News & Insights

Mutually binding wills are tailored estate planning tools for couples, particularly in blended or complex families, to ensure agreed outcomes are honoured. Unlike mirror wills, they are legally enforceable and prevent one partner from changing their will after the first death. While they provide certainty and protect stepchildren, they involve permanent commitments, legal complexity, and require careful planning and professional advice.

Spousal maintenance provides financial support when one former spouse or de facto partner cannot meet reasonable living expenses and the other can pay. Eligibility, amounts, and duration depend on personal and financial circumstances, including income, health, age, and childcare. Applications can be negotiated, mediated, or filed in court. Early legal advice ensures fair outcomes and clarity on rights and obligations.

Grandparents play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives, but family breakdowns can disrupt these bonds. Under the Family Law Act 1975, grandparents can apply for Parenting Orders to maintain contact, with the child’s best interests as the primary focus. Options include mediation, court orders, and legal guidance. Understanding these processes helps grandparents protect relationships and support their grandchildren’s wellbeing.

From 1 January 2027, all Queensland homes, including owner-occupied properties, must meet strict smoke alarm requirements: photoelectric, interconnected alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and level, powered by hardwiring or a 10-year battery. Compliance impacts safety, legal obligations, and property transactions, so homeowners should review, upgrade, and retain evidence of alarms well before the deadline to avoid risk and delays.

When buying or selling a unit or townhouse in Queensland, statutory warranties are a critical part of the contract under the updated REIQ Contract (August 2025). These legally binding promises about the body corporate are separate from the Seller Disclosure Statement and cannot be avoided. Errors or omissions may allow buyers to terminate or claim damages, making early, accurate disclosure essential.

Losing a child is an unimaginably difficult time. In Queensland, families may need to navigate legal steps including coronial processes, estate administration (as children cannot make Wills), management of assets or trusts, and potential compensation claims where a death involves negligence. Clear legal guidance can help families manage these obligations while focusing on grief and support.

If you believe a deceased person hasn’t provided adequately for you in their Will, you may be able to contest it through a Family Provision Claim under Queensland law. Eligible claimants include spouses, children, former partners, or financially dependent persons. Claims must usually be made within nine months, and the court considers needs, relationships, and the estate. RHC Solicitors provides expert guidance, evidence gathering, negotiation, and representation to help achi

Buying property off the plan in Queensland can offer early access and potential savings, but it carries legal risks, particularly around sunset clauses. A sunset clause allows a contract to be terminated if settlement is delayed. New laws from 22 November 2023 restrict when developers can use these clauses for vacant land, strengthening buyer protections. Independent legal advice is essential before signing.

Being questioned by police can be stressful. In Queensland, you have the right to remain silent, seek legal advice, and have a support person present. Police must follow strict procedures, and statements without legal guidance can harm your defence. RHC Solicitors provides expert criminal law advice to protect your rights and guide you safely through police questioning and investigations.

Family law disputes can be stressful and costly. In Queensland, mediation is usually required before going to court, except in urgent cases or where there’s abuse or family violence. Mediation is faster, less adversarial, and helps parties reach agreements, which can become legally binding through Consent Orders. Court is slower, costlier, and adversarial. Legal advice is strongly recommended. RHC Solicitors guide clients through mediation and court to achieve fair outcomes.

Separation is challenging, especially with children. Co-parenting, where both parents stay actively involved, supports a child’s wellbeing. Strategies include prioritising the child, creating a clear plan, staying flexible, respecting different parenting styles, and maintaining respect. Legal tools like Consent Orders, Parenting Orders, and coordinators can help. Contact RHC Solicitors for a free 30-minute consultation to get tailored guidance.

Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy requiring a party to carry out their contractual obligations, rather than paying damages. It is commonly used in property disputes where land is unique and money may not be adequate compensation. This article explains when specific performance applies, when courts will grant it, what must be proven, alternative remedies, possible defences, and why early legal advice is essential.