We've been Canberra's law firm for 44 years

For more than four decades, KJB Law in Canberra has made the law less confusing by explaining your options in plain English.  Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, or conveyancing, or if you need an advocate in court. Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.

Business of the Year 2021

Best Professional Services 2021

  KJB OUT IN THE COMMUNITY

We'll be at the COTA seniors expo on

Wed, Sept 24

...please come say hi!

AGAIN, next month we'll be at the ACT Seniors and Better Ageing Expo being held in the Old Bus Depot Building, at 21 Wentworth Avenue, in Kingston — right in the heart of Canberra.

We'll have a booth and several of our staff will be there to chat with you. If you're seeking guidance on aged-care planning, financial advice, legal insights, or future preparedness, it'll be a chance to connect, ask questions, and explore options for your situation.

Expo entry is free; gold coin donations support COTA's work with Canberra seniors.

It runs from 10am to 3pm, with more than 150 exhibitors, featuring interactive exhibits, live performances, a vibrant lifestyle hub, entertaining demonstrations, and local food vendors.

It's run by the ACT arm of the Council on the Ageing (COTA) as part of ACT Seniors Month (September) and it's been operating since the mid-1990s.

“We’re excited to return to the Old Bus Depot Building,” said COTA ACT boss Jenny Mobbs. “We have exhibitors catering to everyone’s ageing journey —for newly retired, all the way through to those planning residential aged care.”

Parking is limited in Kingston, so Transport Canberra are giving seniors free travel to the expo.

Tell the bus driver or CMET customer service officer you're going to the expo.

Use Canberra's Park and Ride service and jump on the R6 (from Woden or Civic) or the R2 (from Belconnen or Fyshwick).

We look forward to seeing you — please drop by our booth and say hello!

     

More: cotaact.org.au/events/act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo or COTA, 02 6287 3777.

Optional pre-registration: cotaact.org.au/ event/act-seniors-and-better-ageing-expo-3.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land on which we work, and we also recognise the connection of the Ngambri people and other Indigenous groups to the land in the ACT. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture, and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

.

We've been Canberra's

law firm for 44 years

For more than four decades, KJB Law in Canberra has made the law less confusing by explaining your options in plain English.  Our aim is to offer the best possible solution, whether you need advice about estate planning, buying or selling a business, family law, or conveyancing, or if you need an advocate in court. Our lawyers are highly experienced and respected in the community, and can help you by producing successful results in a cost-effective manner.

KJB Law took its name from the initials of its

founders, Ken Johnston and Allan Bedford, in 1981.

From the start, the company was built on

three important core values . . .

KNOWLEDGE

K

JUST OUTCOMES

J

BALANCE

B

KNOWLEDGE of the law, of legal practice and legal procedure, but also knowledge of people, because the practice of law always intersects with the lives, goals,

and aspirations of the people we represent.

JUST OUTCOMES, reflecting the rights and the responsibilities of the parties involved, but striving to better the expected result.

BALANCE — standing up for principles that are important, but achieving compromise and resolution where they're appropriate.

  SPOTLIGHT ON NEW STAFF

We've secured five accomplished women for our team

We've secured five very accomplished women for our team

We've secured five accomplished women for our team

KJB Law is pleased to announce that we've locked in five new staff members: Linda Evans, Carolyn Simmons, and Sarah Ozanne are our three new senior associates, Sara Warner is our new solicitor, and Diana Tozer is our new estates manager.

“In these times of such technology advances over the last six months, KJB Law has been thrilled to welcome a number of actual real-life team members into the estate planning and administration areas of our practice," said Andrew Freer, who leads that section.

"Linda Evans, together with Sara Warner and Sarah Ozanne, bring calmness, thoroughness, and a face-to-face approach to working through client needs in our estate planning area.

"Olivia Kordaris and myself, supported by Diana Tozer and Elsbeth Leuverink, continue to strive for a personal and empathetic approach to estate administration work.

"If you have needs in these areas, please feel welcome to make contact and all team members will do their best to help  you.”

The other newcomer, senior associate Carolyn Simmons, is attached to our family law section, led by Des Moore,

KJB Law is pleased to announce that we've locked in five new staff members: Linda Evans, Carolyn Simmons, and Sarah Ozanne are our three new senior associates, Sara Warner  is our new solicitor, and Diana Tozer is our new estates manager.

