Litigation FAQs   Q: How long does a proceeding take? The duration depends on which court or tribunal the case is heard in: Magistrates’ Court (MCV): approximately 6–9 months County Court (CCV): usually 9–12 months Supreme Court (SCV): around 9–12 months VCAT (goods & services or residential tenancy): approximately 3 months VCAT (retail or building...Read More

Employment FAQs   Q: What is unfair dismissal? A dismissal is considered unfair if it is: Harsh, unjust, or unreasonable; Inconsistent with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code (if applicable); and Not a genuine redundancy. Q: My employer says my dismissal was a redundancy, but that’s not true. Can I take legal action? Redundancy is...Read More

Construction FAQs   Q: What should I look out for when reviewing a building contract? When reviewing a building contract, you should: Look for anything that appears abnormal or inconsistent. Check that the builder is properly registered. Review the number and content of any special conditions. Ensure the schedule is properly completed. Insert a reasonable...Read More

What is an Intervention Order (IVO)? What are the Consequences of Violating It? An intervention order (IVO) in Victoria is a legal measure to prevent family violence, harassment, or threats. It restricts the offender from contacting or approaching the victim to ensure safety. Violating an order is a serious offense and may lead to fines,...Read More

In recent weeks, the County Court witnessed a surge of media attention as Australia saw its first conviction under the forced marriage law, enacted ten years ago. This law came into sharp focus when Sakina Muhammad Jan, an Afghan refugee and a mother of five, was prosecuted for coercing her 21-year-old daughter into a tragic...Read More

Recently, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump fell victim to an assassination attempt during his speech in Pennsylvania. The bullets barely missed his head, leaving him wounded in the ear. Today I thought I’d take this opportunity to discuss the Victorian gun laws with you all. To own a firearm in Victoria, there are three things...Read More

Recently, the world had their eyes locked on the U.S. The failed assassination attempt of Donald Trump, Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential run, tension has only been going higher leading up to the ultimate showdown—the 2024 presidential election. American voters will be casting their votes on the 5th of December. Given the recent focus on the...Read More

Recently, a post in a Melbourne Facebook group has offered drivers the chance to pay $500 or more the offload demerit points onto a stranger. While it may sound appealing to some, a short and straightforward answer is that it is an offence in Australia to do this. Depending on where you live and what...Read More

What happens in the courtroom during a family violence intervention order hearing depends on how the respondent chooses to respond to the intervention order. When facing an intervention order, respondents have various options. They can agree to the order by accepting without admission or contesting it. Alternatively, they may request an undertaking from the applicant....Read More

Many of us might wonder why challenging an intervention order isn’t resolved in one swift hearing with the magistrate. It seems like multiple hearings could be time-consuming and inefficient. While that might seem practical in terms of time, legally, there are steps that must be taken before the matter can proceed to a contested hearing....Read More