Ferraro & Singh Lawyers

03/06/2026

Buying or selling property? New compliance checks are coming.

From 1 July 2026, Australia’s AML/CTF laws are expected to expand into the property industry.

This means lawyers and conveyancers may need to ask purchasers and sellers for additional information during their transaction.

You may be asked to provide things like:

• ID documents
• company, trust or SMSF documents
• authority documents
• details about beneficial ownership
• information about the source of funds in some cases

These changes are designed to help prevent property transactions being used for money laundering.

To help avoid delays, it is important to provide requested documents as early as possible and respond promptly to any questions from your lawyer or conveyancer.

Nagisa, our superstar conveyancer, has prepared a short article explaining what purchasers and sellers need to know about the upcoming changes. You can read more here: https://ferraro.com.au/aml-ctf-reform/

This post is general information only and should not be considered legal advice.

Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing laws are expanding into the property industry under the “Tranche 2” reforms.   From 1 July 2026, certain businesses and professionals involved in property transactions, including lawyers and conveyancers, may become regulated b...

02/06/2026

We are so excited to share that Ferraro & Singh Lawyers has been nominated in the Sunshine Business Awards 2026/27!

As a local law firm in Melbourne’s west, we are incredibly proud to support our community and assist our clients through important moments in their lives.

We would be so grateful if you could take a moment to vote for us. Your support means so much to our team.

Vote here:
https://www.sunshinebusiness.com.au/events/sunshine-business-awards-2026-27/

Thank you to our clients, colleagues, family, friends and local community for continuing to support Ferraro & Singh Lawyers. We are truly grateful.

28/05/2026

Separation is already hard enough. The 2026 Federal Budget just made it more complex. 📉💼

For many Victorians, navigating a separation is one of life's toughest emotional and financial challenges. Now, major Budget reforms to tax, housing, and discretionary trusts are set to directly impact family law property settlements, asset valuations, and parenting arrangements.

If you are navigating a divorce or separation in Melbourne, understanding these changes is critical to protecting your future financial security.

At Ferraro & Singh Lawyers, we are already helping clients navigate the ripple effects of these new policies, including:
🔹 CGT Reforms: Altering the true value of investment property and business settlements.
🔹 Negative Gearing Changes: Impacting borrowing capacity and post-separation cash flow.
🔹 Trust Tax Updates: Affecting family business valuations and asset division.
🔹 NDIS & Housing Initiatives: Changing the landscape for parenting arrangements and property refinancing.

Don't navigate these complex changes alone. Getting strategic, compassionate legal advice early can make all the difference.

👇 Read our full breakdown of what the 2026 Federal Budget means for your family law matter:
https://ferraro.com.au/separation-is-already-hard-enough-the-2026-federal-budget-just-made-it-more-complex/

📞 Need advice tailored to your situation? Contact the team at Ferraro & Singh Lawyers today.

For many Australians, separation is already one of the most emotionally and financially difficult experiences a person can face.   Now, the 2026 Federal Budget has introduced major tax, housing and financial reforms that may directly impact divorce, family law property settlements, parenting arrang...

21/05/2026

⚖️ Navigating Victoria’s Court Hierarchy: Where does your civil dispute belong? ⚖️

If you’re facing a commercial dispute, a breach of contract, or a debt recovery issue, knowing where to initiate your claim is critical. In Victoria, civil disputes are distributed across three main tiers based largely on the complexity and monetary value of the claim:

🔹 Magistrates’ Court: Generally handles claims up to $100,000.
🔹 County Court: Has unlimited jurisdiction but typically steps in for intermediate and complex claims over $100,000.
🔹 Supreme Court: The highest court in the state, reserved for major, complex commercial disputes and high-value claims.

Filing in the wrong jurisdiction can result in costly delays and budget blowouts. Read our latest article for a clear breakdown of how the Victorian court system works and what it means for your business. 👇

If you are involved in a legal dispute in Victoria and have been unsuccessful in resolving the matter through negotiation, it may be necessary to commence court proceedings. When this occurs,   one of the first questions to consider is which court the matter should be filed in.   In Victoria there...

12/05/2026

Being appointed executor of a Will does not mean you are forced to accept the role.

Many people are surprised to learn that an executor can formally step aside before taking on the administration of the estate. This is known as renunciation.

Our latest article explains:
✔ what renunciation means;
✔ when it can occur;
✔ what happens to the estate afterwards; and
✔ why getting legal advice early is important.

If you have been named as executor and are feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, you are not alone.

