A two-lot strata scheme, common in duplexes and dual occupancies, is not exempt from NSW strata legislation just because there are only two owners. The owners corporation still exists and carries statutory duties for insurance, maintenance and annual reporting, though some requirements, such as collective building insurance or a capital works fund, can be exempted in specific circumstances, such as when the buildings are fully detached. Because decisions in a two-lot scheme generally need agreement between both owners rather than a majority vote, disagreements can deadlock and may need to go to mediation or NCAT, so documenting arrangements properly through by-laws matters more, not less, with only two owners.
A dual entitlement title can arise in NSW after a boundary adjustment, where each neighbour continues to separately own the part of land that was formerly their own lot, rather than owning the new lot jointly. Because both titles still show separate ownership, a simple Transfer isn't enough to fix it: a Deed of Partition is generally required to legally divide the interests before registration with NSW Land Registry Services. Owners should get legal advice early, as transfer duty and potential tax implications need to be assessed before documents are signed, not after settlement is arranged.
From December 2026, new NSW legislation clarifies who can lawfully consent to restrictive practices for adults who lack decision-making capacity. Being an Enduring Guardian doesn't automatically give someone this authority — the Appointment of Enduring Guardian must specifically name restrictive practices as an authorised decision. Families should review existing appointments now, especially before a loved one moves into residential aged care, as aged care providers will require this specific authorisation before restrictive practices can be used
Many people don't realise their superannuation isn't automatically covered by their Will. Here's how death benefits are distributed in NSW, and what you can do to make sure your super goes where you intend.
Right to reside clauses can provide security for a surviving spouse or dependent relative - but they come with risks for both the occupant and the beneficiaries. Here's what NSW Will makers need to know.
The Federal Government has confirmed that testamentary trusts will be exempt from the proposed 2026 changes to discretionary trust taxation. Here is what NSW families need to know about how the budget announcement affects estate planning with a testamentary trust will.
Not everything you own is automatically covered by your Will. This article explains the difference between estate and non-estate assets in NSW, and why it matters for your estate planning.
NSW's notional estate provisions give the Supreme Court broad powers to draw assets like superannuation and jointly owned property into family provision claims. Learn what this means for estates, beneficiaries, and estate planning on the Northern Beaches and beyond.
If you're the sole director and shareholder of your company, have you thought about what happens to the business when you die? The company doesn't automatically close - but without a Will and proper planning in place, it can quickly become difficult, or even impossible, to operate.
When someone passes away, their Will (or the NSW Succession Act 2006 if there is no Will) determines how their estate is distributed - but where all interested parties agree, that distribution can be varied through a legally binding agreement known as a Deed of Family Arrangement.
Blended families can add complexity to estate planning, particularly when step-children are involved. A common concern in New South Wales is whether step-children can challenge a Will if they are excluded or left little provision.