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A Resident Return Visa (sub-class 155 or sub-class 157) allows eligible permanent residents to leave and re-enter Australia while retaining their permanent residence status.

While Australian permanent residency itself does not automatically expire, it is important to understand that the right to travel and return to Australia is limited by the visa’s travel facility.

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In Queensland, new laws now require property sellers to provide a full disclosure of the property’s details before a buyer signs a contract. This is intended to create greater transparency and protect buyers. However, there are still various unforeseen risks associated with property ownership which may not be apparent from disclosure statement and property searches.

Title insurance may help mitigate some of the risks that might not be covered under the seller’s disclosure. While seller disclosure is a critical step in a property transaction, title insurance offers an additional layer of protection for buyers.

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A Smarter Way to Protect and Pass on Wealth

A testamentary trust is one of the most effective estate-planning tools available for protecting assets, managing tax outcomes, and ensuring wealth is used as intended. When carefully structured, it offers flexibility, control, and long-term protection for beneficiaries across generations.

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Lessons from the NSW Court of Appeal’s $13.6 Million Decision

A recent decision of the NSW Court of Appeal has confirmed that, in exceptional circumstances, a note saved on an iPhone can operate as a legally valid will. While the Court ultimately upheld the deceased’s wishes, the case highlights the significant risks associated with informal estate planning.

The decision in Wheatley v Peak [2025] NSWCA 265 reinforces a simple and critical message. A properly drafted and executed will remains the safest and most effective way to protect an estate.

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Superannuation is often one of the largest assets a person holds, yet many Australians do not realise it does not automatically form part of their estate. Because superannuation is held in a trust and governed by superannuation legislation and fund rules, the benefit may not be distributed in accordance with your Will unless the proper arrangements are in place.

Ensuring your nominations are valid, current, and consistent with your broader estate plan is essential. The following overview highlights the key issues to consider.

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In Queensland, it is very common for banks and lenders to ask an individual to act as a guarantor for another person or a business. You may be asked to guarantee a loan for your company or a family member. Many people agree without fully understanding the legal and financial consequences—particularly when the document also contains an indemnity, which creates significantly greater exposure.

This guide explains the difference between a guarantee and an indemnity, the risks involved, and what you should carefully consider before signing.

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New Rules Start on 6 December 2025 — Here’s What You Need to Know

If you own a manufactured home, are thinking about buying one, or you operate a residential park, important new laws are coming to Queensland on 6 December 2025.

These changes update the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 (Qld) and are designed to:

• give homeowners stronger protection;
• make fees and rent increases more predictable;
• make contracts clearer and easier to understand; and
• improve transparency between residents and park owners

All information below is based on the official updates published by the Queensland Government.

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We recently assisted with a Child Visa ( Subclass 101) application involving a complex family background. The assessment period extended over 18 months, and after thorough preparation and continuous follow-up, the visa was successfully granted on the first attempt. The child will soon be able to travel to Australia and reunite with their parents on a permanent basis .

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Our new signage has officially been installed at the W & G Lawyers. This marks another step forward as we continue building a space that reflects our commitment to professionalism, client care, and community trust.

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