Read more here:

When preparing a will, most people carefully choose someone they trust to act as their executor. An executor is responsible for administering the estate, obtaining probate, paying debts and ultimately distributing assets to beneficiaries.   However, many people are surprised to learn that an appoin...

04/05/2026

Losing a loved one is hard enough—dealing with property afterwards shouldn’t add to the stress.

Did you know that what happens to a property after someone passes away depends on how it was owned?

In some cases, it automatically passes to the surviving owner. In others, a formal legal process is required before it can be transferred.

Our latest article explains:

1️. The difference between joint tenancy and tenants in common
2️. When you need a transmission application
3️. What executors and administrators need to do
4️. How mortgages can affect the process

If you’re dealing with an estate or unsure what steps to take, this is a great place to start.

Read the article here: https://ferraro.com.au/property-ownership-after-death/

If you need help, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Written by Alessia Matina When a property owner passes away in Victoria, determining who is entitled to the property can be complex. The process depends on the type of ownership and involves specific legal steps with Land Use Victoria (the Land Titles Office). Understanding the difference between Jo...

29/04/2026

Can you challenge a will just because you’ve been left out?

It’s a question we’re often asked — and the answer might surprise you.

A recent Victorian Supreme Court case confirmed that Family Provision Claims are not about fairness. Even a spouse of 18 years was unsuccessful because she was financially secure.

The key takeaway?

You need to show genuine financial need — not just disappointment.

If you’re thinking about challenging a will, or want to make sure your estate is properly structured, it’s important to understand how the law actually works.

📖 Read more here:

Family Provision Claims in Victoria are governed by the Administration and Probate Act 1958 (Vic). These claims allow certain eligible people—such as spouses, children, and dependants—to seek a share, or a larger share, of a deceased person’s estate if they believe they have not been adequatel...

23/04/2026

Owed money? Here is how to get it back. 💸

Dealing with unpaid debts can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re an individual or a small business owner, the uncertainty of "if" or "when" you’ll be paid is exhausting.

The team at Ferraro & Singh Lawyers has put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you take control. We walk you through everything from having that first difficult conversation to pursuing formal legal action in Victoria.

Inside the guide:
✅ Tips for effective communication
✅ How to send a formal Letter of Demand
✅ Navigating VCAT and the court system
✅ Knowing when to seek legal help

You don't have to navigate this process alone. Check out our latest blog post for the clarity you need:

https://ferraro.com.au/owed-money-in-victoria-your-step-by-step-guide-to-debt-recovery/

Looking for advice tailored to your situation? Send us a message or call our office today to speak with one of our experienced solicitors.

Dealing with unpaid debts can be stressful and disruptive—whether you are an individual or a small business owner. At Ferraro & Singh Lawyers, we understand the frustration and uncertainty that comes with trying to recover money owed to you. Our experienced debt recovery team is here to guide you ...

15/04/2026

Buying or selling property in inner Melbourne? Read this 👇

There’s a tax called the congestion levy that applies to certain properties with parking—and it’s becoming more relevant in 2026.

Many people don’t realise:

- It can apply even if parking spaces aren’t clearly marked
-️ It depends on how the land is actually used
-️ It must be disclosed in the Section 32 (Vendor Statement)

If it’s missed, a buyer may have the right to cancel the contract—even late in the process.

For sellers: it’s important to check early and disclose it properly.
For buyers: don’t assume it doesn’t apply—always review the Section 32 carefully.

It’s a technical issue, but getting it wrong can cause major delays or even derail a sale.

If you’re unsure whether it applies to your property, it’s worth getting advice before signing anything.

Read more on our blog now:

The congestion levy is an often overlooked but critical issue in Victorian property transactions, particularly for properties located in inner Melbourne. Failure to properly identify and disclose this levy may result in significant legal consequences, including a purchaser’s right to terminate the...

09/04/2026

Business Owners & Family Law

When separation involves a business, it is rarely just about dividing assets.

It is about:
• maintaining control
• protecting cash flow
• and preserving what has been built over time

We regularly see business owners make early decisions without advice that can impact the outcome significantly.

Understanding your position from the outset can make a material difference.

We have put together a practical article on how asset planning works in family law matters involving companies, trusts and business interests.

📖 Read here: https://ferraro.com.au/business-owner-divorce-asset-planning-melbourne-family-lawyer/

If this is something you or someone you know may be navigating, we are always available for a confidential discussion.

Business owner going through separation? Learn how companies, trusts and business assets are treated in family law. Strategic advice for directors and professionals in Melbourne.