The Medical Assessment Tribunal is an independent panel of specialist doctors established under Queensland workers’ compensation legislation to make final, binding medical decisions about work‑related injuries and impairments. It operates separately from WorkCover Queensland and self‑insurers and is administered by Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Services (WCRS) within the Office of Industrial Relations. When does a matter go to the MAT? A worker cannot self‑refer. Only the

When parents separate, disagreements often arise over things that previously seemed routine — including who should keep the children’s passports and important original documents such as birth certificates. While these items may feel “administrative”, disputes about them can quickly become emotionally charged and, in some cases, legally significant. This article explains how Australian family law approaches these issues and what parents should consider following separation. Wh

When someone passes away, emotions often run high — particularly if a family member or dependant believes they haven’t been properly provided for under a will (or where there is no will at all). In Queensland, the law does allow eligible people to make a family provision claim, but strict time limits apply. If those deadlines are missed, your right to make a claim may be lost altogether. This is why it’s important to get advice early. What is a Family Provision Claim? A famil

At Sarinas Legal, one of the most common frustrations we see in family law proceedings is when one party refuses to provide important information. Australian family law relies on fairness and transparency. To achieve that, the law requires full and frank disclosure of all relevant information. When that doesn’t happen, the Court has the power to step in—and one of the most effective tools it uses is a subpoena. Understanding how subpoenas work can make a significant differenc

When a workplace accident occurs, most people focus on getting medical treatment and returning to work as soon as possible. What often gets overlooked—but can later become critical—is the incident report and any statements made in the days following the accident. In Queensland, these documents can play a decisive role in both WorkCover Queensland claims and common law negligence claims. A poorly prepared or delayed report can weaken an otherwise legitimate claim, while a clea

Being appointed as an executor is both an honour and a responsibility. For many people, it is a role they take on while grieving the loss of a loved one—often without any prior experience in probate or estate administration. In Queensland, executors carry legal responsibilities that extend well beyond “sorting out paperwork”. At Sarinas Legal, we regularly assist executors to confidently administer deceased estates, comply with their legal obligations, and avoid personal risk

Separation is hard enough without the added stress of working out who pays the mortgage. One of the most common questions family lawyers are asked is: “Do I still have to pay the mortgage now that we’ve separated?” The short answer is: possibly — but it depends on your circumstances . Below, we explain how mortgage payments are usually handled after separation, what the law expects, and what you should do to protect yourself. 1. Separation Does Not Automatically Change Finan

If you have been injured at work in Queensland, you may eventually receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from WorkCover Queensland. For many injured workers in Townsville and across North Queensland, this document represents a critical turning point in their compensation claim. The decision you make after receiving a Notice of Assessment can significantly impact your future entitlements — particularly your ability to pursue a common law damages claim. Below, our experienced To

A motor vehicle accident can happen in seconds — but the consequences can last for months or even years. Between medical treatment, time off work and dealing with insurers, one of the most pressing questions is often: Who was responsible? In Queensland, establishing fault is not just about blame. It directly affects your entitlement to compensation under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld) and determines how your CTP claim progresses. Understanding how liability is a

Case: Murphy v Madill [2025] QSC 103Court: Supreme Court of QueenslandTotal Compensation: $635,146.81Claim Type: Motor Vehicle Accident (Queensland MAIA Claim) Can you claim compensation in Queensland if you’ve been involved in more than one car accident — especially if you already had medical or psychiatric conditions? In Murphy v Madill [2025] QSC 103 , the Supreme Court of Queensland confirmed that you can. Despite complex medical history and multiple accidents, the plaint

In the 2024 District Court of Queensland decision Ruvuta v Jaderberg & RACQ Insurance [2024] QDC 107, the Court addressed a series of complex legal issues that often arise in personal injury litigation — particularly causation, evidentiary challenges, and the impact of communication barriers on injury claims under the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld). Case Background In October 2019, the claimant, a young man who had recently arrived in Australia, was struck by a u

Suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident can affect every part of your life — your health, your employment, your finances and your family. If the accident was caused by another driver, Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme may entitle you to claim compensation for the losses you have suffered. This guide explains how CTP insurance works in Queensland, who can make a claim, and what types of compensation may be available. What Is CTP Insurance in Qu

Case: Bauer v Clay [2025] QSC 114 Court: Supreme Court of Queensland Compensation Awarded: $602,008.14 Claim Type: Motor Vehicle Accident (MAIA Claim) Can you still win a motor vehicle accident claim in Queensland if your medical records are incomplete? In Bauer v Clay [2025] QSC 114 , the Supreme Court of Queensland confirmed that you can. Despite significant gaps in medical documentation, an 18-year-old apprentice carpenter secured more than $602,000 in compensation follow

Separation is challenging in any circumstances. When you and your former partner also share ownership of a business, the legal and financial complexity increases significantly. A business is often one of the most valuable and sensitive assets in a property settlement. Decisions made early in the separation process can affect: Cash flow and income for both parties The overall value of the asset pool Tax exposure The timing and structure of the final settlement Careful planning

School holidays often bring added pressure for separated parents. Even when everyday routines are settled, holidays can disrupt established patterns. Children’s time may be divided differently, communication between parents often increases, and practical decisions need to be made more frequently. For many families, this can highlight areas of uncertainty in parenting arrangements and boundaries after separation. These challenges are common. They do not reflect a lack of commi

Many people in Townsville and across Queensland consider a do-it-yourself approach to family law after separation. It can look like the fastest and cheapest way to move on: you stay in control, avoid legal fees, and work through the process at your own pace. In some matters, DIY family law can be suitable. For example, a joint divorce application is often straightforward.. But self-representation is not just filling out forms. Queensland family law is governed by the Family

From 10 June 2025, major changes to Australian family law have reshaped how courts deal with pets in property settlements. These reforms apply in Queensland and across most of Australia under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) . Pets are no longer treated as ordinary property. Instead, they are now recognised as “companion animals” — a distinct legal category that reflects their emotional significance within families. For separating couples in Queensland, this means the Federal C

Family law matters are often one of the most stressful legal experiences a person will ever face. Separation, parenting disputes, and property settlements are deeply personal and emotionally charged. Unfortunately, stress and misinformation can lead clients to make decisions that negatively affect their outcome. At our firm, we regularly see the same avoidable mistakes arise in family law matters. Understanding these pitfalls early can save you time, money, and emotional stra

When parents separate and cannot agree on arrangements for their children, the focus of the law is always the same: what is in the child’s best interests. In some matters, particularly where there is significant disagreement or concern about a child’s wellbeing, a Family Report may be prepared. This report can play an important role in negotiations and, if necessary, in Court proceedings. Understanding what a Family Report involves — and how it may affect your case — can hel

If you have recently separated from your spouse or partner, resolving your financial relationship will likely involve a formal property settlement. Under Australian family law, property settlement is not simply about dividing the house or bank accounts. It involves a structured legal process that considers all assets, liabilities and financial resources of both parties at the time the settlement is determined. Importantly, superannuation is treated as property under the Fami