Frequently Asked Questions
Free legal answers from Bell & Senior Lawyers. Browse FAQs on Wills, family law, domestic violence, employment, commercial leasing, bankruptcy, and more.
Important Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is general legal information only and is not specific legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Laws change regularly and every situation is unique.
We strongly advise you to contact us to discuss your specific situation before proceeding with any action based on the information provided here.
Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ library. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive, organised by practice area. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact our team for personalised assistance.
Neighbourhood Disputes
Neighbourhood Disputes. If you live on the Gold Coast, close proximity to your neighbours can sometimes lead to friction over dividing fences and trees.
Who is responsible for a retaining wall between two Queensland properties?
Who is responsible for a retaining wall between two Queensland properties?
Who is responsible for overhanging tree branches in Queensland?
Who is responsible for overhanging tree branches in Queensland?
Can QCAT solve my dividing fence dispute in Queensland?
Can QCAT solve my dividing fence dispute in Queensland?
Can I force my neighbor to trim trees blocking my view or solar panels in QLD?
Can I force my neighbor to trim trees blocking my view or solar panels in QLD?
Can I claim compensation if a neighbour's tree roots damage my pipes or pool?
Can I claim compensation if a neighbour's tree roots damage my pipes or pool?
Dispute Resolution FAQ
Queensland dispute resolution frequently asked questions covering QCAT consumer trader disputes, mediation, and civil claims.
Can I Take a Faulty Car Repair Dispute to QCAT?
Can I Take a Faulty Car Repair Dispute to QCAT?
General
Answers to common legal questions about JustFund fee funding, what to wear to court, being sued, and what to expect from your first appointment with a lawyer.
Where can I get free legal advice on the Gold Coast?
Where can I get free legal advice on the Gold Coast?
How much does an initial consultation cost?
How much does an initial consultation cost?
Rules for Storing and Transporting Petrol in Jerry Cans in QLD
Rules for Storing and Transporting Petrol in Jerry Cans in QLD
Do you offer payment plans?
Do you offer payment plans?
Can I have a consultation via phone or video (Zoom)?
Can I have a consultation via phone or video (Zoom)?
Do you offer funding for Family Law or Wills and Estates?
Do you offer funding for Family Law or Wills and Estates?
Commercial Law
Find clear answers to complex Commercial Law questions in Queensland. Our Southport solicitors explain make-good clauses, retail shop lease protections, rent
Are Verbal Agreements Legally Binding in Australia?
Are Verbal Agreements Legally Binding in Australia?
Can I completely exclude liability in my SaaS agreement?
Can I completely exclude liability in my SaaS agreement?
How many investors can I raise capital from without a prospectus?
How many investors can I raise capital from without a prospectus?
What business structure should I use for my Queensland tech startup?
What business structure should I use for my Queensland tech startup?
What is a PPSR registration and why does my startup need it?
What is a PPSR registration and why does my startup need it?
What is a statutory demand?
What is a statutory demand?
Administrative Law FAQs
Answers to common questions about administrative law, merits review, judicial review, and challenging government decisions in Queensland.
What can an Ombudsman actually do about a government decision?
What can an Ombudsman actually do about a government decision?
What is Administrative Law in Queensland?
What is Administrative Law in Queensland?
What does the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019 add to an administrative law challenge?
What does the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019 add to an administrative law challenge?
What is the difference between merits review and judicial review?
What is the difference between merits review and judicial review?
Does an online petition have any legal force in Queensland?
Does an online petition have any legal force in Queensland?
Who has standing to challenge a government or council decision in Queensland?'
Who has standing to challenge a government or council decision in Queensland?'
Family Law
Gold Coast family law answers: separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, financial agreements and court process in Queensland.
Can a Trust Protect an Inheritance From Your Child’s De Facto Partner?
Can a Trust Protect an Inheritance From Your Child’s De Facto Partner?
Can a Parent Relocate With a Child After Separation?
Can a Parent Relocate With a Child After Separation?
How Can Parenting Arrangements Be Changed?
How Can Parenting Arrangements Be Changed?
Parental Responsibility vs Time Spent With Children: What's the Difference?
