sums of money. Try as…
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Wightons News
May 22, 2017

More Changes to Enduring Powers of Attorney

More Changes to Enduring Powers of Attorney – by Jesse Rankine The Powers of Attorney Amendment Act 2016 and the Power of Attorney Amendment Regulations 2017 have come into effect…
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Wightons News
April 3, 2017

Wightons Lawyers acquires the practice of Randell Bell

Wightons Lawyers acquires the practice of Randell Bell – by Wightons Lawyers We wish to announce that we have acquired the legal practice of the late Randell Bell. Mr. Bell’s…
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Wightons News
March 23, 2017

Resolving Children’s Arrangements after Separation

Resolving Children’s Arrangements after Separation – by Melanie Wyatt Separated parents are often unsure or unable to communicate with the other parent when deciding what time the children will spend…
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Wightons News
March 2, 2017

Wightons Lawyers, now in Ocean Grove

Wightons Lawyers, now in Ocean Grove – By Wightons Lawyers We have great pleasure in announcing that we have opened a new satellite office in Ocean Grove. This office will operate…
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Wightons News
January 17, 2017

What happens if I die without a will?

What happens if I die without a will? – By Jesse Rankine If a person dies without signing a valid will they die ‘intestate’. This means that the distribution of their estate…
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Wightons News
August 15, 2016

Wightons Lawyers welcomes Melanie Wyatt and Ben McLean

Wightons Lawyers welcomes Melanie Wyatt and Ben McLean – By Wightons Lawyers Wightons Lawyers welcomes our newest lawyers Melanie Wyatt and Ben McLean. Melanie is an experienced family lawyer whilst Ben…
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Wightons News
June 9, 2016

Special Disability Trusts

Special Disability Trusts - By Alette Rennie For many families of children with severe disabilities the future can represent a time of uncertainty and angst. As parents age, questions as to the…
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Wightons News
April 29, 2016

New Child Protection Laws

New Child Protection Laws - By Jessica Greene On 1 March 2016, significant changes to the child protection legislation in Victoria - The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (CYFA) - came…
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Wightons News
October 29, 2015

Recent Changes to Powers of Attorney

The Powers of Attorney Act 2014 (“ the Act ”) introduced significant changes to enduring powers of attorney in Victoria. The changes under the Act, outlined below, came into force on 1 September 2015.…
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Wightons News
October 19, 2015

Welcome to our new website

Wightons Lawyers is thrilled to have published our new (and much improved) website. We will now be providing our clients with regular updates and articles through our website and also…
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To arrange a consultation with a member of our expert legal team,
please call Wightons Lawyers on (03) 5221 8777