WMD Law

WMD Law Sydney & South Coast Lawyers - experts in Commercial, Property, Estate, Family and Criminal Law.

Our firm has a commercial litigation, estate litigation, family law, property law, criminal law and business focus with an emphasis on providing efficient, personal service and practical advice to assist clients and to resolve problems. We have a large team of experienced lawyers enabling us to provide speedy, accurate advice and assistance across a wide area of legal services. The lawyers in our

firm possess high academic credentials, maintain strong community ties, communicate effectively and demonstrate the strictest personal and professional ethics as well as the highest concern for our clients. Our dedication to quality, understanding of the law, trust and respect are the foundations for our long-standing relationships with clients and the community. Our lawyers are supported by well trained administrative staff and an advanced computer network for efficient file and case management. Our clients benefit from the considerable experience we have in negotiating and implementing strategies to manage legal problems and to provide advantages to our clients in their business dealings. Please call us on (02) 9525 8688 to receive FREE preliminary phone advice or email [email protected]

When Mum or Dad moves in with family, it can feel like a practical and caring solution.But if money, property or care re...
01/09/2026

When Mum or Dad moves in with family, it can feel like a practical and caring solution.

But if money, property or care responsibilities are involved, it is important to make sure everyone understands exactly what has been agreed.

In legal and Centrelink contexts, a “granny flat arrangement” is not always about a separate dwelling in the backyard. It can also involve an older person contributing money, property or assets in exchange for the right to live in someone else’s home, often an adult child’s property.

Without a clear written agreement, families can face problems later if care needs change, the property is sold, relationships break down, or siblings disagree about what was intended.

To help you navigate this complex situation, the team at WMD Law has created a free guide, Understanding Granny Flat Agreements in NSW. The guide explains what families should consider before entering into this type of arrangement. It’s essential reading if you’re thinking about having a relative move in.

Download the free guide today.
https://wmdlaw.com.au/granny-flat-agreement-nsw-guide/

Helping your child buy a home? Make sure everyone knows whether the money is a gift or a loan. With property prices maki...
26/08/2026

Helping your child buy a home? Make sure everyone knows whether the money is a gift or a loan.

With property prices making it harder for younger Australians to buy a home, many parents and grandparents are helping with deposits or contributing towards a purchase.

But there is an important question to answer before transferring the money:

Is it a gift or a loan?

It might seem obvious within the family at the time, but circumstances can change. If the money is intended to be repaid, documenting the arrangement can help clarify:

• how much has been lent
• when or how it should be repaid
• whether interest applies
• what happens if the property is sold
• what happens if your child separates from their partner.

Without clear documentation, a family loan can become much harder to establish later, particularly if relationships break down or family members have different recollections about what was agreed.

It is also worth considering how the arrangement fits with your broader estate planning.

Helping your children financially can make an enormous difference to them. Taking the time to structure that help properly can also help protect everyone involved.

If you are considering helping a child or grandchild purchase property, getting legal advice before the money changes hands can prevent uncertainty later.

21/08/2026

AI Kevin is back to share a quick message about why WMD Law is proud to support the South Cronulla Bowling Club and the role local clubs play in bringing our community together.
Have a watch below. 👇

South Cronulla Bowlo

14/08/2026

We’re proud to have supported the Stingrays Cronulla R.S.L. Football Club for another fantastic season.

With Kevin Dwyer tied up in Court, we’ve called in a little AI assistance to help wish the Stingrays well as finals get underway.

It’s been a great season, with half of the Club’s competition teams making it through to the finals, a terrific achievement for the players, coaches, volunteers and families who make the Club what it is.

Good luck to every Stingrays team heading into the finals. We’ll be cheering you on!

Separating? Avoid these three common mistakes.Separation is often stressful and emotional, and it can be easy to make qu...
06/08/2026

Separating? Avoid these three common mistakes.

Separation is often stressful and emotional, and it can be easy to make quick decisions that create bigger problems later.

Kevin Dwyer shares three common mistakes to avoid:

1. Trying to hide assets
Emptying accounts, transferring money or trying to hide assets can start you out on the wrong foot. These actions are not only traceable and will be uncovered, but they undermine your ability to negotiate in good faith. There are plenty of ways to legitimately maximise your entitlement and financial outcome, but making a bad decision at the outset can lead to distrust and destroy the prospects of a quick and amicable settlement leading to delay and cost. More often than not such actions are regretted. It is important to get advice before making any major financial moves.

