Shareholder oppression claims and start-up investment – ‘Get your Ducks in a Row’

The case of BBHF Pty Ltd v Sleeping Duck Pty Ltd [2024] provides useful guidance regarding shareholder oppression claims in the context of investment in start-ups.  The decision highlights the need for clear, written shareholder agreements and the objective test applied when assessing whether oppressive conduct has occurred. 

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Community, Government, Not For Profit Maddi Batchelor Community, Government, Not For Profit Maddi Batchelor

Key Insights from the Latest Annual Charities Report

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission has released their annual charity report analysing the activity of 51,536 charities over 2022. The report looks at the revenue, expenses and equity of charities in Australia, with a focus on extra small charities and the impact the cost of living crisis has had on those charities.  

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Neal v Brown – Difficulties with Superannuation Deathbed Withdrawals

The recent NSW Supreme Court case of Neal v Brown [2024] NSWSC 841 highlights the adverse and unforeseen consequences of withdrawing superannuation death benefits before one’s death.

This case emphasis the necessity of not only considering tax implications when withdrawing superannuation benefits before death but also how such withdrawals interact with the terms of a will. Proper estate planning is essential to ensure that the distribution of assets aligns with the deceased’s wishes.

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Oliver Hume Decision: Victorian Landholders Duty Applies on Capital Raising based on “substantially one arrangement”

The Victorian Court of Appeal’s recent decision in Oliver Hume Property Funds (Broad Gully Rd) Diamond Creek Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2024] VSCA 175 has settled that, in Victoria, aggregation applies to the acquisition of shares or units by investors, even in circumstances where the investors are unrelated under the one syndication or capital raising process.

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Family Law Natasha Vassallo Family Law Natasha Vassallo

Family Law Property Settlement FAQ

When people separate (whether from a marriage or a de facto relationship), they usually need to sort out how to divide their assets and debts between them. The term ‘property settlement’ therefore refers to the process of negotiating which party is going to keep which assets and liabilities, making the agreement legally binding, and then taking the steps to implement the agreement.

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Family Law Natasha Vassallo Family Law Natasha Vassallo

Family Law General FAQ

It’s important that you take the appropriate time to come to terms with the separation, ensure that you are in a good headspace and have support systems around you before attending to the legal arrangements for separation. Click here to read some of our practical tips for approaching separation.

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Harwood Andrews Harwood Andrews Harwood Andrews Harwood Andrews

Harwood Andrews Reopens its Geelong Office and Unveils New Brand Identity.

Harwood Andrews is proud to announce the reopening of its’ Geelong office after undergoing a state-of-the-art refurbishment over the past 12 months. The firm has also launched a fresh brand identity, showcasing a modernised logo and colours, updated website, and refreshed messaging that emphasises the firm's focus on community, connection, legal knowledge and expertise. 

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Property Transfer – What to do if your property is transferred into the wrong name

Property was mistakenly transferred to an unrelated company. Error was found 10 years later, real owners sought exemption to land transfer (stamp) duty. Costs for the responsible law firm pursued, emphasising the importance of due diligence in property transactions.

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