Insights & News
The end of add-backs as we know them in family law property settlement cases
Tonkin Drysdale Partners examines the landmark decision in Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] FedCFamC1A 126 to explore its implications for property settlement laws in family law matters. This case represents a pivotal shift in how the courts will now approach the treatment of dissipated assets and the concept of “add-backs”.
October 29, 2025
Common Causes of Executor Disputes
The role of an executor is critical in the administration of a deceased estate. However, disputes involving executors are increasingly common — and can significantly delay or derail the administration of an estate.
October 9, 2025
Informal Testamentary Documents in Estate Litigation
Tonkin Drysdale Partners’ Estate Litigation Specialist and Partner, Dominic Tonkin, discusses the recent Supreme Court decision in Peek v Wheatley [2025] NSWSC 554 which examined the validity of an informal will discovered on the iPhone of the deceased.
September 22, 2025
What happens if there is no will?
Dying without a valid Will in New South Wales can have significant and often unintended consequences for your loved ones. When someone dies intestate (without a Will), their estate is distributed according to the NSW intestacy laws under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).
September 12, 2025
Casual employment, the risks & new rules
A significant recent development in employment law is the right of eligible casual employees to request conversion to permanent employment. This blog explores casual employment and the changes.
August 28, 2025
How a Shareholder Agreement Can Safeguard Your Business
Disagreements between business partners are more common than many expect. A carefully drafted shareholder agreement plays a vital role in managing these risks by clearly setting out the rights, obligations and expectations of all shareholders.
August 12, 2025
TDP features in Australian Financial Review
The prospect of one sibling receiving more than another is one of the most common triggers for will contests and family provision claims. This issue was front and centre in a national feature published in Australian Financial Review on 1 August.
August 6, 2025
Key Lessons from Girotto v Girotto 2025 for Estate Litigation
The recent Supreme Court of NSW decision in Girotto v Girotto [2025] NSWSC 616 underscores the weight the Court places on a testator’s clear and rational intentions when determining family provision claims.
July 24, 2025
Changes to Family Law from May 2025
Significant amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 will come into effect on 10 June 2025, applying to all separating couples in Australia, impacting property settlements, financial disclosure obligations, pet custody arrangements and more.
June 6, 2025
How Long Do You Have To Make a Personal Injury Claim?
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, it’s important to understand that strict time limits apply to making a personal injury claim in New South Wales.
May 22, 2025
Understanding Family Provision Claims
When a loved one passes away, the distribution of their estate is typically managed according to their will or if they did not make a will
May 9, 2025
Personal Injury Laws and Workers Compensation
Workplace accidents happen more often than many people realise, and when they do, understanding your rights under personal injury laws is essential.
April 14, 2025
