Updates & Insights

By Xiaonan (Nancy) Wang, Legal Practice Director, W & G Lawyers

When it comes to property contracts in Queensland, timing is everything. A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified a deceptively simple but critical question: does “pay” mean that funds are treated as paid once the buyer initiates a transfer, or only when the deposit holder actually receives the money?

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As part of our continued commitment to fostering future legal talent, W & G Lawyers was pleased to host Thomas Nguyen, a PLT student from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), for a six-week placement from August to September 2025. His time with us reflected our firm’s dedication to providing aspiring practitioners with meaningful, practice-based learning opportunities that bridge academic study and professional practice.

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On 17 September 2025, our Principals Melinda Wen Gao and Xiaonan (Nancy) Wang proudly represented W & G Lawyers at the first workshop of the Chamber Change Program, hosted by Business Chamber Queensland at their Brisbane headquarters.

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Relax, Recharge, and Refocus – Lessons from a Hot Pot Team Experience

Our recent team-building event at Haidilao Hot Pot was more than just a meal – it was a valuable exercise in collaboration, communication, and work-life balance. At W & G Lawyers, we recognise that legal professionals operate under high-pressure environments, managing complex client matters and demanding schedules. Taking time to step back, recharge, and reconnect as a team is essential to maintaining the clarity, focus, and energy required for professional excellence.

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At W & G Lawyers, we regularly advise families, business owners, and trustees on the use of family trusts for asset protection, succession, and tax planning.

While trusts can be powerful and flexible, the trust deed — the legal “rule book” — is often overlooked. Differences in wording between deeds can create major legal and financial consequences, sometimes leading to disputes or unexpected tax bills.

This newsletter highlights key lessons from important cases and explains why keeping your deed up to date is essential.

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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued new guidance for trustees who have recently established a self-managed super fund (SMSF). Trustees are reminded that several compliance steps must be completed by 31 October.

While accountants often provide important administrative support, trustees remain personally and legally responsible for compliance with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (“SIS Act”) and regulations. At W & G Lawyers, we work closely with trustees and their accountants to ensure these obligations are understood and properly managed.

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Legal Insight from W & G Lawyers

At W & G Lawyers, we regularly assist first-home buyers with property transactions. The Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee (FHG) helps eligible buyers purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit—but it is not without legal risks.

Many people mistakenly believe the scheme is a form of financial protection. In fact, the Guarantee is a contractual arrangement between the Government and your lender, not a safety net for you. This article sets out the core legal implications and how we, as your solicitors, can protect your interests throughout the process.

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At W & G Lawyers, we believe in giving back to the community that we are privileged to serve. Recently, we were proud to support St Philomena, a local high school, in their Jogathon Fundraiser.

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Lessons from the Estate of Raveica Negrean

At W & G Lawyers, we regularly assist clients with disputes arising from informally prepared or poorly worded wills. A recent decision involving the estate of Raveica Negrean provides an instructive example of how courts determine whether a clause in a will is legally binding or merely expresses a non-enforceable wish.

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When purchasing property in Australia with another person – whether with a spouse, family member, or business partner – you must choose how the ownership is to be recorded. The two most common co-ownership structures are Joint Tenancy and Tenants in Common.

These structures can different significantly in their legal implications. Choosing the right form of ownership is critical for effective estate planning, asset protection, and future dispute resolution.

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