“In these times of such technology advances over the last six months, KJB Law has been thrilled to welcome a number of actual real-life team members into the estate planning and administration areas of our practice," said Andrew Freer, who leads that section. "Linda Evans, together with Sara Warner and Sarah Ozanne, bring calmness, thoroughness, and a face-to-face approach to working through client needs in our estate planning area.

"Olivia Kordaris and myself, supported by Diana Tozer and Elsbeth Leuverink, continue to strive for a personal and empathetic approach to estate administration work.

"If you have needs in these areas, please feel welcome to make contact and all team members will do their best to help- you.”

The other newcomer, senior associate Carolyn Simmons, is attached to our family law section, led by Des Moore,

"

"

  To be honest, the

most important things I've ever learned were taught to me by my kids, and these lessons are patience and perseverance. 

CAROLYN SIMMONS

Senior Associate

who's very grateful to have her expertise and experience on board in his team.

Carolyn Simmons' focus is on divorce and separation, family and relationship law, matrimonial and de facto settlements, parenting arrangements, and binding financial agreements. Following her admission in 1994, with her fourth child

just under a year old, Carolyn delayed entering the paid workforce for a few years. She's practised in community, private, and public sector roles.

Linda Evans specialises in wills, powers of attorney, self-managed super funds, estate claims, and advice for blended families. She worked part time as a tutor and lecturer in law at the University of

who's very grateful to have her expertise and experience in his team.

Carolyn Simmons' focus is on divorce and separation, family and relationship law, matrimonial and de facto settlements, parenting arrangements, and binding financial agreements. Following her admission in 1994, with her fourth child just under a year old, Carolyn delayed entering the paid workforce for a few years. She's practised in community, private, and public sector roles.

Linda Evans specialises in wills, powers of attorney, self-managed super funds, estate claims, and advice for blended families. She worked part time as a tutor and lecturer in law at the University of Wollongong before

Wollongong before taking time off paid work to care for her four children.

Sarah Ozanne's practice areas include blended families, retirement village entry and exit, wills, powers of attorney, estate claims, employment law, sale and purchase of businesses, and commercial law.

She's also a classically trained singer and has performed in many community theatre productions.

Sara Warner specialises in estate planning in the ACT and NSW, and wills and powers of attorney. Also, she enjoys dancing, which she's been doing since age 5 — mainly jazz and lyrical, and she's the secretary of the not-for-profit resource centre, the Rotaract Club of Canberra.

Diana Tozer manages and administers estates. She has more than 30 years of paralegal experience across a broad

range of legal areas. Also, Diana enjoys time with her family and friends, cooking, and walking around Canberra's beautiful lake through all its seasons.


See directly below for links to staff profiles and contacts for each of our new staff members. Linda, Carolyn, Sarah, Sara, and Diana would love to hear from you and arrange a chat about your situation and your personal legal needs.

They're here to listen, and they're here to help.

taking time off paid work to care for her four children.

Sarah Ozanne's practice areas include blended families, retirement village entry and exit, wills, powers of attorney, estate claims, employment law, sale and purchase of businesses, and commercial law. She's also a classically trained singer and has performed in many community theatre productions.

Sara Warner  specialises in estate planning in the ACT and NSW, and wills and powers of attorney. Also, she enjoys dancing, which she's been doing since age 5 — mainly jazz and lyrical, and she's the secretary of the not-for-profit resource centre, the Rotaract Club of Canberra.

Diana Tozer manages and administers estates. She has more than 30 years of paralegal experience across a broad

range of legal areas. Also, Diana enjoys time with her family and friends, cooking, and walking around Canberra's beautiful lake through all its seasons.


See directly below for links to staff profiles and contacts for our new staff members.

 Linda, Carolyn, Sarah, Sara, and Diana would love to hear from you and arrange a chat about your situation and your legal needs. They're here to listen, they're here to help.

Our key legal team of solicitors, all here for you

Collectively, the legal team at KJB have many years of experience in all areas of the law and, importantly, just as many years assisting clients seeking resolution of their legal needs or experiencing a period of crisis. Not all situations requiring legal help are marked by trauma; but we bring compassion, commonsense, patience, and attention to detail to all our clients’ cases. Our job is to support you.

