Sheridan Legal Pty Ltd

28/05/2026

Most people think a property contract is just standard paperwork. It's not.

Every contract of sale is different — and buried inside the fine print are clauses that can seriously cost you if you don't know what you're looking at.

For example: a contract where the buyer hadn't spotted a special condition that removed all vendor warranties. If you, as the buyer, had signed you would have been left entirely responsible for a major plumbing defect discovered after settlement — a potential $12,000 bill that is not yours to pay.

One clause. One review. Problem avoided.

Here are the clauses that catch buyers out most often 👇
⚠️ "As is" clauses — remove your right to claim for defects
⚠️ Missing finance conditions — leaves you exposed if your loan falls through
⚠️ No building & pest clause — means you accept the property whatever condition it's in
⚠️ Sunset clauses — in off-the-plan purchases, these can allow a developer to walk away
⚠️ Removed vendor warranties — you inherit their problems

Every word in a contract of sale matters. And the time to find out what's in yours is before you sign, not after.

Our conveyancing team offers contract reviews so you can buy with confidence, not crossed fingers.

📖 Read the full article here: sheridanlegal.com.au/conveyancing/contract-of-sale-hidden-dangers
📞 Book a free 15-minute chat on (02) 6562 3300

The Hidden Dangers Inside the Contract of Sale – Clauses That Can Cost You Every contract of sale tells a story — and in real estate, it’s one you need to read carefully.Many first home buyers think property contracts are “standard.” They’re not. Each one can contain unique clauses that ...

25/05/2026

Most parents spend years making sure their kids are safe, fed, and loved. But there's one thing that could undo all of it in an instant — and most people put it off for years. 😔

No will = no say in who raises your children.

Here are 10 reasons every parent needs a will (a few of these might surprise you):

1️⃣ You choose who raises your kids — not the courts
2️⃣ Your partner stays protected in the family home
3️⃣ You prevent family disputes before they start
4️⃣ You decide WHEN your kids get their inheritance (hint: 18 is often too young)
5️⃣ You save your family from costly legal delays
6️⃣ You can provide for children with special needs
7️⃣ Your digital assets are covered too
8️⃣ You leave a legacy — not just money
9️⃣ You get real peace of mind
🔟 You protect against the unexpected — at any age

Writing a will isn't morbid. It's one of the most loving things you can do for your family. 💙
Full blog is linked in the comments below 👇

📞 Ready to get yours sorted? Call us on (02) 6562 3300. It's simpler than you think.

19/05/2026

Does your will cover everything it should? 🤔

Most people think a will is just about dividing up money and property. But for parents, there's so much more to consider.

👶 Who raises your kids if something happens to you?
💻 What happens to your online accounts and digital photos?
🎸 How do your heirlooms get passed to the right people?
💛 Can your will reflect the values you want to leave behind?

The answer to all of these is YES — with the right will in place.

Our latest article walks you through the smart extras to add to your will, from guardianship clauses to digital assets and charitable giving.

Link to article in comments below 👇

Ready to get started? Call us on (02) 6562 3300 or book an appointment online.

We're here to make sure your legacy is protected.

15/05/2026

That online will kit might seem like a smart move — quick, cheap, done in an evening. But here's what most people don't realise: a DIY will that's incorrectly worded, improperly witnessed, or missing key clauses isn't just unhelpful — it can leave your family to deal with the fallout.

As an example; a mum could name her sister as guardian for her kids in an online will — but forgot to specify an age for inheritance. When she passed, her 18-year-old son legally inherited the family home and sold it. That one missing clause changed everything.

If you own a home, have kids, or have super, an online template may not be enough.

Here's what a lawyer actually gives you that an online kit can't 👇
✅ Wording that holds up in court
✅ Protection for blended families and stepchildren
✅ Guidance on guardianship, trusts, and super
✅ A will that's much harder to challenge

We've written a full, plain-English breakdown of the real differences between DIY and lawyer-drafted wills — and when each one is (or isn't) the right call.

