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# Flint Lawyers: Flint Lawyers is a boutique commercial law firm based in Melbourne CBD, offering expert legal services to Australian businesses and individuals. Specialising in commercial law, technology law, property and construction law, and dispute resolution, the firm also assists individuals with conveyancing, wills and probate, estate and wealth planning, and notary public services. Located at Level 4, 501 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Flint Lawyers combines responsive, personalised service with deep legal expertise across some of the most complex areas of Australian law.

## Sitemaps
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## Posts
- [Navigating In Specie Property Transfers: How Executors and Trustees Can Minimise Stamp Duty](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/navigating-in-specie-property-transfers/): Transferring property in specie (in its current physical form, rather than selling it and distributing the cash proceeds) from a deceased estate or trust to a beneficiary is a complex process. In Victoria, these land transfers are subject to significant land transfer duty (stamp duty) by default. However, under the Duties Act 2000 (Vic), many of these transactions can legally be assessed at $0 duty. Securing this exemption requires strict compliance with State Revenue Office (SRO) evidentiary guidelines. Here is how Flint Lawyers assists executors and trustees in navigating these hurdles, even in complex scenarios.
- [Navigating Victoria’s New Conveyancing Landscape: What Changed on 1 July 2026?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/victorias-new-conveyancing-landscape/): Buying or selling property in Victoria has always required close attention to detail. Still, since 1 July 2026, the regulatory landscape has become noticeably more complex, especially for residential, commercial, and vacant land transactions. These changes directly affect your obligations and risks during property transactions. From updated property tax thresholds to strict new building work disclosures, non-compliance can allow a purchaser to terminate a contract before settlement. Here is a breakdown of what has changed and why having a dedicated legal partner like Flint Lawyers is more critical than ever, so you can feel confident navigating these updates.
- [New Work From Home Rights in Victoria – What Your Business needs to know.](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/work-from-home-rights-victoria/): The Victorian Government has announced plans to amend the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) to provide employees in Victoria with a legal right to work from home up to two days per week. For businesses with over 15 employees, the reforms are proposed to take effect on 1 September 2026. Smaller businesses are expected to be given until 1 July 2027 to comply. The final form of the legislation is expected to be released in July 2026.
- [Why You Should Use a Lawyer (Not Just a Conveyancer) for Conveyancing Melbourne VIC](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/use-a-lawyer-for-conveyancing-melbourne-vic/): Buying or selling a home is a major step. Each step needs care and legal skill. Many people believe they only need a conveyancer. This is not always true. A lawyer brings deeper legal skill and stronger protection. This can make a major difference to your result. When dealing with Conveyancing Melbourne VIC, it is important to know why a lawyer is the safer choice.
- [Complying with Victoria’s New Psychological Health Regulations](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/complying-with-victoria-psychological-health/): Do I need to do anything? – YES - you need to develop, document, and carry out a systematic risk assessment and management process.
- [Caveats on title: How to proceed with a sale](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/caveat-on-title-property-sale/): When purchasing property, one of the first things a prudent purchaser should examine is the title. A caveat appearing on that title is a red flag. It signals that another party is claiming an interest in the property and wants to be notified before any dealings occur. For a purchaser, this is not the end of the road, but it does require careful handling to ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly and the property is transferred free from competing claims.
- [Mortgagee Sales Explained: Risks and Opportunities for Purchasers](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/mortgagee-sale-risks-opportunities/): Purchasing property through a mortgagee sale can present a unique mix of risks and opportunities. While the chance of securing a property below market value is appealing, the process is not as straightforward as a standard sale. Purchasers need to understand the dynamics at play, as well as the protections and limitations that come with these transactions.
- [Stamp Duty and CGT Implications for Estate and Trust Distributions](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/stamp-duty-and-cgt-trust-distributions/): Acting as a trustee involves more than simply administering documents. Trustees carry the responsibility of ensuring assets are distributed in a way that is legally compliant, financially efficient, and aligned with the trust deed or will. Two issues that regularly arise in this process are stamp duty and capital gains tax (CGT). Both can have a significant effect on the value that ultimately reaches beneficiaries, and trustees who understand the rules are far better placed to protect the interests of the trust or estate.
