Separation is often accompanied by urgent decisions about housing, children, and finances. But there is another category of decisions — quiet, administrative, and often overlooked — that can have serious consequences for your loved ones if something unexpected happens. In Queensland, separation alone does not automatically update your legal affairs. Unless you take active steps, your former partner may still inherit your assets, control your finances, or receive your share of

When drafting a will, many people believe that as long as their intentions are written down, their wishes will be followed. Unfortunately, a recent Queensland Supreme Court decision shows that this assumption can be dangerously wrong. What happened in this case? In Re Negrean; Borbil v Borbil [2025] QSC 66, a woman prepared her own will without legal assistance. Her intentions seemed clear to her — she wanted one of her sons to continue living in her home. However, the way sh

A Testamentary Dispute Highlighting the Risks of Ambiguous Will Drafting A current Supreme Court dispute in Brisbane has brought renewed attention to a critical issue in estate planning: uncertain beneficiaries in Queensland wills. The case concerns a $2 million charitable bequest made by late arts patron Glenn Cooke, who directed in a 1993 will that funds be left to“a significant Queensland contemporary dance company.” Two organisations—Queensland Ballet and the Australasian

When it comes to estate planning, many people are tempted to save money by using a “will kit” or online template. But a recent Queensland Supreme Court decision is a powerful reminder that what seems cheap now can become incredibly expensive later. What happened in this case? In Sorati & Anor v Sorati [2025] QSC 14, a 94-year-old man prepared a will using a DIY will kit instead of seeing a lawyer. On the surface, the document appeared valid. It was signed and witnessed. It di

A recent inheritance dispute involving a multimillion-dollar Brisbane property serves as a stark reminder of how quickly estate administration can unravel when control, unequal distributions, and personal financial difficulties collide. At its core, this dispute highlights a reality we frequently see in practice: inheritance issues are rarely just about money—they are about control, responsibility, and trust. The Scenario: Unequal Inheritance and Estate Control In this case,

In Australian family law, one of the most complex issues in a property settlement is whether trust interests or inherited wealth form part of the divisible asset pool. A common question we hear from clients is: “Can my former partner claim against my family trust?” The decision in Rigby & Kingston (No 4) [2021] FamCA 501 provides critical guidance—particularly for families with intergenerational wealth, discretionary trusts, and estate structures. Understanding the Di

Do I have to attend an IME in Queensland? In most Queensland personal injury claims, attendance at an IME is required if reasonably requested by an insurer or statutory authority. For example: In workers’ compensation claims, insurers have statutory power to require attendance In CTP and public liability claims, insurers can arrange reasonable assessments as part of investigating the claim Failing to attend an IME without a reasonable excuse can result in: Suspension or delay

For many high‑net‑worth families, the critical issue is no longer simply how wealth is created—but how it is preserved across generations while minimising exposure to external claims, including family law disputes. A central legal tension arises in this context: To what extent can trust-held assets—particularly intergenerational wealth—be characterised as “property” of the parties under s 79 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)? The decision in Caldwell & Caldwell [2025] FedCFamC

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