The OMB Law Board

Queensland property law has changed, and one small mistake could cost you your sale. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Bailey from our Property Law team to break down Queensland’s new Seller Disclosure regime, introduced on 1 August 2025. For the first time, sellers must provide mandatory disclosure documents before a contract is signed. Get it wrong, even unintentio...

You bought the unit. The balcony is yours. So surely you can do what you like… right? In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Body Corporate Partner Juliette Nairn to unpack what lot owners can — and can’t — do within a community titles scheme. From the May 2024 legislative changes affecting smoking to the updated position on pets, and why reading your bylaws matters more...

Divorce. It’s a word we all think we understand… but do we? In the Season 5 premiere of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Sarah from our Family Law team to unpack what divorce actually means in Australia. From the 12-month separation rule to living “separated under one roof”, and why timing can significantly impact property settlements, this episode clears up some of the most common mi...

In the Season 4 finale of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by fellow solicitor Bailey Bennett for a timely and insightful deep dive into the sweeping changes to Queensland’s property laws, coming into effect on August 1. Together, they unpack what the shift from a "buyer beware" system to a seller disclosure regime really means for sellers, real estate agents, and legal professionals ali...

Most people hope they’ll never need litigation — but when disputes can’t be resolved, understanding the process makes all the difference. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Special Counsel Jennie Goff to demystify litigation and explain what really happens when a matter heads toward court. From what litigation actually is, to how disputes are managed before court, whi...

Strata and community living are growing fast, but with shared spaces comes shared responsibility, compromise, and complexity. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Alexander Wood from OMB Solicitors’ Body Corporate team to unpack the real-world legal issues facing strata communities today. From short-term letting and Airbnb disputes to parking headaches, maintenance blow...

From the roar of 100,000 fans at the MCG to navigating the quiet complexities of player contracts, this episode of The OMB Law Board is one for the books. Join us as we sit down with two-time AFL Premiership player Brandon Ellis for an open and honest conversation about overcoming adversity, the pressure of elite performance, the emotional toll of being traded, and the legal realities behind the s...

When an injury happens, on the road, at work, or in a public place, many people assume they can manage the claims process themselves. But as Special Counsel Jennie Goff explains, personal injury law involves strict time limits, complex pre-court steps and detailed evidence requirements that most people aren’t aware of. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Jennie clarifies what legally constitutes...

In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett sits down with Tony Cochrane AM — the powerhouse behind some of Australia’s biggest entertainment events, V8 Supercars and a defining chapter of the Gold Coast Suns. From walking away from school to building a production business, landing Frank Sinatra after failing to secure Neil Diamond, turning $56,000 into a $305 million motorsport juggernaut...

In this episode of The OMB Law Board, we sit down with Sarah Mason from OMB’s Family Law team to unpack one of the most misunderstood areas of separation: property and the matrimonial property pool. From homes and businesses to crypto, trusts, gifts, and even post-separation assets, Sarah explains what really gets included, why full disclosure matters, and how proper valuation works. You’ll also l...

In this follow-up episode, Family Law Partner Abbi Golightly returns to The OMB Law Board to unpack some of the most talked-about updates under the Family Law Amendment Act 2025. From the landmark recognition of domestic and family violence in property settlements to the new definition of pets as “companion animals”, Abbi and Simon explore how these changes reflect the realities of modern Australi...

In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Family Law Partner and Doyle’s Guide recognised specialist Abbi Golightly returns to unpack one of the most significant updates to Australian family law in recent years, the Family Law Amendment Act 2025. Abbi explains the codification of the four step process for property settlements, what it means, how it impacts separating couples, and why clarity in the le...

In this season-opening episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon welcomes Senior Associate Georgia, who returns from maternity leave to unpack one of the most significant changes to Queensland property law in over 50 years. From juggling motherhood and career to tackling the new Property Law Act reforms, Georgia and Simon explore how this legislative shift will reshape the way Queenslanders buy and sell...

Most drivers think compulsory third-party insurance has them covered—until they’re staring at a crumpled bumper and an uninsured headache.  In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett sits down with Sam from OMB’s Litigation team to unpack the smart first steps after a “smash & bash”: staying safe, exchanging details, taking photos, when to call police, and why notifying your insurer q...

Caveats are powerful—but they’re not a free pass. In this episode, Simon Bennett sits down with OMB litigator Samuel Layani to unpack what a caveat actually is, when you truly have a capable interest, and why getting it wrong can trigger tight deadlines, lapsed rights and even damages. From loan agreements and charges over land to consent caveats and the 14-day notice to commence proceedings, they...

The rise of vertical living is inevitable—but what happens when community living gets complicated? In this eye-opening episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett is joined by Juliette Nairn, Partner and Body Corporate law expert at OMB Solicitors, to dive into the rapidly growing world of strata. From everyday by-law disputes to high-level litigation against banks, Juliette shares real-world stor...

Who really runs your building, and what are you paying for when you hand over your body corporate levies? In this episode of The OMB Law Board, host Simon Bennett is joined by partner and body corporate specialist Juliette Nairn for a deep dive into the different management styles behind Queensland’s community title schemes. Whether it’s an onsite caretaker, a contracted cleaner, or a live-in lett...

It’s one of the most misunderstood areas of estate law—and one of the most emotionally charged. In this episode, Simon Bennett sits down with Harley Wilkinson from OMB Solicitors' Estates Team to unpack the complex world of contested estates. From explaining who can legally contest a will under Queensland’s Succession Act, to the emotional and financial realities of family disputes over inheritanc...

When it comes to buying property in Queensland, time really is of the essence, especially when paying your deposit. Miss the deadline, and you could lose not just your dream home… but tens of thousands of dollars. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett sits down with property law expert Erlinda Nunn to break down: Why deposit deadlines are non-negotiable under Queensland contracts. Th...

With housing affordability under pressure, more Australians are turning to co-ownership (and understandably so), whether that’s buying property with friends, family, investing partners, or creating separate living arrangements like granny flats. But when the honeymoon period ends and the hard questions haven’t been asked, disputes can get messy… and costly. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Si...

What happens when the worlds of media and law collide? In this episode of The OMB Law Board, we sit down with Luke Bradnam — iconic Gold Coast media personality — to unpack the unseen legal dangers lurking in your social media posts. From strict compliance rules in mainstream media to the wild west of Instagram and Facebook, Luke and Beno explore the fine line between freedom of speech and defamat...

Think your will covers your superannuation? Think again. In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett sits down with estate planning expert Harley Wilkinson to uncover one of the most misunderstood areas of planning your legacy: what really happens to your super when you pass away. They explore why superannuation is treated differently, the critical role of binding death benefit nominations...

You’ve signed the contract, taken the keys, and popped the champagne... but owning property comes with more than just a mortgage. In this episode, Simon speaks with Bailey from our Property Law team about the lesser-known responsibilities of homeownership that kick in after settlement. From navigating rates and levies to understanding body corporate bylaws and land tax exemptions, we explore the r...

What is a prenup, really — and do they even work in Australia? In this episode of The OMB Law Board, we’re joined by Abbi Golightly, Partner at OMB Solicitors, to unpack one of the most misunderstood tools in modern relationships: binding financial agreements. Commonly known as prenups, these agreements are more than just a formality — when done right, they can be powerful instruments for protecti...

How do you choose the right family lawyer? Someone you can trust, connect with, and rely on through one of life’s most emotionally charged legal journeys? In this heartfelt and highly practical episode, Simon Bennett is joined once again by Abbi Golightly, Accredited Specialist in Family Law and Partner at OMB Solicitors, to explore the real factors that matter when choosing your legal representat...