Our key legal team of solicitors

Hold cursor over photo for an overview of each solicitor's specialties; click through for further background and direct contact details.

Hold cursor over photo for an overview of each solicitor's specialties; click through for further background and direct contact details.

  OUR MOST POPULAR VIDEO

  OUR MOST POPULAR VIDEO RIGHT NOW

How divorce can affect kids, and how to reduce the fallout

How divorce affects kids, and how to minimise the fallout

Give a sense of certainty to the children, so they feel loved and safe, not taking sides

Give children a sense of certainty so they feel loved and safe, not pressured to side with one parent

By DES MOORE

Solicitor in Family Law

Principal, KJB Law


IN MY experience, I've found separation and family law is an extremely emotional legal area and many of us have never been through it. The most important thing is to immediately establish certainty for both parents and, more importantly, the children, by at least arriving at, if not a long-term, then a temporary parenting arrangement regarding where the children might be living on any given day and the time they spend with the other parent.

It's the uncertainty of family law that will usually create hostility and acrimony. By developing immediate certainty, particularly about parenting arrangements, I hope this leads to a smoother way forward and a quicker resolution.

Unfortunately, often after separation, despite each parent's best intentions, the children, depending on their ages, do suffer. They're aware of what's happening.

They're aware of a big change in their life, and it's a matter of parents as best they can shielding the children from adult-type issues and just providing ongoing reassurance to the children that mum and dad will sort this out.

Mum and dad still love you; it’s just simply a matter of having two homes now. And encourage the children to accept that things have changed and, hopefully, convince them that it's for the best.

But if they seem to be really emotionally struggling with mum and dad separating, it’s very important to get them assistance, maybe simply counselling, or, beyond that, perhaps a child specialist psychologist, because children have a very good habit of hiding how they truly feel and, in my experience, quite often children want to be seen to be fair to both parents. And they quite often express the view that, for example, they’d like to live with each parent equally, but, regardless of what they say, it may not be in their best interest, or not what they truly want. In the immediate emotion, even acrimony, of having separated, some parents lose sight of what might be in their children's best interests.

Then, knowingly or unwittingly, they drag the children into what should be parenting issues and end up including them in the dispute.

And, as a natural consequence, the children may take sides. Now in family law, this is extremely wrong and has the likelihood of creating long-lasting negative psychological effects on the children.

While there’s nothing at law that can be done to stop parents losing focus of what's in the best interests of their children, we, as family lawyers, must put aside the result that a party or client might want, and remind our clients of any behaviour that might cause emotional hurt to their children and strongly encourage them to shield the children as best they can.

"

              Children have a very good habit of hiding how they truly feel and, in my experience, quite often want to be seen to be fair to both parents, regardless of how appropriate that may be.

There's a perception at large that it's possible in family law to achieve an outcome that really screws the other person. But that's not the case.

There’s a Family Law Act. There are well-established family law principles. And the goal of family lawyers is to achieve a result that falls within those principles of family law. These principles govern what is a fair and reasonable result.

In family law, there should be no winner or loser. In my view, there should be a result that neither party may be particularly happy with, but they can live with for the sake of their children.

  Give a sense of certainty to the children, so

  they feel loved, safe, and avoid taking sides

By DES MOORE

Solicitor in Family Law

Principal, KJB Law

IN MY experience, I've found separation and family law is an extremely emotional legal area and many of us have never been through it.

The most important thing is to immediately establish certainty for both parents and, more importantly, the children, by at least arriving at, if not a long-term, then a temporary parenting arrangement regarding where the children might be living on any given day and the time they spend with the other parent.

It's the uncertainty of family law that will usually create hostility and acrimony. By developing immediate certainty, particularly about parenting arrangements, I hope this leads to a smoother way forward and a quicker resolution of matters.

Unfortunately, often after separation, despite each parent's best intentions, the children, depending on their ages, do suffer. They're aware of what's happening.

They're aware of a big change in their lives, and it's a matter of parents as best they can shielding the children from adult-type issues and providing ongoing reassurance to the children that mum and dad will sort this out.

Mum and dad still love you; it’s just simply a matter of having two homes now. And encourage the children to accept that things have changed and, hopefully, convince them that it's for the best.

