Billable Banter with Ballantyne Law

Buying your first property can be exciting, but it’s easy to focus on the price, finance and building and pest conditions while overlooking the rest of the contract.

Alyssa’s key advice for first-home buyers is simple: don’t sign anything you don’t understand.

Before you become legally bound, have the contract reviewed so you understand the conditions, timeframes and standard terms that apply.

Our property law and conveyancing team in Bundall can help you understand the contract before you sign.

James and Alyssa unpack the myth behind a “standard” lease and what landlords don’t want you to know. 

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 regularly help families put these agreements in place before money or property changes hands, helping reduce the risk of future disputes.

Getting advice early can make all the difference.

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 should be asking over the next 12 to 18 months.

If you operate through a trust or are planning for future growth, this is a conversation worth listening to. 

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 commercial leasing obligations.

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 episode is essential listening before you commit.

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 friend, family member, or colleague, this is essential listening before you commit. 

Need to talk to a Commercial lawyer? let's have a chat.

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 litigation lawyer at our Gold Coast or Brisbane offices? visit our site and send us a message.