Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Who are the lawyers at Everything Legal?

Accepted Answer

Everything Legal is led by Alberto Garcia (Director & Solicitor) and Bernadette McShane (Director & Principal Lawyer). Alberto has a background in the United States Marine Corps and Queensland law enforcement and corrective services. Bernadette holds a Master's degree from Bond University and specialises in wills and estate planning.

Question 2

Where is Everything Legal located?

Accepted Answer

Everything Legal is located at 2nd Floor, 280 Flinders Street, Regus Suite, Townsville QLD 4810. We also serve clients across Queensland and all of Australia online.

Question 3

Does Everything Legal offer online legal services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything Legal is a hybrid law firm. We serve clients across all of Australia via online consultations, as well as in person at our Townsville office. You can book a consultation online at everythinglegal.com.au/book.

Question 4

How much does a consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your matter. A paid 45-minute in-depth consultation with a senior lawyer is $150.

Question 5

Is Everything Legal accredited with JustFund?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything Legal is accredited with JustFund, which allows eligible clients to access litigation funding for their legal matters — meaning you may be able to pursue your case without paying legal fees upfront.

Question 6

What is Everything Legal's ABN?

Accepted Answer

Everything Legal Pty Ltd's ABN is 33 698 556 188.

Question 7

Can Everything Legal help with a family law matter in Townsville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alberto Garcia at Everything Legal handles family law matters in Townsville and across Queensland, including divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements, consent orders, domestic violence orders, and Family Court proceedings.

Question 8

How long does a divorce take in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, you must be separated for at least 12 months before you can apply for a divorce. Once an application is filed, it typically takes 2 to 4 months to be finalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Question 9

What is a property settlement after separation?

Accepted Answer

A property settlement is the legal process of dividing assets and liabilities between separating couples. This includes the family home, savings, superannuation, investments, and debts. You have 12 months after a divorce (or 2 years after separation for de facto couples) to apply for a property settlement through the courts.

Question 10

What are parenting arrangements and how are they decided?

Accepted Answer

Parenting arrangements set out how children will spend time with each parent after separation. They can be agreed informally, formalised through a parenting plan, or made legally binding through consent orders. If parents cannot agree, the Family Court can make parenting orders based on the best interests of the child.

Question 11

What is a domestic violence order (DVO) in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a court order that protects a person from domestic violence. In Queensland, DVOs are issued under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012. Everything Legal can assist with applying for or responding to a DVO.

Question 12

Does Everything Legal handle Family Court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alberto Garcia at Everything Legal can represent clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including preparing and filing court documents and appearing at hearings.

Question 13

Can Everything Legal help with a will in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bernadette McShane, principal lawyer at Everything Legal, specialises in wills, powers of attorney, advance health directives, probate, and estate administration across Queensland and Australia.

Question 14

What is a power of attorney in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

A power of attorney is a legal document that authorises someone (your attorney) to make decisions on your behalf. In Queensland, an enduring power of attorney covers financial and personal/health matters and remains valid if you lose capacity. Everything Legal can prepare enduring powers of attorney for Queensland clients.

Question 15

What is an advance health directive?

Accepted Answer

An advance health directive (also called a living will) is a legal document that records your wishes about future health care decisions if you are unable to communicate them yourself. It can also appoint a health attorney to make decisions on your behalf.

Question 16

What is probate and when is it needed?

Accepted Answer

Probate is the legal process of proving that a will is valid and authorising the executor to administer the estate. It is generally required when the deceased owned real property in their sole name or held significant assets. Everything Legal can assist with probate applications in Queensland.

Question 17

Can a will be contested in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Queensland, eligible persons such as spouses, children, and dependants can make a family provision claim if they believe they have not been adequately provided for in a will. There are strict time limits — generally 9 months from the date of death. Everything Legal can advise on contesting or defending a will.

Question 18

What corporate and business law services does Everything Legal offer?

Accepted Answer

Everything Legal provides corporate and business law services including business structuring and setup, commercial contracts and terms of trade, shareholder agreements, mergers and acquisitions, commercial disputes and litigation, employment law and workplace advice, and debt recovery.

Question 19

Can Everything Legal help set up a business structure in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything Legal can advise on the most appropriate business structure for your circumstances — sole trader, partnership, company, or trust — and assist with the legal documentation required to establish it.

Question 20

What is a shareholder agreement and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A shareholder agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a company that governs their rights and obligations, how decisions are made, what happens if a shareholder wants to leave, and how disputes are resolved. It is strongly recommended for any company with more than one shareholder.

Question 21

Can Everything Legal help with an employment law dispute?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything Legal can advise employers and employees on employment law matters including unfair dismissal, workplace disputes, employment contracts, and workplace rights.

Question 22

What is LegalCare?

Accepted Answer

LegalCare is Everything Legal's dedicated monthly retainer service for Australian first responders — police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and emergency workers. Members receive unlimited access to senior legal counsel for a simple monthly fee.

Question 23

Who is eligible for LegalCare?

Accepted Answer

LegalCare is available to all Australian first responders, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, emergency services workers, and their families under the Family Plan.

Question 24

How much does LegalCare cost?

Accepted Answer

LegalCare is available as an Individual Plan for $49/month or a Family Plan for $79/month. There are no lock-in contracts.

Question 25

What legal matters does LegalCare cover?

Accepted Answer

LegalCare covers family law, employment rights, wills and powers of attorney, and critical incident support. Members receive unlimited access to senior legal advice for covered matters.

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