http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.hjlaw.com.au en-us Thu, 24 Sep 2026 01:57:24 +1000 Rocketspark http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13355/magistrates-will-now-be-called-judges-of-the-local-court/ Following the recent amendment to the Local Court Act 2007 (NSW), New South Wales magistrates will now be referred to as Judges of the Local Court. This new title formally took effect on 28 March 2026. Why was this change made?The term magistrate is a historical one, stemming from a time when magistrates were drawn from the ranks of public servants and sat in the Courts of Petty Sessions. Their present role and qualifications majorly differ from this, with all magistrates in New South Wales... Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:38:13 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13355 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13325/new-rules-on-restrictive-medical-practices-and-your-enduring-guardian/ If you have appointed an Enduring Guardian, or you are thinking about it, there is an important update you should know about. It is about something called “restrictive practices”, and it changes what your guardian can and cannot do for you.An Enduring Guardian is someone you choose to make lifestyle and health decisions for you, if you ever lose the ability to make them yourself. This might be after an accident, a stroke, or as dementia progresses. You appoint them now, while you have full c... Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13325 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13312/do-you-actually-need-a-will/ "Do I really need a Will? I don't have much to leave." We hear this a lot. And the answer is almost always yes, no matter how much or how little you own.A Will isn't just about money or property. It's about making sure the people you care about are looked after, and that your wishes are followed, instead of leaving it up to a set of rules that may not match what you'd want.What a Will actually doesA Will says who gets what when you die. It names an executor (the person who handles your estate, m... Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13312 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13250/separation-and-mental-health/ Separation or divorce can turn life upside down. Along with the emotional impact, there may be changes to your home, finances, family relationships, routines and plans for the future. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated or uncertain during this time.You don’t have to manage it aloneEveryone experiences separation differently, and there is no “right” way to cope. Having people around you can make a real difference. Talk to trusted family or friends, seek profess... Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13250 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13255/cryptocurrency-in-family-law-property-settlements/ Cryptocurrency is increasingly appearing in Australian family law property settlements. Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs and other digital assets can form part of the property pool when a couple separates.Is cryptocurrency property?Yes. Cryptocurrency is generally treated as property under Australian family law and must be disclosed as part of the property settlement.The obligation to provide full and frank financial disclosure applies to cryptocurrency whether it is held on an exchange, in ... Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13255 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13265/application-for-consent-orders-vs-binding-financial-agreements/ If you are looking to finalise property or parenting arrangements after separation, you may come across two commonly used pathways: Application for Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements. Understanding the differences between these options can help you choose what’s right for your situation.What Are Consent Orders?Consent Orders are agreements about property, parenting, or both, that are filed with the Family Court for approval. The Court will only approve orders that are fair, just, ... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:52:00 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13265 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13264/purchasing-property-at-auction/ Purchasing a property at auction can be both exciting and stressful. Once the hammer goes down at auction, the contracts are immediately binding on all parties. There are several steps and procedures involved to ensure that you are organised, you have completed your due diligence and you are ready to purchase.  These important steps should be completed prior to attending an auction.1.      Have a licensed conveyancer or solicitor review the contract It is essential ... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:44:46 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13264 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13262/surrogacy-in-australia-a-simple-guide/ Surrogacy can provide people who are unable to give birth with an opportunity to have a child. However, surrogacy can involve important medical, emotional, financial and legal issues.The rules about surrogacy are different across Australia. If you are thinking about surrogacy, it is important to understand the basic rules and get professional advice before making any arrangements.What is surrogacy?Surrogacy is an arrangement where a woman (the surrogate) becomes pregnant and gives birth to a chi... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:28:15 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13262 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13261/monthly-insights-august-2026/ Our Monthly Update: New Faces and a Special MilestoneThis month brings some lovely news to share. We have a new lawyer join our team, a big birthday for the firm, and some extra training happening behind the scenes. Here is what has been going on at Harriss Jones Lawyers.A warm welcome to Khajinder KaurWe are delighted to welcome Khajinder Kaur to Harriss Jones Lawyers. Khajinder is our dedicated family law solicitor, and she is here to support you through separation, parenting arrangements, pro... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:23:40 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13261 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/post/13257/collaborative-practice-in-family-law/ Separation doesn’t have to mean conflict and drawn-out court battles. Family Law Collaborative Practice offers a supportive and solutions-focused way for families to move forward during separation or divorce.In Collaborative Practice, both parties commit to resolving issues outside of court. Meetings happen in a respectful, open setting, where everyone is supported by their own lawyer. This process encourages cooperation and honest communication, helping reduce misunderstandings and mistrust. ... Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:41:41 +1000 http://www.hjlaw.com.au/blog/#post13257