- [Transferring Property to a Beneficiary Instead of Cash](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/transferring-property-to-a-beneficiary/): Transferring property to a beneficiary may feel like an internal reshuffle within the trust, but from a tax and legal perspective, it can be a disposal, particularly for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes. The ATO treats this as a CGT event (E5 or E7, depending on the trust structure), meaning the trust is taken to have disposed of the property at market value at the time of the transfer.
- [Dealing with Multiple Executors or Trustees in Property Sales](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/multiple-executors-property-sale/): Execution issues are one of the most common (and preventable) delays in estate property sales. Make sure early on that all executors or trustees are identified correctly on the title and in any agency or legal documents. If someone has changed their name or their signature doesn’t match official ID, sort it out before contracts are issued.
- [Conveyancing After Death: Selling Property from a Deceased Estate](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/conveyancing-after-death/): Once probate is underway or granted, you’ll still need to approach the sale like any other conveyancing matter, but with a few extra checks.
- [Distributions from Trusts: Legal Considerations in Conveyancing](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/distributions-from-trusts-legal-conveyancing/): Key steps when transferring property from a discretionary or unit trust to a beneficiary
- [When Can a Landlord Terminate a Retail Lease? A Closer Look at Demolition Clauses in Victoria](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/demolition-clause-retail-lease-victoria/): Built into many retail leases is a quiet power: the ability to terminate early if demolition is on the cards. But as case law shows, these clauses don’t give landlords a blank cheque. Whether you're leasing out a shop or running a business from one, it's worth understanding how these clauses work in practice.
- [Retail Leasing – Tenant Spotlight.](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/release-from-personal-guarantees-retail-lease/): On entering into a retail lease, it’s very common for a landlord to require additional security that the tenant (usually a company or trust) will meet its lease obligations. This particularly applies where the tenant is a new business, a company with limited assets, or has no proven financial track record.
- [Why a Licence Might Still Be a Lease: Avoiding Hidden Retail Lease Obligations in Victoria](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-lease-obligations-victoria/): In commercial property, it’s common to hear the terms "licence" and "lease" used interchangeably. For landlords and tenants alike, the distinction can feel academic; however, it is very important. In Victoria, even if an agreement is titled a “licence”, it might still be treated as a lease under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) ("the Act"), triggering substantial legal obligations and tenant protections.
- [When Your Tenant Wants to Sell the Business – Landlord Rights in Victoria](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/tenant-lease-assignment-victoria/): It’s a familiar phone call for many landlords: the tenant is planning to sell their business, and the buyer wants to take over the lease. At first glance, it might seem straightforward. But lease assignments come with legal implications, and as a landlord, it’s important to know where you stand both in terms of your rights and your obligations.
- [What You Can (and Can’t) Charge Retail Tenants: A Guide for Landlords in Victoria](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-lease-charges-victoria-landlord-guide/): For landlords leasing out retail premises in Victoria, it’s important to strike the right balance between recovering legitimate costs and staying within the limits of the law. The Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) sets out clear rules around what landlords can charge tenants and what’s off-limits. Misunderstanding these obligations can lead to disputes, lost income, or even unenforceable lease terms.
- [Retail Lease Fit-Out Contributions: Legal Traps and Smart Structuring](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-lease-fit-out-contribution/): The Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) regulates retail leasing arrangements across the state and sets specific rules around disclosure, tenant obligations, capital costs and early termination. If fit-out contributions aren’t structured and documented carefully, they can expose both landlords and tenants to disputes or even give tenants the right to terminate the lease early.
- [Returning the Premises: What happens at the end of a retail lease?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/end-of-a-retail-lease-victoria/):  When a retail lease comes to an end, it's not as simple as handing back the keys and walking away. Both landlords and tenants have legal rights and obligations to consider, particularly in relation to how the premises must be returned. Disagreements at this stage are common, but most can be avoided with clear planning, good communication, and an understanding of the key legal issues involved.
- [Make-Good Clauses in Leases: What’s Fair and What’s Not?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/make-good-clause-retail-lease/): “Make-good” clauses — the provisions in a retail lease that require a tenant to restore the premises at the end of the lease — are one of the most disputed aspects of commercial leasing. While landlords want their premises returned in good condition and ready for the next tenant, tenants often feel blindsided by costly and sometimes ambiguous end-of-lease obligations.
