Nicole Barnard

Practice Manager Nicole successfully completed her Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice) at Swinburne University Wantirna in 2006. Following completion of her studies, Nicole has worked in a range of different legal areas including Civil Litigation, Commercial...

Alexandra Hale

Owner and Director Accredited Specialist – Family Law Alexandra has been an Owner and Director of Johnstone & Reimer Lawyers since 2017 and has co-led the successful growth of the firm to its current capacity, employing more than 50 staff and operating...

Dangers of informal “loans” from Mum and Dad

It is no secret that many young people are finding it increasingly difficult to “get on the property train” to buy their first home. They can’t save quickly enough to meet a deposit in the ever-increasing property market, even saving together as partners. Rents are...

Superannuation death benefits can produce unintended estate planning outcomes

Picture this: You have a house worth about half a million, plus superannuation worth about half a million, including all life insurance policies. That’s a million dollars you can give to beneficiaries via your Will, wouldn’t you think? Not so fast! We’ve previously...

Informal Family Law Arrangements Fraught with Danger

Many people try to settle family law property settlements without formalising the arrangements. One may choose to “pay out” their ex-partner in an informal arrangement without obtaining court orders or making a Binding Financial Agreement. Informal arrangements are...