30/03/2020
We are certainly going though unprecedented experiences and the whole of society is impacted in one way or another. We wanted to bring you up to date with how this is impacting on the way we serve our clients and remind you of the resources that are available.
We will keep you updated regularly on our page Callahans Lawyers, if you are not already a member please join.
Remote working and client communication:
The majority of our team are working remotely and technology is supporting us well and we are function effectively.
However, it does mean that all client meetings and communication need to revert to electronic forms via the following means:
1. Telephone: Our main phone lines will always be
covered. However, to reduce the load on our team
please feel free to email our office on
[email protected] or
[email protected]
2. All conferences: Conferences will be conducted over
the phone in slots allocated.
3. Mail: Although we will be receiving and clearing all
inward mail we are reverting to sending as much mail as
possible via email. This of course avoids handling paper
and envelopes. If a paper version is essential for you,
we can still arrange this if necessary but as you will
understand, during a lock-down we are trying to keep this
to a minimum. We appreciate your cooperation with this.
We are here to assist;
We understand that clients will need addition assistance at this time. Whether it is understanding and planning around the impact of Covid-19 on a business or your personal circumstances we are here to assist. We are reaching out to clients we expect are most in need at this point but please do not hesitate to contact us.
Settlements:
Settlements will go ahead as scheduled. All our settlements are done using the latest electronic devices.
Wills and Powers of Attorney
A crisis like this reminds us of the importance of having wills and Powers of Attorney in place. It is crucial for business owners, elderly, particular to have up to date Enduring powers of Attorney and wills and that your family are aware of where these are located. We are ready to work with you to assist.
Upcoming court cases:
We will endeavour to keep you up dated with the courts, Magistrates, Supreme Court, Family Courts updates on scheduling in matters that are due to be heard.
Family Court and Federal Circuit Court
As it stands, the Family court are trying to organise phone conferences to hear matters via telephone conferences. If you do have a matter listed we will keep you updated on whether you will need to attend court.
Magistrate court hearings:
Remain open but to reduce the numbers of people in the building a range of non-urgent matters have been adjourned.
Details below for criminal proceedings civil jurisdiction family violence protection and person safety and VOCAT matters.
CRIMINAL proceedings
Bail and summons matters
• All criminal proceedings (except filing hearings,
committal motions and committal hearings) where the
accused is on summons or bail have been adjourned to
the nominal date of 15th June 2020.
• For all summons and bail matters (excluding filing
hearings, committal mentions and committal hearings)
no attendance by the accused is required. Bail will be
extended in the absence of the accused.
• Filing hearings will proceed in accordance with current
practice. However, where an accused is on
summons or bail their attendance is not required
provided their legal representative attends with
instructions.
• Committal mentions will continue to be heard. Where
an accused is on summons or bail their attendance will
to be required provided their legal repetitive attends with
instructions. However, if the matter has resolved to
straight hand-up brief (SHUB) then the accused
must attend.
BAIL CUSTODY AND SUMMONS CONTESTED COMMITALS.
To the Monday of the week in which they are listed and then adjourned for special mention as follows:
Contested committal hearings will be abridged to the Monday of the week in which they are listed and then adjourned for special mention as follows:
• Week commencing 30 March – listed special
mention 22nd April
• Week commencing 6 April – listed special mention 29th
April
• Week commencing TUES 14th April (due to the public
holiday) – listed special mention 6th May
• Week commencing 20th April – listed special mention
13th May
• Week commencing 27th April – listed special mention
20th May
• Week commencing 4th May – listed special mention
27th May
• Week commencing 11th May – listed special mention
3rd June
Employees working from home.
Many of you will be working from home at the moment. The good news is, you may be able to claim a deduction for expenses relating to that work. Please see a factsheet from the Taxation Office about claiming expenses for working from home.
https://www.ato.gov.au/uploadedFiles/content/IND/Downloads/Working-from-home.pdf
In addition you can find further information at the following web pages:
Federal initiatives for business:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
Income support for individuals:
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03Fact_sheet-Income_Support-for_Individuals.pdf
Payments to support households:
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Payments_to_support_households.pdf
Temporary early release of Superannuation
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Early_Access_to_Super_1.pdf
Remain Positive
We live in a great country and have a great health system. We are in a good position to pull through this crisis. Remain positive.
Use this time to be creative, to rethink the way you do business and stay in touch with family and friends. You are not alone and please let us know if we can assist.
Kind Regards
CALLAHANS LAWYERS
Suite 6 / 93-97 Plenty Rd., Bundoora, Vic., 3083
PH: 03 9467 7299 FAX: 03 9467 7399
Email: [email protected]
WEB: www.callahanslawyers.com.au
Facebook: Callahans Lawyers