- [Exercise With Caution: How Retail Tenants Can Secure (or Lose) Their Option to Renew](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-tenants-renewal-tips/): For many retail businesses, the right to stay in the same premises beyond the initial lease term is essential for brand stability, customer retention, and investment certainty. That’s why retail leases in Victoria and New South Wales often include an option to renew. But this seemingly simple right can become a legal minefield if mishandled. If not properly exercised, the opportunity to stay in your premises may be lost.
- [Retail Lease Disclosure Obligations: Get it Right in Victoria and NSW](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-lease-disclosure-victoria-nsw/): Entering into a retail lease is a significant step for both landlords and tenants. To promote transparency and fair dealing, both Victoria and New South Wales impose strict disclosure obligations on landlords under their respective Retail Leases Acts.
- [Renewal Rights and Market Rent Reviews: What Tenants in Victoria Should Know](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/retail-rights-and-lease-renewal-victoria/): Renewing your retail lease sounds simple enough. You’ve come to the end of your term, you want to stay, and you’ve got an option to renew. But what many tenants don’t realise is that those renewal rights often come with a twist, often in the form of a market rent review. And if you’re not prepared for it, it can turn into an unpleasant surprise.
- [Conveyancing in Melbourne: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/conveyancing-in-melbourne/): At Flint Lawyers, we offer conveyancing in Melbourne, led by experienced property lawyers and a licensed notary public. With fixed-fee transparency and digital convenience, we support you through the full process.
- [CPI, Market or Fixed? Choosing the Right Rent Review Clause for Your Retail Lease](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/rent-review-clause-victoria/): For landlords and tenants in Victoria, negotiating a retail lease involves more than just agreeing on location and fit-out. One of the most critical – and often underestimated – components of the lease is the rent review clause. This clause determines how rent will increase over the life of the lease and can have long-term implications for both profitability and cash flow.
- [Commercial Leases and GST on Sale – Navigating the Going Concern Exemption](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/going-concern-exemption-commercial-leases-gst/): If you're selling a commercial property that has a tenant in it, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the “going concern” exemption. And if you haven’t, it’s something well worth knowing because it could save you and your buyer a lot of money and hassle when it comes to GST.
- [Commercial Lease Disputes: Common Triggers and How to Avoid the Tribunal](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/commercial-lease-disputes-melbourne/): Commercial leases are a common reality in running a business, but when things go wrong, disputes can cause unnecessary stress.
- [Assigning a Retail Lease: How to Exit Without Staying Liable ](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/assigning-a-retail-lease-victoria/): Assigning a retail lease doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a careful approach. Done right, you get to walk away with peace of mind. Done poorly, you could end up dealing with issues that aren’t yours anymore.
- [Understanding Easements: Legal Implications for Property Buyers and Sellers](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/easements-property-law-guide/): Easements are a common yet often misunderstood aspect of property law. For both buyers and sellers, understanding easements is crucial to avoid potential disputes and ensure smooth transactions. This article explores the legal implications of easements and how they may affect property ownership and transfers.
- [Do I Need a Conveyancer or a Solicitor? Key Differences Explained](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/conveyancer-vs-solicitor-melbourne-guide/): Buying or selling a property in Victoria comes with a series of important decisions — one of the most fundamental being whether to engage a conveyancer or a solicitor. This decision can significantly impact the speed, cost, and legal protection of your transaction.
- [Commercial Property Purchase: Navigating Legal Requirements with Confidence](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/commercial-property-purchase/): Purchasing commercial property is a significant financial and legal decision that demands careful consideration. Whether you’re investing in retail space, industrial properties, or office buildings, understanding the legal requirements is essential for safeguarding your investment. This comprehensive guide explores the key legal considerations to help you navigate the commercial property market with confidence.
- [Common Conveyancing Issues (and How to Avoid Them)](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/common-conveyancing-issues-melbourne/): Understanding common conveyancing issues is essential for anyone buying or selling property. Partnering with an experienced solicitor can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth settlement process.
- [How a Property Solicitor Can Help International Buyers Purchase in Melbourne?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/property-solicitor-international-buyers/): This is where a qualified property solicitor becomes invaluable. A solicitor not only simplifies the purchase process but ensures legal compliance, protects your investment, and handles all the formalities on your behalf. In this guide, we explore how property solicitors support international buyers throughout their real estate journey in Melbourne.