2. Sending angry messages
Texts, emails and social media posts sent in the heat of the moment can come back to hurt you later, particularly in parenting matters. Try to keep communication calm, respectful and focused on practical issues. Assume that one day your words may be read by a Judge who is deciding the future for your children or for your financial settlement, it might turn out to be right.

3. Agreeing to arrangements without advice
It can be tempting to agree quickly on parenting, property or who stays in the family home just to reduce conflict. But informal arrangements can have long-term consequences, so it is worth understanding your rights before you agree to anything.
Getting legal advice early can help you avoid costly mistakes and make clearer, more informed decisions.

Kevin is part of WMD Law’s experienced Family Law team and provides practical, straightforward advice to people navigating separation.

To speak with Kevin or another member of our Family Law team, call 9525 8688 or visit www.wmdlaw.com.au

28/07/2026

E-bikes are popular with young riders, but many parents are unsure what is legal and what could put their child at risk.

In our latest blog, E-Bikes and the Law in NSW: What Parents Need to Know, we explain the key rules around e-bikes, modified bikes, road use and what parents should be aware of.

To help promote the topic we have also created a video that is presented by an AI version of Kevin Dwyer, we are continuing to trial AI to help share useful legal information with the community.

Read the full article here: https://wmdlaw.com.au/2026/06/26/e-bikes-and-the-law-in-nsw/

Do prenups exist in Australia?Yes, although in Australia, they are generally known as Binding Financial Agreements, or ...
16/07/2026

Do prenups exist in Australia?

Yes, although in Australia, they are generally known as Binding Financial Agreements, or BFAs.

A BFA can help couples decide in advance how their property, finances, superannuation and debts will be dealt with if their relationship ends. They can be made before marriage, during a marriage or de facto relationship, or after separation. They are quite popular for second marriages and older couples where wealth has been built.

While talking about a financial agreement may not feel particularly romantic, it can provide clarity, protect existing assets and reduce the potential for costly disputes later, particularly where one or both partners:
• Own property or a business
• Have children from a previous relationship
• Expect to receive an inheritance
• Have significantly different financial positions
• Want greater certainty about their financial future

For a BFA to be legally binding, strict requirements must be followed, including each person receiving independent legal advice.

Our latest article explains how prenups work in Australia, what a Binding Financial Agreement can cover and why careful legal advice is essential.

Read “Prenups in Australia: What Is a Binding Financial Agreement?” https://wmdlaw.com.au/2026/06/25/prenups-australia-binding-financial-agreement/

To discuss whether a Binding Financial Agreement may be appropriate for your circumstances, contact WMD Law’s experienced Family Law team on 9525 8688

Congratulations to Annabelle Lloyd and Teigan Allan on their promotion to Associate.Annabelle is part of our Estate Divi...
10/07/2026

Congratulations to Annabelle Lloyd and Teigan Allan on their promotion to Associate.

Annabelle is part of our Estate Division, where she supports clients with care, professionalism and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Teigan works in our Family Law Group, assisting clients through what are often deeply personal and challenging matters with dedication and skill.

At WMD Law, we value talented people and are committed to nurturing their careers. Building and supporting an exceptional team is central to the way we deliver trusted advice and service to our clients.

Please join us in congratulating Annabelle and Teigan on this well-deserved career milestone.

Thinking about separating? Here are 3 things you should know before you make any major decisions.Separation can be one o...
03/07/2026

Thinking about separating? Here are 3 things you should know before you make any major decisions.

Separation can be one of the most stressful and uncertain times in a person’s life. Before moving out, making financial decisions, agreeing to parenting arrangements or deciding what happens to the family home, it is important to understand your legal position.

Lisa O’Leary, Director and Accredited Family Law Specialist at WMD Law, shares three key tips:

1. Understand the impact on property, finances and children
Separation can affect the family home, superannuation, business interests, trusts, inheritances and parenting arrangements.

2. Do not rely on informal agreements alone
Even if things are amicable, it is important to understand how agreements can be properly documented and what time limits may apply.

3. Get advice early
Early advice can help you avoid decisions that may be difficult, costly or stressful to unwind later.

If you are considering separation, or have recently separated, our Family Law team can help you understand your options and your next steps. Feel free to call us on 9525 8688 for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.

Happy End Of Financial Year to our clients, partners and friends.
30/06/2026

Happy End Of Financial Year to our clients, partners and friends.

Address

Level 4, 3-5 Stapleton Avenue
Sutherland, NSW
2232

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+61295258688

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WMD Law posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to WMD Law:

Shortcuts

Share

Category