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Stephens & Tozer Solicitors

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Stephens & Tozer Solicitors

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Stephens & Tozer can offer you a wide range of legal services to meet your needs. Contact us today! A heritage of legal experience dating back to 1904.

Stephens & Tozer’s experienced team of professionals maintains a continuing tradition of practical legal solutions melded with innovative strategies to bring about desirable outcomes for our clients. As a contemporary law firm, we value our past and remain confident in our commitment to provide real value for our clients. Our vision is to promote and encourage strong relationships with our clients to ensure excellent results in a cost-effective professional manner. For further information on the services we provide, please visit our website or contact our team at Stephens & Tozer today.

02/10/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹

Nothing means more to us than knowing we've made a positive difference for our clients.

A heartfelt thank you to Lloyd for your kind words and trust in Sarah and the team. Supporting our clients with clear guidance and dedicated legal assistance every step of the way is what we're committed to.

"𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 @ 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘴 & 𝘛𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵! 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴."

We're grateful to be part of your journey and wish you all the very best.

📞 If you're looking for trusted legal advice, Stephens & Tozer Solicitors are here to help.

29/09/2026

🔨 Your renovation shouldn't leave you with costly defects and unanswered calls.

Renovating your home is a significant investment, but what happens when the finished work is defective, and the builder refuses to return to rectify the issues?

Whether it's poor workmanship, incomplete work, water leaks, structural defects, or finishes that fall below the agreed standard, Queensland homeowners have legal rights.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?
✔ Poor workmanship or substandard finishes.
✔ Failure to build in accordance with the contract or approved plans.
✔ Structural defects.
✔ Waterproofing failures or water ingress.
✔ Defective tiling, cabinetry, flooring or painting.
✔ Incomplete or unfinished works.
✔ Use of unsuitable or non-compliant materials.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁?
✔ Take clear photographs and videos.
✔ Keep copies of contracts, plans, invoices and correspondence.
✔ Notify the builder in writing.
✔ Obtain an independent expert report where necessary.

If the builder refuses to rectify the defects, you may have several legal options available, including negotiation, lodging a complaint with the QBCC, pursuing a claim through QCAT or the courts, or seeking compensation where appropriate.

Early legal advice can help you understand your rights, preserve important evidence and pursue the most effective resolution.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we provide practical advice to homeowners, builders and contractors in relation to building disputes, contractual obligations and defect claims.

📞 Know your legal options.

25/09/2026

💰 Still waiting to be paid? Court isn't always the fastest solution.

Cash flow is the lifeblood of the construction industry. When contractors, subcontractors or suppliers are not paid on time, the financial impact can be significant.

The Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) provides a fast and effective dispute resolution process known as adjudication, allowing eligible parties to recover payment without lengthy and costly court proceedings.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘁?
✔ Builders
✔ Contractors
✔ Subcontractors
✔ Consultants
✔ Suppliers involved in qualifying construction contracts

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
✔ Faster resolution than court proceedings.
✔ Lower legal costs.
✔ Independent determination.
✔ Improved cash flow.
✔ Enforceable decisions.

However, strict legislative requirements and timeframes apply. Missing a deadline can significantly affect your ability to recover payment.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we assist builders, contractors, subcontractors and developers with payment claims, adjudication applications, payment schedule responses and construction disputes.

📞 Recover what you're owed.

22/09/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹

Every successful migration journey starts with the right advice and a pathway you can trust.

A heartfelt thank you to Devyani for sharing your experience and for placing your trust in Sarah Buksh, Lauren, and the team at Stephens & Tozer Solicitors.

"𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘶𝘴 & 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴." Those words became the foundation of a carefully planned strategy that led to a successful permanent residency outcome. By choosing the right pathway instead of taking unnecessary risks, they achieved their goal with confidence.

We're honoured to have been part of your journey and truly appreciate your recommendation.

📞 If you're looking for trusted, strategic migration advice tailored to your circumstances, Stephens & Tozer Solicitors are here to help.

18/09/2026

⏰ Think you have plenty of time after a separation? Missing a legal deadline could cost you.

When a relationship ends, many people assume there is no urgency to finalise their property settlement. However, strict time limits apply, and delaying action could affect your legal rights.

Whether you were married or in a de facto relationship, it is important to understand the deadlines for bringing a property settlement claim.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
You generally have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final to commence proceedings for a property settlement or spousal maintenance.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀
You generally have 2 years from the date of separation to commence proceedings for a property settlement or spousal maintenance.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲?
You do not automatically lose your entitlement, but obtaining a property settlement becomes significantly more difficult.

The Court will consider factors such as:
✔ The reasons for the delay.
✔ Whether hardship would be caused if permission is refused.
✔ The merits of the proposed claim.
✔ Whether granting leave would prejudice the other party.

There is no guarantee that the Court will allow a late application.

Obtaining legal advice early can help protect your financial interests, preserve your rights, and provide certainty about your future.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we assist clients with all aspects of family law, including property settlements, consent orders, financial agreements and Court proceedings.

📞 Don't miss important deadlines.

15/09/2026

⚖️ Not every estate needs Probate, but knowing when it does can save time, stress, and uncertainty.

Following the loss of a loved one, one of the first legal questions families often ask is, "𝗗𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲?" Closely followed by, "𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆?"

