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Before signing a guarantee, ask yourself one question: "Would I be prepared to pay this debt myself if the borrower does...
20/10/2026

Before signing a guarantee, ask yourself one question: "Would I be prepared to pay this debt myself if the borrower does not?"

If the answer is no, think very carefully. Courts routinely enforce guarantees, and setting them aside on grounds like undue influence or unconscionable conduct is only granted in rare, exceptional circumstances.

Always determine your maximum personal exposure and get genuine independent legal advice before you sign.

Need advice on a loan or guarantee? Contact Jeffrey Choy at:

📞 0419 233 670
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 https://jcllegal.com.au/

Trust is not a substitute for legal protection.A request to “just sign as guarantor” puts your personal assets directly ...
13/10/2026

Trust is not a substitute for legal protection.
A request to “just sign as guarantor” puts your personal assets directly on the line. If the borrower defaults, your liability often extends beyond the loan to interest, default fees, and enforcement costs.

Unless you are directly benefiting, think twice before signing. A guarantee is a legally binding commitment that can be difficult and costly to undo.

Before you commit, make sure you know your maximum exposure.

Contact Jeffrey Choy at JCL Legal for independent legal advice:
📞 0419 233 670
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 https://jcllegal.com.au/

Is a Binding Financial Agreement right for you?A conversation about your financial future may be especially worthwhile i...
07/10/2026

Is a Binding Financial Agreement right for you?

A conversation about your financial future may be especially worthwhile if you or your partner:

• Have significantly different assets or earning capacities
• Own or have an interest in a family business
• Have children from a previous relationship
• Expect a substantial inheritance

A BFA can help couples plan how their finances will be handled if their relationship ends. But the process matters just as much as the document, including financial disclosure, fair negotiation and independent legal advice for each person.

In the final newsletter of his BFA series, Jeffrey Choy explores what to consider and why an agreement should reflect both your current circumstances and possible future changes.

Considering a BFA? Contact Jeffrey to discuss your circumstances.

📞 0419 233 670
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 https://jcllegal.com.au/

A Binding Financial Agreement can offer valuable protection and certainty, but it is not always the right solution for e...
30/09/2026

A Binding Financial Agreement can offer valuable protection and certainty, but it is not always the right solution for every couple.

In my latest newsletter, I look at the advantages and disadvantages of Binding Financial Agreements and why they should be considered carefully.

A BFA can provide certainty, help protect assets and businesses, and potentially reduce the risk of costly disputes. But it can also create problems if it is poorly drafted, unfairly negotiated, or no longer reflects a couple’s circumstances.

The key question is whether a BFA is appropriate for your particular circumstances, assets, relationship and future plans?

Read my full newsletter here

📞 0419 233 670
🌐 jcllegal.com.au

A Binding Financial Agreement is not simply a document that becomes effective once it is signed.In my latest newsletter,...
23/09/2026

A Binding Financial Agreement is not simply a document that becomes effective once it is signed.

In my latest newsletter, I discuss the key requirements that must be met for a BFA to be legally binding, including independent legal advice, full financial disclosure, and the importance of entering into an agreement without pressure.

Timing also matters. Entering into an agreement under pressure or without adequate preparation may create risks that affect its enforceability.

Read my latest newsletter to understand what you should consider before entering into a Binding Financial Agreement.

Contact JCL Legal for advice about Binding Financial Agreements.

📞 0419 233 670
🌐 jcllegal.com.au

In my latest newsletter, I discuss Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and why they can provide clarity for couples plan...
16/09/2026

In my latest newsletter, I discuss Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) and why they can provide clarity for couples planning their financial future.

Many people know them as "prenups", but a BFA is much broader. It allows couples to make their own arrangements regarding property, businesses, investments, inheritances, superannuation and other financial matters.

A BFA is not only for wealthy couples. When prepared correctly, it can provide certainty and help avoid unnecessary disputes in the future.

Contact JCL Legal for advice about Binding Financial Agreements.

📞 0419 233 670
🌐 jcllegal.com.au

Have you considered what happens to your assets after you pass away?A Will is an important part of estate planning, but ...
09/09/2026

Have you considered what happens to your assets after you pass away?

A Will is an important part of estate planning, but it is also essential to consider potential family provision claims and how lifetime transactions may impact your estate.

In my latest newsletter, I discuss how NSW’s notional estate provisions allow the Court to look beyond the assets left behind in certain circumstances.

Careful planning today can help reduce future disputes and protect your intentions.

📞 0419 233 670
🌐 jcllegal.com.au

When a loved one passes away, finding out you’ve been left out of the will—or not adequately provided for—can be deeply ...
31/08/2026

When a loved one passes away, finding out you’ve been left out of the will—or not adequately provided for—can be deeply painful. But simply being an eligible relative isn't always enough to guarantee a claim.
In Australia, courts balance the deceased’s final wishes against their moral obligation to provide adequate support for their family's actual financial needs. Factors like your current financial situation, health, lifetime contributions, and past relationship history all play a critical role in the outcome.
Whether you need to challenge an unfair distribution or want to draft a bulletproof estate plan that protects your legacy, clear legal guidance makes all the difference.
Protect your rights and navigate estate disputes with confidence.
👉 Book a legal consultation today at jcllegal.com.au

Not everyone can make a Family Provision Claim — but more people are "eligible" than most realise. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Spouses, de fa...
26/08/2026

Not everyone can make a Family Provision Claim — but more people are "eligible" than most realise. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Spouses, de facto partners, children (including adopted children), former spouses, dependent grandchildren, and people in a close personal relationship with the deceased can all potentially apply.
But eligibility is only step one. The Court also looks at:
1.Your financial needs and resources
2.Your relationship with the deceased
3.The size of the estate
4.What other beneficiaries need too
Two siblings, same parent — doesn't always mean equal provision. The Court looks at the full picture.
And time matters: claims generally must be made within 12 months of the date of death.
If you or someone you love may have a claim — or you're planning your own will and want to avoid future disputes — don't wait until it's complicated.
Learn more about Family Provision Claims and how JCL Legal can help → link in bio | jcllegal.com.au

Did you know a valid will doesn't always guarantee your wishes are the final word? 📝Under NSW's Succession Act 2006, cer...
19/08/2026

Did you know a valid will doesn't always guarantee your wishes are the final word? 📝
Under NSW's Succession Act 2006, certain family members and dependants can apply to the Court for a fair share of an estate — even if a will says otherwise. It's called family provision, and it's more common (and more misunderstood) than most people realise.
Being a spouse, child, or eligible person doesn't automatically entitle you to a set share — the Court looks at each person's individual circumstances. That's why proper estate planning matters, whether you're drafting a will or protecting one from a future claim.
Have questions about your will or a potential family provision claim? Book a consultation with JCL Legal today 👉 https://jcllegal.com.au/

Address

Level 8, 65 York Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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