But if they seem to be really emotionally struggling with mum and dad separating then it’s very important to get them assistance, maybe simply counselling, or, beyond that, perhaps a child specialist psychologist, because children have a very good habit of hiding how they truly feel and, in my experience, quite often children want to be seen to be fair to both parents.

And they quite often express the view that, for example, they’d like to live with each parent equally, but, regardless of what they say, it may not be in their best interests, or not what they even truly want.

In the immediate emotion, even acrimony, of having separated, some parents lose sight of what might be in their children's best interests.

Then, knowingly or unwittingly, they drag the children into what should be parenting issues and end up including them in the dispute. And, as a natural consequence, the children may take sides. 

Now in family law, this is extremely wrong and has the likelihood of creating long-lasting negative psychological effects on the children.


"

              Children have a very good habit of hiding how they truly feel and, in my experience, quite often want to be seen to be fair to both parents, regardless of how appropriate that may be.

While there’s nothing at law that can be done to stop parents losing focus of what's in the best interests of their children, we, as family lawyers, must put aside the result that a party or client might want, and remind our clients of any behaviour that might cause emotional hurt to their children and strongly encourage them to shield the children as best they can.

There's a perception at large that it's possible in family law to achieve an outcome that really screws the other person.

But that's not the case. There’s a Family Law Act.

There are well-established family law principles. And the goal of family lawyers is to achieve a result that falls within those principles of family law. These principles govern what is a fair and reasonable result. In family law, there should be no winner or loser. In my view, there should be a result that neither party may be particularly happy with, but they can live with for the sake of their children.

DES MOORE is one of the principals here at KJB Law. He's a dad himself, and a committed family man. He's worked with hundreds of couples navigating the end of a relationship and looking for a roadmap to their future lives.

For him, it's a matter of great priority that the needs of the children involved are considered first and foremost whenever there's a conflict of interests.

He believes a relationship breakdown must not be viewed so much as an ending, but, indeed, the start of a new configuration of the family and, with careful guidance, and keeping everyone's perspective balanced and focused, children can move forward and adapt, too, so that the way forward need not be so scary to them, but they can become settled and feel very much loved, and supported, and wanted by both parents. And also feel comfortable with the new shape of their family, whatever that may look like.

Des's staff profile and contact details: here.

Des is available for consultation.

Make an appointment now with his assistant,

Tania Poidevin. Call Tania on (02) 6281 0999

or email her at tania@kjblaw.com.au.

  SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF AWARDS

Andrew's done it yet again — twice!

Andrew's done it again — twice!

Andrew's done it again, twice!

“I KNOW we’ve now all come to expect it, given how good he is, and Andrew's done it again!" Jo Twible says of fellow principal Andrew Freer, who's just been recognised again — twice — in Doyle's Guide.

"Specifically, he's again been acknowledged as one of the preeminent lawyers in the area of wills and estates litigation as well as being acknowledged for his estate planning prowess. Congratulations, Andrew!”

It's nothing new for him. Indeed, these two wins are his 28th and 29th such honours.

And this is the 10th year in a row he's been recognised, since his first appearance in the Doyle's honours list for the ACT back in 2016.

Additionally, KJB Law has also been recognised as recommended in the ACT in the category of wills, estates, and succession planning law firms and as second tier in the ACT in the category of wills and estates litigation law firms.

Doyle’s Guide is a leading independent legal directory in Australia, ranking top lawyers and firms based on peer and industry feedback — so these acknowledgments speak volumes about our trusted reputation and unwavering expertise.

"You know, at the end of the day, it's not the awards that matter as much as the responsibility of being able to help people navigate stressful situations where they need legal support," Andrew says.

"There can be crisis points in our lives and none of us wants to face these alone. That's where we come in.

“I KNOW we’ve now all come to expect it, given how good he is, and Andrew's done it again!" Jo Twible says of fellow principal Andrew Freer, who's just been recognised again — twice — in Doyle's Guide.

"Specifically, he's again been acknowledged as one of the preeminent lawyers in the area of wills and estates litigation as well as being acknowledged for his estate planning prowess. Congratulations, Andrew!”

It's nothing new for him. Indeed, these two wins are his 28th and 29th such honours.

And this is the 10th year in a row he's been recognised, since his first appearance in the Doyle's honours list for the ACT back in 2016.