- [Buying Off-the-Plan: Legal Risks and How to Mitigate Them](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/buying-off-the-plan-legal-risks/): Buying off-the-plan can be an attractive option for many buyers. It offers the promise of modern designs, potential cost savings, and the excitement of owning a brand-new property. However, off-the-plan purchases come with unique legal risks that require careful consideration. This article explores the key risks and offers strategies to mitigate them.
- [When Things Go Wrong: Default, Penalties and Disputes in Property Settlements](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/property-settlement-dispute-victoria/): Property settlement is the final and most critical stage of a real estate transaction; it’s the point at which legal ownership transfers and all financial obligations are fulfilled. For most buyers and sellers, this process goes smoothly. But when deadlines are missed, documentation is incomplete, or finance falls through, property settlement can unravel quickly, leading to costly consequences and legal disputes.
- [Buying Your First Home in Melbourne: Where Do You Start?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/buying-your-first-home-melbourne/): Buying your first home is an exciting milestone. It is also a major legal and financial decision. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors to consider. This article is designed to help first home buyers in Melbourne understand each step of the process.
- [Why Every Company Should Have a Whistleblower Policy](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/company-should-have-a-whistleblower-policy/): Having a robust whistleblower policy is more than just good corporate governance — for many businesses, it’s a legal requirement under Australian law. Whether you're a large proprietary company, a listed entity, or an organisation seeking to promote a culture of integrity, implementing a clear and compliant whistleblower policy is critical.
- [Flint Lawyers – Expert Local Conveyancing Lawyers](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/expert-local-conveyancing-lawyers/): Flint Lawyers offers expert conveyancing lawyer services for all types of property transactions. We represent both buyers and sellers, providing knowledgeable advice in a friendly and pragmatic manner. At Flint Lawyers, we believe that affordability should never compromise quality or legal compliance. Navigating Victoria’s property laws requires precision, attention to detail, and local expertise. Our experienced solicitors provide professional, fixed-fee services that are transparent and tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, purchasing off the plan, dealing with a challenging body corporate, or selling an investment property, this guide will demonstrate why Flint Lawyers is the ideal choice for your conveyancing needs.
- [Preparing for Auction Day: Tips for Buyers](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/preparing-for-auction-day-tips-for-buyers/): Purchasing a property at auction can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its share of legal complexities and risks. As a buyer, being thoroughly prepared and understanding your rights and responsibilities can make the difference between a successful bid and potential pitfalls. We’ve set out a few tips to help you prepare for auction day in Victoria, including key legal considerations.
- [10 Traps to avoid when buying property](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/10-traps-to-avoid-when-buying-property/): Buying property is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it’s also full of potential pitfalls. Avoid these common traps to keep your dream home from becoming a nightmare:
- [Overseas contractors may be your employees](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/overseas-contractors-may-be-your-employees/): In a previous article, we analysed the impact of the FairWork Pascua decision, where the Fair Work Commission clarified that the substance of a working arrangement matters much more than the label attached to it.
- [Criminalisation of wage theft in Australia – are you a compliant employer?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/criminalisation-of-wage-theft-in-australia-are-you-a-compliant-employer/): There are many practical steps that businesses can take in order to ensure that they are paying their employees correctly. No one factor is critical and in making any decision about wage theft, the Ombudsmen will consider the employer’s overall approach to employee pay. Some of the steps listed in the guidance include:
- [The 5-step Guide To A Stress-free Settlement Day](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/the-5-step-guide-to-a-stress-free-settlement-day/): Settlement day: the moment you’ve been waiting for! But what happens behind the scenes, and how can you make sure everything goes smoothly? Here’s our tips to conquering settlement day like a pro.
- [Age Care Provider Update – strengthened Quality Standards](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/age-care-provider-update-strengthened-quality-standards/): Providers have less than 6 months to ensure their services, processes and systems are up to date and should implement changes as soon as possible. Flint Lawyers can assist you in ensuring that you remain compliant – please contact us for further advice.
- [Are your overseas contractors actually employees?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/are-your-overseas-contractors-actually-employees/): A recent case before the Fair Work Commission, has highlighted the difficulties that Australian businesses may face when engaging overseas workers. This practice is common across many industries and workers resident in other countries are used to fill labour shortages or skills gaps, often at a lower cost than in Australia. If your business uses overseas labour sources, it’s important that you understand how they are classified to avoid significant problems down the line.