Parental Responsibility vs Time Spent With Children: What's the Difference?
Is There a 50/50 Custody Presumption in Australia?
Is There a 50/50 Custody Presumption in Australia?
What Is the Best Interests of the Child Test in Family Law?
What Is the Best Interests of the Child Test in Family Law?
Planning & Environment FAQs
Answers to common questions about planning, development applications, environmental approvals, and council decisions in Queensland.
What is an impact assessable development application in Queensland?
What is an impact assessable development application in Queensland?
What is a code assessable development application and can it be challenged?
What is a code assessable development application and can it be challenged?
How do I make a properly made submission on a development application in Queensland?
How do I make a properly made submission on a development application in Queensland?
What approvals does the Springbrook Cableway need before it can proceed?
What approvals does the Springbrook Cableway need before it can proceed?
How do I appeal a development approval to the Planning and Environment Court?
How do I appeal a development approval to the Planning and Environment Court?
Wills & Estates
Protect your family's future with experienced Wills and Estates advice. Our Southport lawyers answer common questions about drafting valid Wills, achieving
Can a Grandchild Challenge a Will in Queensland?
Can a Grandchild Challenge a Will in Queensland?
Can an Interstate Child Be My Queensland Attorney or Executor?
Can an Interstate Child Be My Queensland Attorney or Executor?
Is a Copy of an Advance Health Directive Legally Binding in Queensland?
Is a Copy of an Advance Health Directive Legally Binding in Queensland?
Can a spouse challenge a will that leaves the family home to the other party?
Can a spouse challenge a will that leaves the family home to the other party?
Who Should Hold My Enduring Power of Attorney and Health Directive?
Who Should Hold My Enduring Power of Attorney and Health Directive?
What If an Executor Does Not Distribute an Estate Properly?
What If an Executor Does Not Distribute an Estate Properly?
Guardianship & QCAT FAQs
Guardianship & QCAT FAQs. Guardianship laws protect vulnerable adults who have impaired capacity to make their own decisions.
How to Apply for QCAT Guardianship in Queensland
How to Apply for QCAT Guardianship in Queensland
What can I do if a family member has been removed to care by a non-family carer?
What can I do if a family member has been removed to care by a non-family carer?
How do I apply to QCAT to become a guardian for a family member in Queensland?
How do I apply to QCAT to become a guardian for a family member in Queensland?
What is coercive control and financial abuse under Queensland law?
What is coercive control and financial abuse under Queensland law?
Property Law
Find experienced answers to common property law and conveyancing questions on the Gold Coast. Our Southport team explains the buying and selling process,
Do Boundary Encroachments Matter for My Executor?
Do Boundary Encroachments Matter for My Executor?
What happens on property settlement day in Queensland?
What happens on property settlement day in Queensland?
Should I get legal advice on a Form 6 before appointing an agent?
Should I get legal advice on a Form 6 before appointing an agent?
What is a sunset clause in an off-the-plan contract in QLD?
What is a sunset clause in an off-the-plan contract in QLD?
How do I evict a tenant in Queensland for unpaid rent?
How do I evict a tenant in Queensland for unpaid rent?
What is the cooling-off period when buying a house in Queensland?
What is the cooling-off period when buying a house in Queensland?
Technology
Technology & Cyber Risk Law FAQs. Guidance for startups, software companies, and e-commerce businesses on legal compliance, cyber risk management, and
Are FPV Goggles, Night Flying and Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Flights Legal?
Are FPV Goggles, Night Flying and Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Flights Legal?
Can I Fly a Drone for My Business or Social Media?
Can I Fly a Drone for My Business or Social Media?
Can I Fly a Drone Near an Airport or Helicopter Landing Site?
Can I Fly a Drone Near an Airport or Helicopter Landing Site?
Can I Fly a Drone Over Beaches, Parks or Crowds?
Can I Fly a Drone Over Beaches, Parks or Crowds?
Do I Need a Licence to Fly a Drone in Australia?
Do I Need a Licence to Fly a Drone in Australia?
Do I Need to Register My Drone in Australia?