Additionally, KJB Law has also been recognised as recommended in the ACT in the category of wills, estates, and succession planning law firms and as second tier in the ACT in the category of wills and estates litigation law firms.

Doyle’s Guide is an independent legal directory in Australia, ranking top lawyers and firms based on peer and industry feedback.

"At the end of the day, it's not the awards that matter as much as the responsibility of being able to help people navigate stressful situations where they need legal support," Andrew says. "We all have crisis points and none of us wants to face them alone. That's where we come in.

"

"

             I know we've now all come to expect it, given how good he is, and Andrew's again been acknowledged as preeminent in his field!

JO TWIBLE

Solicitor and Principal

             I know we've now all come to expect it, given how good he is, and Andrew's again been acknowledged as preeminent in his field!

JO TWIBLE

Solicitor and Principal

"I love being able to help people make good decisions, good judgment calls, on contentious issues. Steer them away from further pitfalls. I love that.

"You know, I owe each and every one of my colleagues a real vote of heart-felt gratitude. They're personable, diligent, and ethical. You should meet them."


Andrew’s Doyle's profile here  ►

Andrew's KJB Law staff profile here  ►

Information, graphics: doylesguide.com

Over the years, Doyle's Guide has also recommended KJB Law in these areas:


2025  Wills & Estates Litigation

2025  Wills, Estates, Succession Planning

2024  Wills & Estates Litigation

2024  Wills, Estates, Succession Planning

2023  Public Liability Compensation

2021   Work Injury Compensation

2021   Public Liability Compensation

2021   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

2020  Work Injury Compensation

2019   Work Injury Compensation

2019   Public Liability Compensation

2019   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

Over the years, Doyle's Guide has also recommended KJB Law in these areas:


2025  Wills & Estates Litigation

2025  Wills, Estates, Succession Planning

2024  Wills & Estates Litigation

2024  Wills, Estates, Succession Planning

2023  Public Liability Compensation

2021   Work Injury Compensation

2021   Public Liability Compensation

2021   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

2020  Work Injury Compensation

2019   Work Injury Compensation

2019   Public Liability Compensation

2019   Motor Vehicle Accident Comp

  SEMINAR REPORT

Are you ready for the Government's aged-care changes now in effect?

Our first seminar for the year was 'informative', 'extremely helpful', and 'very well organised'

  • Slide title

    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Hundreds of people came to listen and learn — even more than expected.

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  • Our first seminar of the year

    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Presenters Mitchell (left), Luisa, and Craig

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Craig spoke about the costs of aged care, some obvious and some not so.

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Aged care specialists made themselves available to meet and chat

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Mitchell addressed the need to examine your personal circumstances.

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Luisa showed how to get straightforward advice from Government sites

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: David explained how the seminar would deal with everyone's concerns

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    MAY RETIREMENT SEMINAR: Hundreds of seniors and their families keenly listened to the speakers

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Now it's time to put into practice what you learned at the seminar — we're available to talk with you privately about your situation, whether or not you were at the seminar

Follow up the seminar now. Make an appointment to talk to Jo, or David, or any of our team, by calling Kylie at reception on (02) 6281 0999, or emailing her at kylie@kjblaw.com.au. Or speak to Craig or Luisa at PWP by calling 1300 10 22 33.

OUR first retirement living seminar for the year was very successful. "New Aged-Care Costs and Planning Ahead for

Wills and Capacity" was designed to equip our seniors and their families with the information they'll need to plan ahead constructively.

It was a joint venture between KJB Law and fellow Canberra firm Phillips Wealth Partners, and held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

Topics included aged-care reform, aged-care fees, and wills and power of attorney planning as capacity changes. and our speakers gave particular focus to the aged-care changes which came into effect on July 1.

Last year, the federal parliament passed the Aged Care Act, bringing critical funding and regulatory reform to support a high-quality and sustainable aged-care sector.

We looked at those aged-care reforms and policy changes, the funding models for home, residential, and other aged-care options, and suggested practical strategies for aged-care financial planning. These were the most crucial and timely aspects of our seminar.

Also we were able to explain how a comprehensive estate plan is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are followed in the event of incapacity or death.

It’s not just about having a will — a good estate plan protects your assets, addresses tax concerns, avoids family

 "

               All the seminar presentations were impressive, particularly Mitchell's. I really benefited. Also, now we know the organisations to approach as we sort out our estate planning.

