News at Scanlan Carroll

Important changes to Powers of Attorney – how do they impact you?

Many people form the view that they will be capable of looking after their own affairs until their demise. They ignore the need for a power of attorney or the importance of same. The laws have changed recently in relation to the form of the personal matters power of attorney and our team at Scanlan Carroll can explain the changes.

I’ve been left out of the Will…. What do I do now?

You’re one of three children to your mother, Kathy and your father, Robert. Robert passed away 5 years ago so it’s just been the 4 of you for a while now. Your two siblings have made your parents proud, one of your sisters is a nurse and the other one is an accountant at a big city firm and you’ve always been close to your parents in your own way.

You really have no idea what your parents have by way of assets or what their plans were in the event of their death. Before you even knew it, your mother passed away and you learn your two sisters are receiving the entire of her estate, leaving you with nothing.

Selling or buying a business? Seek the right advice to navigate the minefields.

Buying or selling a business is an exciting time, and sometimes enthusiasm can overshadow rational decision making which can be detrimental to the overall result.

The first step towards the resolution of parenting disputes

Sam and I have been married for 12 years and together we have 2 children aged 4 and 8. During the marriage we each performed the traditional husband and wife roles - Sam went to work and I stayed home to care for the children and the home. During the relationship there was frequent arguments that resolved only when I gave in and Sam got his way. We have now separated. At first the separation was amicable but now we cannot seem to make any decisions in relation to the children without a heated argument. Sam wants to have equal shared care of the children and I am frightened he will get it. What can I do?

Is an underperforming employee harming your business?

It’s the conversation no small business owner wants to have – how to deal with an underperforming employee.

The cost of retaining an underperforming employee is difficult to quantify as it could impact potentially each facet of your business from client relationships to bringing down the morale of your otherwise high-performing staff, and depends on the type of industry that you operate in.

Abolishing Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers

As of 1 July 2017, there will be no stamp duty payable for new or existing properties purchased by first home buyers (FHB) for properties under $600,000.00. There will be concession or discount applicable to purchases between $600,000.00-$750,000.00.

This allows FHB to use more of their savings towards their new home. It could be a saving of up to $15,000.00.

We are in Agreement ?

You decide to separate, you and your partner come to an agreement, property is transferred, money is split and the bills are paid. Money saved and no need for lawyers and all done over a coffee. Problem sorted…..well maybe not.

Accounting firm liable for a client’s underpayment of employees

A recent decision of the Federal Circuit Court found that an accounting firm was liable for their client’s underpayment of employees, and the accounting firm now faces fines of up to $54,000 per contravention. The firm provided accounting and payroll services to their client, and whilst they had no authority to alter the data provided to them, they maintained spreadsheets detailing the actual rates paid compared to the correct award rates.

Avoiding redundancy pitfalls

Small businesses have no obligation to make redundancy payments, however face the risk of an unfair dismissal claim if the termination of employment does not meet the criteria set out in the Fair Work Act for genuine redundancy.

Financial Agreements and Family Law

With a higher rate of divorce, second relationships/marriages and blended families, it can quickly become overwhelming to consider how your accumulated wealth could be impacted due to a new de facto relationship, a marriage or separation.