- [Essential Legal Considerations for Operating a Business in Australia](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/essential-legal-considerations-for-operating-a-business-in-australia/): Successful business operations in Australia hinge on a comprehensive understanding and adherence to many laws and regulations. These statutes are designed to ensure equitable commerce, protect consumers, uphold employee rights, and maintain regulatory benchmarks vital for a flourishing business environment. Below are pivotal legal facets that every business proprietor should be well-versed in:
- [Stay Ahead of the Game](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/stay-ahead-of-the-game/): A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines the rights and obligations of each party. Contracts are the foundation of business relationships, providing a clear framework for what each party expects and is expected to deliver. These agreements are crucial because they create certainty, protect the interests of all parties involved, and provide a mechanism for resolving disputes. By clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, and expectations, contracts help businesses avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and ensure smooth operations.The importance of contracts extends to revenue generation as well. Well-drafted contracts can secure payment terms, protect intellectual property, and establish penalties for non-compliance, thereby safeguarding a business’s financial interests. In short, contracts are not just legal formalities; they are strategic tools that can significantly impact a business's success.
- [What is a notary?](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/what-is-a-notary/): In Victoria, Australia, notary services play a crucial role for businesses and individuals needing to authenticate and certify documents for international and occasionally domestic use. A notary public, a qualified lawyer appointed by the Supreme Court, provides essential services to ensure legal documents are correctly executed and recognised.

## Pages
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## Services
- [Conveyancing in Melbourne](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/conveyancing-services-melbourne/): Conveyancing services Melbourne help you to buy or sell your property smoothly. Our friendly team clearly explains each step, from reviewing contracts to finalising the sale, so you always know what's happening. Our experienced team is well-positioned to assist with all your conveyancing requirements. Conveyancing transactions can be complicated, but our dedicated professionals will help you navigate any challenges you face.
- [Wills and Probate](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/wills-and-probate/): Our Wills and Probate services offer comprehensive support in planning and managing your estate. We provide simple and testamentary trust Wills, ensuring your wishes are clearly articulated. Our Probate services efficiently administer estates, guiding executors through the process with expertise and sensitivity. We handle all legal aspects, including asset distribution, tax matters, and resolving disputes. Trust our dedicated team to provide personalised and professional assistance, ensuring peace of mind and seamless transition for your loved ones.
- [Complex Estate & Wealth Planning](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/complex-estate-and-wealth-planning/): Flint Lawyer's Wealth and Succession Planning services focus on protecting and transferring your assets efficiently. We help design comprehensive estate plans that include wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Our services help you maximise the benefit of tax-efficient strategies, safeguard your wealth, and provide for your family's future. We also assist in business succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership. With personalised advice and tailored solutions, we help you achieve your financial goals while minimizing legal complexities and risks.
- [Commercial Law](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/commercial-law/): Commercial law governs business and commercial transactions, encompassing contract law, company law, consumer protection, competition law, and intellectual property. The Australian legal system ensures fairness and transparency in business dealings. Key legislation includes the Corporations Act 2001, regulating company formation, operation, and directors’ duties, and the Australian Consumer Law, protecting consumers against unfair practices. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces these laws. The Flint Lawyers team is the perfect advisor to assist your business in navigating these challenges and growing your enterprise.
- [Technology Law](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/technology-law/): In today’s fast-paced digital world, the intersection of technology and law presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our dedicated Technology Law team guides you through this ever-evolving landscape, ensuring your innovations are protected and your business operates smoothly.
- [Property & Construction Law](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/property-construction-law/): The construction industry presents unique legal challenges, from contract negotiations to dispute resolution. Whether you are a project owner or subcontractor, Flint Lawyers is equipped to support your legal needs. Our experienced team ensures your contracts are comprehensive and your interests robustly protected, helping you navigate the sector’s complexities with confidence.
- [Notary Public Melbourne](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/notary-public-melbourne/): Flint Lawyers offers notarial public Melbourne to certify your documents for international use. Whether for personal or business needs, our notarial services support your global legal requirements.
- [Dispute Resolution](https://flint-lawyers.com.au/service/dispute-resolution/): Flint can assist your business at all stages of the dispute resolution and litigation process with a view of maximising the returns for your business and reaching the cost-effective settlement wherever possible.