  ATTENDEE

 "

              More than 300 Canberra seniors were given concise  information on the latest issues for aged care, along with direct access to industry reps who gave details of services and facilities available to them.

DAVID ENDERSBY

Senior Associate, KJB Law

and keynote speaker

This event was a collaboration between Canberra firms KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners.

disputes, and ensures your wishes are followed.

The specialist keynote speakers were KJB's senior associate David Endersby, filling in for Jo Twible who was on sick leave, and senior associate Mitchell Chatfield, along with PWP's principal Craig Phillips and Luisa Capezio, both accredited aged-care specialists.

Said David: "The seminar was an opportunity for meaningful engagement with a diverse group of Canberra’s seniors' community. More than 300 attendees were provided with concise and informative sessions on the latest issues for aged care, along with direct access to industry representatives who were ready to provide further information over a broad range about  services and facilities available to them."

Several attendees offered personal thanks in particular to Mitchell: “Thank you, Mitchell, for your contribution to the  seminar. You covered a lot of important issues that needed to be considered."

Keynote speakers:

Another said: "I truly appreciate your help Mitchell, and also KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners for putting together such an informative and useful free seminar."

And also: "All the seminar presentations were impressive, particularly Mitchell's. I really benefited. Also, now we know the organisations to approach as we sort out our estate planning.”

PWP's client services manager Ana Patriota, who also attended, said: "The educational seminar was most informative and very well-organised. The speakers demonstrated expertise and empathy, addressing July's aged-care reforms and providing a helpful printed support-at-home services list."

Also present was KJB's HR manager

Shradha Deo who said: "The retirement  seminar was a resounding success! We welcomed more attendees than expected, and were able to foster meaningful connections and conduct engaging discussions with those who were there. It was extremely helpful to so many people and it was really quite heartwarming to see our community come together to share important knowledge. The positive feedback we received was very encouraging indeed."


For more about our regular seminars:

call Shradha Deo, at KJB Law,

on (02) 6281 0999 or email

her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au.

Background video of David Endersby and Luisa Capezio addressing the seminar in May at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

  WOMEN'S SUPERANNUATION WORKSHOP

Superannuation session for women identified a service gap

Event uncovered a real need 

to support women and super

  • Superannuation Workshop for Women

    Participants listen to

    simple explanations,

    some for the first time

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    Brigitta explains the

    personal implications

    of superannuation

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    Explaining super

    contributions

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    Addressing the various

    contribution options

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    Always note the fine print

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    Kerstin and Brigitta

    before the event

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    Brigitta and Kerstin

    prepare the room

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    Kerstin checks the slides

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    Awaiting everyone's arrival

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    Beforehand

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IN NOVEMBER last year, KJB Law and fellow Canberra firm Arch Capital collaborated on a special superannuation workshop designed exclusively for a small group of interested women.

It was open to anyone who wished to register and it was free.

The event was an experimental endeavour, coming out of discussions between our Special Counsel at the time, Kerstin Glomb, and Arch Capital Senior Financial Adviser, Brigitta Hembrow-Gersey, who jointly ran the workshop.

Kerstin had more than 25 years' experience in wills and estate planning, and Brigitta had been advising on strategy and investments since 2017.

"

              We've come across many women concerned about their finances in retirement. We generally earn less and work less than men due to looking after children, or caring for parents. Women don't know where to get information, and this can be scary.

KERSTIN GLOMB

co-presenter

Why women?

"Women generally earn less and have worked less than men due to taking time out to look after children, or care for their parents," Kerstin said.

"Brigitta and I have come across many women who are concerned about their financial situation when in retirement. They don’t know what to do, or where to get information and guidance. And it can be scary.

"

             It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend.

ATTENDEE

Superannuation Workshop for Women

The workshop was a collaboration between

Canberra firms KJB Law and Arch Capital.

"The purpose of the workshop was to provide help and general guidance on superannuation, explain to women where they can find information, and allow them to ask questions without having to pay.

"The feedback from all attendees was that the workshop was very helpful, and we got a huge thank-you afterwards.

"And that was very encouraging and convinced Brigitta and I to do another one soon."

One of the women who attended said afterwards: "It was a great event, thank you! Very informative, helpful, and not too complicated. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend."