📖 Read it here: sheridanlegal.com.au/business-law/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-make-a-will
📞 Or call us on (02) 6562 3300 to book an appointment.

12/05/2026

Thank you Craig 😃

12/05/2026

🏡 Settlement day is getting close. Here is how to prepare for it.

Most people think the hard work is done once they sign the contract. But the weeks leading up to settlement are where things can quickly get complicated — especially if you're not across what's happening behind the scenes.

Here's what's actually going on during the final countdown to your property settlement:

✅ Your conveyancer is coordinating with your bank to make sure your loan funds are confirmed and ready
✅ A Settlement Statement is prepared — breaking down every dollar you owe, from the purchase price to council rate adjustments and legal fees
✅ A final inspection is arranged so you can check the property is in the same condition as when you signed
✅ Your conveyancer is talking to the seller's solicitor, your bank, and the real estate agent — all at the same time — to make sure nothing falls through the cracks

It's a lot of moving parts. And if one piece doesn't line up?
It can delay your whole settlement.

That's why having an experienced conveyancer in your corner isn't just helpful — it's essential.

We've written a full guide to this stage of the process on our blog. Whether you're buying your first home or you've done it before, it's worth a read before settlement day arrives.

👉 Read the full article in the comment section below.

📞 Or call us on (02) 6562 3300 to speak with our conveyancing team today.

04/05/2026

👋 Meet Emma Howard — Solicitor

Emma has been part of the Sheridan Legal family since 2015, and her path to the Macleay Valley is anything but ordinary!

Admitted as a solicitor in 2008, Emma began her legal career in Canberra specialising in family law. But her curiosity took her beyond the courtroom — she spent time travelling through Europe, Asia and the Americas, lived overseas, and completed a Master's Degree in Social Change and Development.

After seeing the world, she decided there was nowhere better to call home than the beautiful Macleay Valley. 🌏

Since joining our team, Emma has built a broad practice covering Family Law, Criminal Law, Conveyancing, and Wills & Estates. She regularly appears in Kempsey Local Court on matters including AVOs, drink driving, and more serious criminal charges, as well as in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for property and parenting orders.

Emma's approach is down-to-earth and practical — she works with clients to find real solutions, whether that's through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when it's needed most. ⚖️

If you need legal help, Emma welcomes clients across all areas of law and would love the opportunity to assist you.

📞 Kempsey: (02) 6562 3300
📞 South West Rocks: (02) 6566 6250

29/04/2026

Buying your first home is exciting, but it's also one of the biggest financial decisions of your life 🏡
Don't let an avoidable mistake cost you thousands.

We've broken down the 4 most common legal mistakes first home buyers make in NSW, and how to avoid every single one.

📖 Full guide at the link in bio → https://www.sheridanlegal.com.au/conveyancing/first-home-buyer-guide-nsw/

📞 Or call us on (02) 6562 3300 to book a contract review.

29/04/2026

Losing someone is hard enough. The legal process that follows shouldn't make it harder.

Swipe through to understand the probate process in NSW 👉

If you're an executor or family member dealing with a loved one's estate, we're here to help.

📖 Read the full guide at the link in bio → https://www.sheridanlegal.com.au/deceased-estates/understanding-the-probate-process-in-nsw-what-happens-when-a-loved-one-passes/

28/04/2026

A lot of people are surprised to learn that divorce in Australia is a legal process, not just a decision.

Here's what you need to know in 2025:
✅ You must be separated for at least 12 months before applying
✅ Australia uses a no-fault system — you don't need to prove wrongdoing
✅ A divorce doesn't automatically sort out property or parenting arrangements

⚠️ There are strict time limits on property settlement after divorce is finalised.

Whether you're just starting to think about it or ready to file, understanding the steps upfront makes the process far less stressful.

We've published a step-by-step divorce guide for 2026 on our blog 👇

📖 Read it now: https://www.sheridanlegal.com.au/family-law/how-to-get-a-divorce-in-australia-the-2025-step-by-step-guide/