CGL Legal

A boutique law firm in historic Guildford, WA.

Our Services include:

• Commercial Law
• Litigation
• Wills & Estate Matters
• Family Law
• Criminal Law

CGL Legal is a boutique law firm located in historic Guildford WA. We offer a wide range of legal services. The practice director, Alex Atkinson, worked in Perth CBD law firms for most of his career. He has more than 26 years’ experience in litigation and has represented businesses (small to large) and individuals in all jurisdictions. He decided to take his knowledge and experience and set up a practice in Guildford in 2012 so that he could be closer to his home in the Perth hills. Alex has a dedicated and capable team of lawyers and support staff behind him.

Our aim is to provide you with clear, practical and cost effective solutions to any legal issue you may have in a personalised and friendly atmosphere. Developing trust and a good relationship with our clients is very important to us. You will find that we are approachable and easy to deal with.

Commercial Law
Our lawyers can review, draft and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts for businesses and individuals. We listen to your needs and provide you with practical advice to ensure that you are not taking on unnecessary risks and obligations.

Dispute Resolution (Litigation)
If you have a dispute, we will adopt a dispute resolution strategy best suited for your individual circumstances.

Initially we may seek a negotiated settlement. Settlements can save both time and money. However if disputes must proceed to trial, they should be advanced as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.  We have the expertise to represent you in all jurisdictions.

Family Law Services
Our family law consultant, Siobhan Vincent, has over 30 years’ experience and is able to assist you with your LGBT legal issues.

Do you need a Binding Financial Agreement?
A Binding Financial Agreement (also known as a BFA, financial agreement or pre-nuptial agreement) is an agreement about property and finance made by married couples and de-facto couples (which includes same sex couples in Western Australia).

A BFA can be made before, during or after a relationship ends. The BFA needs to be carefully drafted so that it complies with all legislative requirements otherwise it may not be legally enforceable. Before signing the BFA both you and your partner or former partner require independent legal advice. By signing a Binding Financial Agreement you can avoid significant legal and emotional costs which are associated with the breakdown of a relationship.

Do you have a valid Will?
According to The Public Trustee more than 50 % of Australian adults don’t have a valid Will.

If you die without a Will, your estate may not be distributed in accordance with your wishes but in accordance with the Administration Act 1903.

Home Made Wills – DIY Will Kits
Homemade Wills can be troublesome because they may appear reasonable and clear but in practice they may not be. For example:

• If you leave a specific property to a beneficiary on certain conditions, those conditions may not be enforceable.
• You need to consider taxation implications. Giving an investment property to one person and your home of equal value to another person may result in those beneficiaries receiving an unequal inheritance because of capital gains tax (CGT).
• If you give a property to one of your beneficiaries which has a mortgage over it, you will need to use precise language if you want the beneficiary to assume liability for the mortgage or receive the gift free of that liability.
• Joint assets don’t form part of your estate because the survivor is entitled to your interest. Likewise, land owned by a trust may not form part of your estate even though you may think of it as yours.

We can:

• Offer advice in relation to your Will to ensure that your Will is clear and practical.
• Help you navigate the pitfalls and ensure that your Will correctly reflects your wishes and avoid any unintended consequences.
• Minimise the risk of your Will being challenged which can lead to costly legal disputes.
• Ensure that your Will is properly signed and that your Will complies with all legal requirements.
• Give you piece of mind.

We offer a fixed price for standard Wills. If your Will is complex then we can give you a realistic estimate of the cost.

For more information or to make an appointment please phone Kelly on 6162 8271 or visit our website www.cgllegal.com.au