Enforcing Your South African Will in Australia

Once arriving in Australia, it is important to ensure that your Will is enforceable under Australian law. Australian courts will generally be fair in giving effect to foreign Wills, but they must follow the Australian law, which might mean that the deceased's wishes are not properly met. It is absolutely essential that you ensure that your last wishes are adapted to suit the Australian legal system once you have arrived in Australia. 

Although Wills that have been properly made in almost any country will generally be valid in Australia, your family will have to go through the lengthy process of proving to the Supreme Court that it is valid in your home country. This process is called probate and it can be a very time consuming and costly exercise. 

Adapting or Revising Your Will

Pathway provides comprehensive and cost-effective Wills advice to ensure that your family, property and personal assets are well protected in Australia. Adapting or revising your Will as soon as possible after your arrival protects your loved ones, potentially saving them months, or even years, of waiting for the administration of your estate to be finalised. The process of adapting or revising your Will is neither lengthy, nor expensive, and will help ensure that the administration of your estate is as stress-free as possible for your friends and family.

Pathway's Australian legal qualifications, together with our ongoing knowledge of your personal circumstances, mean that we are best placed to adapt your current Will, or draw a new Will, that will ensure that your estate will be distributed as you desire. 

To receive the above assistance or any other legal service please contact us on admin@pathwaylawyers.com.au

Reviewing Australian Agreements

Australian contractual dealings are generally more demanding than South African agreements, and have terms and concepts which may be unrecognisable to recent migrants. Most Australian contracts impose a stipulation that you must have had the contract reviewed by a lawyer before signing it. As your Australian lawyers, Pathway is perfectly placed to expertly review and decipher the complexities of your Australian contracts and agreements. 

Drafting Australian Contracts

We also collaborate closely with you to create and implement word-perfect and water-tight Australian contracts for your personal and business use. Just as you need to be aware of Australian legal requirements when signing a contract, you need to ensure that your Australian contracts contain the necessary legal provisions to ensure they will be binding and enforceable under Australian law. 

Our contract specialists can prepare and review all types of Australian contracts, including:

lease agreements;

• employment contracts;
• shareholder’s agreements;
• purchase agreements; and
• relevant relocation documentation.

We are also specialists in all forms of Australian legal writing such as affidavits, statutory declarations, legal letters and court documents. Pathway's Australian legal qualifications, together with our ongoing knowledge of your individual circumstances, mean that we are best placed to take care of your Australian contracts and agreements.

To receive the above assistance or any other legal service please contact us on admin@pathwaylawyers.com.au

Purchase of Property

Unlike the South African system where only registered conveyancers can attend to property transfers, all Australian lawyers are qualified to deal with all of your property issues, including the conveyance of land.

The process of purchasing a property in Australia is extremely different to the South African system. One significant difference is the Australian 'settlement' process, where all concerned parties must be present, and the relevant paperwork, as well as payment/s by cheque, are exchanged. It is important that you have someone you can rely on to explain and clarify those differences, and who has your best interests at heart. 

Property Services

Pathway's Australian lawyers are not only able to explain the nuances of the Australian property system in a straightforward manner, but we are also able to attend to all property-related issues. Our experienced lawyers can assist you with: 

• preparation and review of contracts of sale;
• executing and settling property transfers; 
• preparation and review of personal and commercial lease agreements; and
• lodging caveats and mortgages.

Whether you’re looking for a family home or a commercial property

To receive the above assistance or any other legal service please contact us on admin@pathwaylawyers.com.au