Do I Need to Register My Drone in Australia?
Defamation
experienced defamation law answers for Gold Coast residents and businesses. From social media posts and fake reviews to receiving a concerns notice: Bell &
What is defamation in Queensland?
What is defamation in Queensland?
What is the serious harm threshold in Queensland defamation law?
What is the serious harm threshold in Queensland defamation law?
Can social media posts and text messages be defamatory in Queensland?
Can social media posts and text messages be defamatory in Queensland?
Do I need to send a concerns notice before suing for defamation in Queensland?
Do I need to send a concerns notice before suing for defamation in Queensland?
What do I do if I receive a defamation letter in Queensland?
What do I do if I receive a defamation letter in Queensland?
What are the defamation risks for community Facebook pages opposing a development?
What are the defamation risks for community Facebook pages opposing a development?
Consumer
Experienced consumer law answers for Gold Coast residents and businesses. From travel booking cancellations and refund rights to stolen parcels and Australia
What Evidence Should I Keep When Hiring a Rental Car?
What Evidence Should I Keep When Hiring a Rental Car?
Can I Change Lawyers Partway Through My Case in Queensland?
Can I Change Lawyers Partway Through My Case in Queensland?
Door to Door Sales and Your 10-Day Cooling Off Rights Under Australian Consumer Law
Door to Door Sales and Your 10-Day Cooling Off Rights Under Australian Consumer Law
What are my rights if a travel company cancels my tour and keeps my money?
What are my rights if a travel company cancels my tour and keeps my money?
Can a Club or Not-for-Profit Increase Membership Fees Mid-Year?
Can a Club or Not-for-Profit Increase Membership Fees Mid-Year?
Who should lodge the Australia Post insurance claim: buyer or seller?
Who should lodge the Australia Post insurance claim: buyer or seller?
Criminal Law
Confused about criminal proceedings? Our experienced Southport criminal defence lawyers provide clear answers to common questions about police interviews,
Do I need a lawyer for a minor criminal charge in Queensland?
Do I need a lawyer for a minor criminal charge in Queensland?
I've been charged with drink driving. Can I get a work license?
I've been charged with drink driving. Can I get a work license?
What should I do if arrested by police in Queensland?
What should I do if arrested by police in Queensland?
What is the difference between summary and indictable offences in Queensland?
What is the difference between summary and indictable offences in Queensland?
How does bail work in Queensland?
How does bail work in Queensland?
What is the difference between a summary and indictable offence?
What is the difference between a summary and indictable offence?
Domestic Violence
experienced answers on Domestic Violence Orders, protection applications, breach consequences, and your legal rights in Queensland DVO proceedings.
What is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland?
What is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland?
Being charged with Breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland under s139
Being charged with Breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland under s139
Being charged with Coercive Control in Queensland under s176A
Being charged with Coercive Control in Queensland under s176A
How do I apply for a Domestic Violence Order?
How do I apply for a Domestic Violence Order?
Should I consent to a DVO 'Without Admission'?
Should I consent to a DVO 'Without Admission'?
What happens if I breach a Domestic Violence Order?
What happens if I breach a Domestic Violence Order?
Debt & Insolvency
experienced answers on bankruptcy, Statutory Demands, company winding-up, and insolvency options for individuals and businesses in Queensland.
Can I keep my house if I declare bankruptcy?
Can I keep my house if I declare bankruptcy?
I received a Statutory Demand. What do I do?
I received a Statutory Demand. What do I do?
What is a Director Penalty Notice (DPN)?
What is a Director Penalty Notice (DPN)?
What is the difference between Bankruptcy and Liquidation?
What is the difference between Bankruptcy and Liquidation?
What is a Winding Up Application?
What is a Winding Up Application?
Intellectual Property FAQs
Answers to common questions about intellectual property law in Queensland, including copyright, trademarks, and protecting creative works.
How to Protect a Song's Copyright Before Sending It to a Publisher
How to Protect a Song's Copyright Before Sending It to a Publisher
Traffic Law FAQs
Frequently asked questions regarding Queensland traffic law, drink driving penalties, work licences, and disputing traffic fines.