Understanding the Probate process can help reduce uncertainty and ensure an estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with Queensland law.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲?
A Grant of Probate is an order made by the Supreme Court of Queensland confirming that a deceased person's Will is valid and that the executor appointed under the Will has the legal authority to administer the estate.

Once Probate has been granted, the executor is authorised to:
✔ Identify and protect estate assets
✔ Collect funds held by banks and other financial institutions
✔ Pay outstanding debts and liabilities
✔ Finalise taxation obligations where required
✔ Distribute the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the Will

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱?
Not every estate requires Probate. Whether it is necessary depends on the nature and value of the deceased's assets.

Probate is commonly required where:
• The deceased owned real property solely in their name
• Banks or financial institutions require a Grant of Probate before releasing funds
• The estate includes substantial investments, shares or other significant assets
• Organisations require formal confirmation of the executor's authority before transferring assets

In smaller estates or where assets are jointly owned, Probate may not be necessary. Each estate is different, and obtaining legal advice early can prevent unnecessary delays.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲?
In most cases, the person entitled to apply for Probate is the executor named in the deceased's Will.

However, circumstances sometimes arise where the appointed executor is unable or unwilling to act.

Stephens & Tozer Solicitors can assist executors and families through every stage of the Probate process, from determining whether Probate is required to preparing Court applications and finalising estate administration.

📞 We're here to help.

11/09/2026

📜 No Will? The law (not your family) decides what happens next.

Many Australians assume that when a person passes away, their spouse or children automatically inherit their estate. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

If someone dies without leaving a valid Will, they are said to have died intestate.

Unlike an estate with a Will, there is no executor appointed to administer the estate.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲?
An eligible person—usually the deceased's spouse, de facto partner, adult child or another person entitled to benefit from the estate—must apply to the Supreme Court of Queensland for Letters of Administration.

Once granted, the administrator assumes responsibilities similar to those of an executor and is authorised to:
✔ Locate and secure estate assets.
✔ Pay outstanding debts and liabilities.
✔ Finalise the deceased's financial affairs.
✔ Distribute the estate according to Queensland's succession laws.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲?
Without a valid Will, the deceased's estate is not distributed according to personal wishes, but instead according to a statutory formula set out in Queensland legislation.

Depending on the deceased's family circumstances, the estate may be divided between a surviving spouse, children and other eligible relatives. In blended families, the outcome can be very different from what the deceased may have intended.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Dying intestate often results in:
✔ Delays in administering the estate.
✔ Additional legal costs.
✔ Greater stress for family members.
✔ Increased risk of disputes.
✔ Distribution of assets that may not reflect the deceased's wishes.

A properly prepared Will can provide certainty, minimise conflict and ensure your loved ones are protected.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we assist families with Letters of Administration, intestate estates and all aspects of estate administration. We also help clients prepare comprehensive estate plans to avoid these issues arising in the future.

📞 Protect your family's future.

08/09/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹

Helping our clients achieve positive outcomes is at the heart of everything we do.

A sincere thank you to Ashneel for your thoughtful feedback and for trusting Sarah Buksh and the team at Stephens & Tozer Solicitors with your migration journey.

"𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘸. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯."

We're honoured to have been part of your journey and are grateful for your recommendation.

📞 Looking for experienced, strategic migration advice? Stephens & Tozer Solicitors are here to help.

04/09/2026

🏡 The way you own your property today could determine who inherits it tomorrow.

How you own property is just as important as the property itself.

When purchasing real estate with another person, one of the most important decisions is whether to hold the property as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common. The distinction can have significant legal and estate planning consequences.

➡️ 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆
Joint tenants own the property together as a single legal interest, with equal ownership rights.

A key feature of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. If one owner passes away, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s), regardless of what is stated in their Will.

This type of ownership is commonly used by married couples and de facto partners where the intention is for the surviving owner to automatically inherit the property.

➡️ 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻
Tenants in common each own a separate share in the property. These shares may be equal or unequal, such as 50/50, 70/30 or any other agreed proportion.

Unlike joint tenancy, there is no right of survivorship. Upon death, an owner's share forms part of their estate and is distributed according to their Will—or, if there is no Will, in accordance with the relevant succession laws.

💡 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Choosing the wrong ownership structure can have unintended consequences for:
✔ Estate planning
✔ Asset protection
✔ Succession planning
✔ Tax considerations
✔ Family wealth distribution

Many property owners are unaware of how their property is held until a significant life event, such as death or separation, occurs.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we can advise you on the most appropriate ownership structure for your circumstances and ensure your property ownership aligns with your broader estate planning objectives.

📞 Get tailored legal advice.

01/09/2026

The best time to make a Power of Attorney is before you ever need one.

A Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can manage your affairs if you're ever unable to.

It's especially important if you:
✔ Own property or assets
✔ Run a business
✔ Travel or live overseas
✔ Have a family or dependants

Planning can help avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and legal complications for your loved ones.

At Stephens & Tozer Solicitors, we can help you prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney that protects your wishes and your future.

📞 Contact us today to get started.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴.

Address

Level 12, 179 North Quay
Brisbane City, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+61730343888

Website

http://www.stephenstozer.com.au/contact-us/

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