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 most amicable breakups need legal guidance. Whether you're dividing assets, navigating parenting arrangements, or just want to protect your future from unexpected claims, this conversation breaks down the must-know facts of family law — and the high cost of getting it wrong.

Is your settlement truly final? Or are you leaving the door open for disaster?

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 mediation to court-directed dispute resolution, Abbi shares real insights into how mediation empowers clients to craft flexible, creative solutions outside the rigid confines of a courtroom.

Want to know how to protect your future—and your peace of mind? This episode might just change how you view family law.

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 duplex, or stepping into high-rise living, this episode is packed with vital insights that could save you major headaches—and money. You might think you know body corporates... but you could be missing something big.

Tune in for some surprising truths, laughable misconceptions, and critical tips every property owner and buyer should hear!

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 assets from creditors, testamentary trusts could be the missing piece in your estate plan.

Harley breaks down how these trusts work, why they’re growing in popularity, and the real-world risks they help mitigate. Whether you own property, have investments, or simply want peace of mind about your family’s financial future, this episode delivers insights that could change the way you think about your will.

🎧 Tune in and discover why this tool is fast becoming a non-negotiable in modern estate planning.

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, Simon and Sam explore your legal options - from issuing a letter of demand to pursuing court proceedings or serving a statutory demand. Whether you're an individual, small business owner, or corporation, this conversation breaks down the practical steps and strategies to help you protect your cash flow and financial future.

If unpaid debts are putting strain on your business or personal finances, this episode is a must-listen.

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 capacity, to why reviewing your contract with a solicitor is non-negotiable — this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and buy with confidence.

If you or someone you know is thinking about entering the property market, this one’s a must-listen.

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 getting legal advice beforehand, Erlinda shares expert guidance every bidder should hear before auction day.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What makes an auction contract “unconditional”
• Why there’s no cooling-off period once the hammer falls
• How to prepare financially and legally before you bid
• What to look out for in the auction contract — and how OMB can help

Whether you're a first-time buyer or just new to the auction process, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward with peace of mind.

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 looks like in real-world reports, why attending the inspection is so valuable, and how to make sure your contract gives you the right to walk away or negotiate if something concerning comes up.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you buy with confidence.

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 legal system with empathy, expertise, and a focus on resolution. Abbi shares insights on why legal costs can feel overwhelming, how experienced lawyers streamline the process, and why the goal is always to help clients move forward, not drag them deeper into conflict.

If you’ve ever wondered what family lawyers really do or questioned the value of legal guidance during a difficult time, this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more insights, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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!) These legal shifts will significantly impact families, separating couples, and legal practitioners alike. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and understand how these changes could affect you.