Estate planning is often misunderstood as something only wealthy and elderly people need. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you own a family home, a business, or simply have superannuation or children to care for, having a sound estate plan is essential. In Queensland, failing to get it right can result in … Read more
After a successful workers’ compensation claim in Queensland, returning to work involves more than just showing up. It’s supported by legal protections, structured planning, and clear responsibilities for both employers and employees. In 2024, Safe Work Australia recorded over 139,000 serious work injury claims, with the average time off work sitting at around 7 weeks. … Read more
An Enduring Power of Attorney is one of the most powerful safeguards you can put in place in Queensland. It ensures that if you lose the ability to make decisions, someone you trust is legally empowered to step in—protecting your personal, financial, and health interests. In this guide, we’ll explain how EPAs work, your legal … Read more
If you’ve suffered a psychological injury due to sexual harassment at work, you may be entitled to workers compensation. Sexual harassment can cause serious emotional and mental harm, and the law recognises this. In this article, we explain your rights, how the workers compensation system applies to sexual harassment, and what steps you need to … Read more
Not wearing a seatbelt in Queensland can lead to serious safety risks, legal penalties, and reduced compensation after an accident. The research is clear: seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 50%. Although 98% of respondents to a 2023 study claimed they always wore seat belts, 2% still represented more than 79,000 Queensland drivers, based … Read more
Protecting your estate from family provision applications in Queensland requires strategic planning, especially since 77% of claims are successful. While you can’t completely prevent someone from contesting your Will, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful claim with the right approach. This article explores ten proven strategies to safeguard your legacy and ensure … Read more
What happens to my pet when I die? It’s a question more Australians are asking as pets become cherished family members. Without a clear plan, your beloved animal could end up in a shelter, with strangers, or even be put down. That’s why including your pet in your estate planning isn’t just a kind gesture—it’s … Read more
In 2024, the average temperature in Queensland climbed to 31.3°C, 1.4°C higher than the average from 1960 to 1990. In these temperatures, working in the heat presents serious health risks for thousands of workers across industries, especially during summer. From construction sites to farms, factories to schools, heat-related illnesses affect productivity and can lead to … Read more
There is no question about it—everyone must make a Will to secure their legacy. However, it’s equally important that a person fully understands the nature and consequences of their decisions when creating one. What happens, though, if their mental capacity was impaired at the time? In Queensland, proving a lack of testamentary capacity is not … Read more
Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related deaths in the world, a legacy of the country’s extensive use of asbestos before its 2003 nationwide ban. Estimates show that asbestos-related diseases account for 4000 deaths in Australia each year, according to a 2023 paper published in Sustainability. For Queensland workers who have developed diseases … Read more
In this information age, we store a significant part of our lives online—our finances, memories, businesses, and entertainment. As a result, estate planning for digital assets has evolved from a niche concern to a vital aspect of modern estate planning in Australia. According to Statista, the number of Australian digital asset users is expected to … Read more
At ROC Legal, we recently achieved a significant victory in the Supreme Court of Queensland, securing a just outcome for our client in a complex estate dispute. Justice Treston’s decision reinforces fundamental principles of estate administration and the court’s power to intervene when executors fail to fulfill their duties. Case Background Our firm represented an … Read more
Motor vehicle accidents are a grim reality on Queensland’s roads, with 302 fatalities recorded in 2024—the highest toll in over a decade. Further, in 2022-2023 around 75% of transport accidents involved cars, according to the AIHW. Globally, these accidents cause more than 1.35 million deaths every year. But behind these stark figures lie a larger, … Read more
When an illness or injury keeps you from working, financial stress can make a tough situation even harder. Total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection claims offer crucial support, but they serve different purposes. Knowing how they work—and whether you can claim both—can help secure your future. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding … Read more
Moving forward after an illness or injury that prevents you from working can be daunting, especially with the accompanying financial strain and uncertainty about your future. Fortunately, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance offers much-needed relief. Understanding the most common TPD claims can significantly impact your approach to filing a claim. Whether you are dealing … Read more
The death of a loved one can leave families wondering about the future. But at an already difficult time, they’re faced with immediate financial pressures. Funeral expenses need payment, household bills continue arriving, and mortgage or rent payments don’t pause. To ease the burden, families can make a death benefit claim. In this article, we … Read more
For many injured Australians, a TPD claim can provide considerable support. Unfortunately, not all claims are approved. We understand how disappointing having a rejected TPD claim can be after you’ve already been through physical, emotional, and financial challenges. But you are not alone. According to a 2023 report from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), … Read more
Fatigue-related driving accidents represent one of Australia’s most serious road safety challenges. According to recent research, approximately 20% of road accidents in Australia are due to fatigue-related crashes. This represents almost 1200 deaths in 2022, according to the International Transport Forum. Understanding the causes, effects, and compensation options for these accidents is crucial for both … Read more
Public events such as festivals, concerts, and community gatherings should be times of celebration and enjoyment, but when safety measures fail, the resulting injuries can shatter lives. From crowd crushes at festivals to collapsing stages or slippery surfaces at community fairs, these incidents highlight the importance of event safety. Organisers have a legal obligation to … Read more
Many Australians are tempted by the convenience and apparent cost savings of online Wills and DIY Will kits. While these options may seem attractive, particularly during financially challenging times, it’s crucial to understand both their limitations and potential risks. This comprehensive guide explores the realities of DIY estate planning and why professional legal advice might … Read more