What did the presenters observe at the workshop?

"Honestly, both Brigitta and I could see that there's little knowledge about how superannuation works, what to watch out for, and where to find information," Kerstin said.

"This doesn’t only apply to women by the way — but women are usually more scared to ask questions."

The workshop was interactive and covered such topics as:

What is superannuation and how does it work?

What are the different types of contributions and what should I watch out for?

Why and how should I engage with my super?

How do I ensure it's distributed to the people I choose when I die? What are binding nominations and how do update/review them? When do I need to update/review my will, and how?

Attendees were also encouraged to bring their own questions.

It was open to women of all ages, at any stage of their woking lives — whether starting a career, returning to work, or nearing retirement. No prior knowledge was required.


More about Brigitta: linkedin.com/in/brigittagersey

Future workshops: Shradha Deo on (02) 6281 0999

or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

RETIREMENT LIVING SEMINAR

It's simple — do your due diligence and your homework, and you'll avoid unkind surprises; your retirement should be your golden years

Seminar offered reassurance in the face of alarming ABC coverage











  • KJB's Mitchell Chatfield addressed the right to occupancy in certain situations










  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners










  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners









  • Jo Twible, principal of KJB Law, addresses the concerns coming from the recent ABC coverage









  • Attendees were especially interested in what Jo had to say about the ABC's warnings about some retirement villages











  • Jo, Mitchell, and Craig, part of the expert panel, listen as fellow presenter Luisa Capezio addresses retirement concerns












  • Mitchell Chatfield, of KJB Law











  • Mitchell Chatfield, of KJB Law











  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Craig Phillips, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners

    Button










  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners










  • Luisa Capezio, of Phillips Wealth Partners











  • Thank you for coming!

LAST November, KJB Law and Canberra company Phillips Wealth Partners co-presented another in our successful series of educational retirement living seminars, Making the Move: Retirement Living and Financial Preparation for Aged Care.

Registration for the two-and-a-half-hour morning session was free, and open to anyone who was interested. It was already half-filled some weeks beforehand.

The focus was on learning how to make wise, informed, and safe decisions about retirement for yourself or loved ones, addressing questions everybody has about entering into new living arrangements for this stage of your life.

Of particular and timely interest, were the issues raised by the recent ABC Australia investigation into problems in some areas of the retirement village industry.


"

              Many are concerned about security, even regarding possible relationship changes. People are seeking clarity about appropriate planning.

MITCHELL CHATFIELD

co-presenter 

"

              When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation.

JO TWIBLE

  co-presenter

The widespread media coverage made it clear that many residents enter a retire-ment village without fully understanding their agreement, nor its financial consequences.

KJB Law principal Jo Twible was keen to address concerns. “Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” she said.

She advised: "When entering a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contracts and their own situation. A range of operators in the marketplace offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences. Find out what suits your particular situation."

The seminar was a collaboration between Canberra

firms KJB Law and  Phillips Wealth Partners.

It was clear from comments afterwards that the seminar helped attendees learn how to make safe decisions.

Attendees were from varied backgrounds, and included those wanting to learn about retirement village living, those who were confused about retirement village contracts, and those needing clarification about aged-care services and current costs.

The much-vaunted important changes to the Retirement Village Act were also flagged.

The panel of expert presenters were Jo Twible, principal, and Mitchell Chatfield, solicitor, from KJB Law, and Craig Phillips, director, senior financial advisor, and accredited aged-care professional, and Luisa Capezio, co-director and accredited aged-care professional, from Phillips Wealth Partners.

Details of the next retirement living seminar will be announced soon.

   

More about Jo: kjblaw.com.au/jo-twible

Craig: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp

Luisa: phillipswp.com.au/about/about-pwp

Future seminars: Shradha Deo on 6281 0999

or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

KJB IN THE MEDIA

KJB principal Jo Twible interviewed for ABC News Online

Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going

"

              That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not,

that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency.

JO TWIBLE 

Principal, KJB Law

THE ABC's ongoing national investigations into the retirement village industry last Sunday focused on the ACT.

KJB Law principal Jo Twible, a specialist in retirement village contracts, was among those interviewed for the ABC News story, "Canberra's retirement villages urged to be more transparent about where fees are going."

