The OMB Law Board

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...

When you buy into community living, you're not just gaining a property—you’re joining a legal and financial ecosystem. In this must-hear episode of The OMB Law Board , host Simon Bennett sits down with Body Corporate expert Juliette Nairn to unpack one of the most misunderstood but critical aspects of strata living: levies. Juliette reveals what levies really pay for (hint: it’s everything keeping...

In this episode of The OMB Law Board , Simon Bennett is joined by Family Law Partner Abbi Golightly to unpack a question many people ask when separating: Do I really need a lawyer, or can we just work it out ourselves? The answer might surprise you. From the risks of informal property settlements to the emotional pitfalls of self-representation, Abbi shares real-world insight into why even the mos...

Family law disputes are often emotional, complex, and incredibly personal. But before the courtroom becomes the battleground, there’s a powerful, often misunderstood step that can change everything: mediation. In this episode of The OMB Law Board , Family Law Partner Abbi Golightly returns to break down why mediation isn’t just a helpful tool—it’s now mandatory in most cases. From private mediatio...

Welcome to another episode of The OMB Law Board ! This week, Simon Bennett sits down with Body Corporate Partner Juliette Nairn to unravel the surprisingly complex world of body corporates. From common property confusion to strange misunderstandings about levies, Juliette shines a light on what really goes on behind the gates and towers of community living. Whether you’re downsizing, buying into a...

In this eye-opening episode of The OMB Law Board , Partner Simon Bennett is joined by Associate Harley Wilkinson from our Estate Planning team to uncover the powerful but often misunderstood tool: the testamentary trust . If you think a standard will is enough to safeguard your legacy, think again. From shielding your children’s inheritance from divorce settlements to minimising tax and protecting...

In Episode 16 of The OMB Law Board , host Simon Bennett is joined by litigation associate Sam Layani to tackle a hot-button issue facing many Australians right now - debt recovery during economic hardship . With cost of living pressures rising, more people and businesses are finding themselves either chasing overdue payments or trying to manage debts they can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, S...

Buying your first property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look out for. In this episode, Simon Bennett (Partner at OMB Solicitors) is joined by Bailey from the Property Law team to unpack the essentials every first-time buyer should know before signing a contract. From understanding market value and your borrowing c...

Thinking of buying at auction? Before you raise your paddle, there’s a lot you need to know — because once the hammer falls, you’ve bought the property. In this episode of The OMB Law Board , Partner Simon Bennett is joined by Property Lawyer Erlinda Nunn to unpack the key legal and practical considerations of buying at auction in Queensland. From unconditional contracts to the importance of getti...

In this episode of The OMB Law Board , Partner Simon Bennett sits down with Property Lawyer Erlinda Nunn to talk about one of the most critical steps when buying a home – the building and pest inspection. What should you really be worried about when that report lands on your desk? Erlinda shares the top three red flags that should have every buyer thinking twice. They unpack what each of these loo...

Family lawyers often face criticism, sometimes being unfairly labelled as "opportunistic" or adding fuel to the fire. But is that really the case? In this episode of The OMB Law Board, Simon Bennett sits down with OMB Solicitors partner Abbi Golightly to tackle the misconceptions surrounding family law. They discuss the real role of family lawyers—helping clients navigate an emotionally charged le...

Welcome back to The OMB Law Board ! Season 2 kicks off with a deep dive into the game-changing updates in family law coming in 2025. Host Simon Bennett is joined by Family Law Partner, Abbi Golightly, to unpack the reforms, including new rules on financial disclosure, the impact of domestic violence on property settlements, and a surprising update on pet custody in separation cases (yes, really!)...