Why We Verify Your Identity
 
Verification of Identity (VOI) helps ensure that the person giving instructions or signing documents is genuinely who they say they are. This reduces the risk of identity theft and property fraud and helps protect you, your assets, and the integrity of your matter.
In Queensland, lawyers are required to take “reasonable steps” to verify a client’s identity, particularly in property transactions and matters involving registry documents. VOI is a common and accepted way of meeting these obligations.
VOI itself does not confirm your authority to act (for example, as an attorney or company director). Additional checks may be required.
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You may notice that we're asking for a little more information than we have in the past.
From 1 July 2026, Australian law requires law firms to verify the identity of clients and, in some cases, collect additional information before providing certain legal services. These new requirements are part of Australia's efforts to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and other serious financial crime.

Recent Federal Government announcements suggest testamentary trusts will be exempt from the proposed 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts. For families using testamentary trusts as part of their estate planning, this is welcome news.

Healthcare providers owe patients a duty of care. When that care falls below an acceptable standard and causes harm, a medical negligence claim may arise.

​Common Examples Include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Surgical errors
• Inadequate treatment or follow-up care 

Choosing the right lawyer can make a huge difference to your experience and your outcome. Here are a few quick tips to help you find someone genuinely suited to your needs.

1. Do your research.
A helpful starting point is understanding the area of law you need assistance with. The ‘You and the Law’ website (https://www.youandthelaw.com.au/) is a particularly useful tool—not only for clear, plain-English information, but also because you can search for a lawyer in your postcode or town, and even filter by practice area to find someone who specialises in the type of matter you have.

2. Ask a lawyer you already trust.

What is an enduring power of attorney?
 
An enduring power of attorney (“EPA”) is a legal document which allows you to appoint someone to make decisions for you during your lifetime. There are some circumstances in which you may be unable to make decisions. For example, you may be overseas, you may be too ill, or you may have lost capacity.
 
It is not only ageing people who lose capacity.  Losing capacity can happen to anyone at any time. Sadly, people lose capacity for many reasons, including as a result of dementia, temporary illness, intellectual or psychiatric disability or brain injury.