Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law

We're seeing more families exploring granny flat agreements as a way to support ageing parents while keeping them close to home. A granny flat agreement is about much more than where someone lives. It should clearly document each party's rights, financial contributions, care arrangements, living expenses, and what happens if circumstances change. At our law firm Bundall office , we regul...

EOFY isn't just about tax returns. In this episode, James and Alyssa discuss why business owners should regularly review their business structure, particularly in light of recent Federal Budget announcements affecting discretionary trusts and potential restructuring opportunities. They explore asset protection, succession planning, trust structures, and the practical questions business owners...

Rent increases. Outgoings. Fit-out contributions. Market rent reviews. In this episode, Alyssa answers some of the most Googled commercial leasing questions and explains key issues business owners should understand before signing a lease. Whether you're opening a new premises, expanding, or reviewing an existing agreement, this episode provides practical insights to help you better understand...

In this episode, Alyssa and Sidnee break down the key differences between retail and commercial leases, including the hidden risks many tenants overlook before signing. They discuss make good clauses, shared outgoings, personal guarantees, landlord negotiations, and what happens when businesses experience financial difficulty. If you’re leasing a shop, office, cafe, or commercial premises, this ep...

Starting a business with someone you trust might feel simple, but the structure you choose can have major legal consequences. In this episode, James breaks down the key differences between partnerships and companies, including how liability works, why one partner’s actions can affect everyone, and why undocumented partnerships often lead to disputes. If you’re planning to go into business with a f...

Can leaving someone a small amount in your Will stop them from making a claim? In this episode, Kathy explains why that common strategy doesn’t work, and who can still bring a family provision claim against an estate. A practical discussion on managing risk in estate planning.

Donna Ballantyne explains how trust accounts work, why they’re used, and how client funds are protected under strict legal regulations. A simple, practical breakdown to help you feel more confident about where your money goes. 

What actually forms part of your estate — and what doesn’t? In this conversation, Kathy explains why assets like joint bank accounts, property, and superannuation may not be covered by your Will, and how that can impact your estate planning. A practical discussion that highlights why understanding ownership structures is just as important as having a Will in place. Need to have a chat with a litig...

Starting or buying a business? The structure you choose can shape everything that follows. In this episode, we break down the key considerations behind business structuring — from ownership and control to risk, tax, and future exit planning. A practical discussion for business owners, founders, and advisers looking to get the foundations right from the start.  Learn how we can help you with struct...

Wondering when you should update your Will? Patience one of our Gold Coast Will & Estates team members has the answers for you 🤞🏻

No one starts a business expecting to end up in dispute — but courts are full of former friends, family members, and business partners who never planned for things to go wrong. In this episode, James Ballantyne and Alyssa Holloway unpack why shareholder agreements are critical for businesses with multiple owners, and how the absence of one often leads to unnecessary conflict, cost, and litigation....

What happens after the funeral, when the paperwork, decisions, and emotional weight begin? In this episode, Joyce Jiao , CEO of Herekind , speaks with James Ballantyne of Ballantyne Law about the realities families face after losing a loved one. They discuss how non-legal administrative support, legal advice, and compassionate values can work together to reduce overwhelm, stress, and unnecessary c...

In this episode, Managing Director James Ballantyne chats with Alyssa Holloway about Queensland’s new Property Law Act 2023 and what it means for property sellers. They discuss the new seller disclosure regime , what documents sellers must provide, and the risks of getting it wrong — including potential termination rights for buyers. If you’re selling property in Queensland, this update is a must-...

Ballantyne Law paralegals Grace Jeffery and Stephanie Burns explain the key estate planning options available in Australia — from simple Wills to testamentary trusts and powers of attorney. They share how clients can get started, what to expect from an initial consultation, and why planning ahead matters more than most people realise. Listen now for clear, practical guidance — minus the legal jarg...

ASIC has fined ANZ Bank $240 million for systemic failures in managing deceased estates. In this bonus episode, Alex Stewart from Ballantyne Law explains what went wrong, why it matters for grieving families, and the importance of getting the right legal guidance when administering an estate .

Becoming a parent changes everything — including your legal needs. In this episode of Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law , James speaks with Senior Associate Sidnee Jennings about the estate planning essentials for new parents. From wills and guardianship to superannuation and enduring powers of attorney, learn how to protect your family and avoid costly headaches.

In this bonus episode of Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law , Sidnee explains the risks and responsibilities of signing a guarantee — and why independent legal advice is essential before you put pen to paper. You’ll learn: What a guarantee actually means in legal terms Why banks and lenders require independent legal advice The risks if you don’t fully understand your obligations How proper advice...

In this bonus episode of Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law , James explores an issue many families face today: parents advancing money to help their children into the property market. While generous, these arrangements can cause disputes if they aren’t properly documented. James explains: The legal presumption of advancement (why the law assumes it’s a gift) How to clearly document whether funds...

In this episode of Ballantyne Law Insights , we break down testamentary capacity — the ability to make a valid will — and why it’s one of the most disputed issues in estate law. Allie, Senior Solicitor and head of our estates division, explains the legal test, common pitfalls, and how to safeguard your will from future challenges.

In Episode 3 of Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law , we clear up common leasing questions for business owners and tenants. What’s the difference between a commercial lease and a retail shop lease? When should a lease be registered? What does a “make good” clause really mean? And what are the risks of having no written lease at all? Whether you’re starting a new lease or taking over an existing on...

In this episode of Billable Banter , the Ballantyne Law team unpacks what happens when a beneficiary doesn't survive the will-maker, using the reported passing of Gene Hackman and his wife as a real-world example. We explain how the Succession Act and common will clauses handle these situations, what happens if no backup beneficiaries are named, and why it's crucial to plan for the &quot...

I had a great chat with Sidnee, Associate at Ballantyne Law, about a recent case where a buyer lost $98,500 plus legal costs—just for being three days late on a deposit payment. Sidnee explained why strict contract deadlines matter and how failing to meet them can lead to termination and deposit forfeiture. One key takeaway is that a real estate agent does not have the authority to vary contract t...