Said reporter Lottie Twyford in her lead-in: "Around the country, residents have raised concerns about retirement villages and their practices of charging large exit, maintenance, and refurbishment fees, which have sometimes come as a shock.

"In the ACT, some have called for more avenues for managing complaints, while prospective residents are urged to seek

independent financial and legal advice before entering into a retirement village contract."

Jo Twible was among those interviewed for the story.

The reporter wrote: "KJB Law's Jo Twible agreed most of the contracts are far too complex for someone to understand without the help of a lawyer.

"And as one of the few lawyers practising in this space, she said there's a reason they're so complex."

Ms Twible said: "Even in New South Wales, which does have a standard contract, they will change drastically depending on the offerings from the village they choose.

"In Canberra alone, there are many different types of retirement villages.

"That means different scenarios for residents, both financially and legally, depending on the type they live in.

"Residents also have the choice about when to pay some fees."

Ms Twible agreed more transparency was needed about where operators are making their profits, just how large those profits are, and what resident fees are being used for. 

Ms Twible said: "That sense of [whether] an operator is price-gouging or not, that could be perhaps resolved by some transparency."

She explained to the journalist, though it wasn't reported: “In the ACT, the operators have obligations to meet certain expenses

from their own pockets. Up-front and departure fees form the source of the operator’s funds to meet those obligations.

"However, they are also what form the operator’s profit and their source of funds for reinvestment.

"Given the degree of concern recently raised that some of the fees charged are excessive, a more true understanding of whether or not this is the case could be helped by some additional transparency in this regard.

"You don’t expect your plumber to fix your plumbing without making a profit, so it’s not unreasonable for retirement village operators to make profit, too – the question is how much profit is reasonable versus what might people reasonably feel is gouging?”

 
Read the full story by journalist Lottie Twyford on ABC NEWS ONLINE: here  ►

 

See further comment by Jo in the story

" 7:30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village" and also more ABC coverage further down this page.

RETIREMENT VILLAGES IN THE MEDIA

7.30 and the importance of legal and financial advice when entering a retirement village

"

              Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents.

JO TWIBLE

Principal, KJB Law

THIS month's 7.30 stories on the ABC about retirement villages have one key take-away: many residents enter into a village without fully understanding their agreement nor its financial consequences.
“Surprises are great for Christmas and birthdays, not for legal documents,” KJB Law principal, Jo Twible, says. 

When entering into a retirement village, a prospective resident should get detailed legal and financial advice, specifically relating to the contract(s) and their own situation.

A range of operators in the market offer a range of financial models, and each model has different benefits and consequences.

When entering into a village, many contracts contain formulas as to the amount residents will pay on exit — good advice should help quantify for you the amount you'll pay based on different scenarios.

If a contract says you pay a departure fee of 6 per cent per year capped at 30 per cent after five years on an ingoing contribution of $700,000 and get no share of capital gain, then you need straightforward advice that makes it very clear that this means that the departure fee at the one-year mark is $42,000 and by the five-year mark it is $210,000.

If you stay in the village for five or more years then you'll get back $490,000 as a starting point. Any additional amounts that might be deducted should also be clearly explained.

“Advice should be in writing and in plain English,” Jo says. “A prospective resident should be encouraged to share that advice with their family as, while it's the resident who might be dealing with the transaction when entering, it's often a family member who's assisting them when they exit.

"There should never be a situation where a family member thinks: ‘Mum wouldn’t have signed this if she'd known!’

“Tailored financial advice is important, too. Prospective residents need to not just be thinking about this move but the potential following move into an aged-care facility. Quite often when we see clients they have no understanding of the framework for aged care and potential costs."

ABOVE: Here are two key instalments of ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson's continuing look into retirement village inequities; on 7.30 (top, 18 mins) and ABC News (above, 3 mins). Jo Twible says: "While there are reasons that retirement villages need to charge some of the fees they do to ensure that they have funds to meet their legislated obligations, the current media attention only serves to highlight the vital need to get clear independent legal and financial advice on every contract, before you sign, when you're looking to enter retirement living."

"This is one reason why KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run regular public education seminars on retirement village entry and aged care. We want people to have some basic under-standing before they start looking at retirement village options.”

Jo says: “There are many well documented benefits to life in a retirement village, but these come at a cost. It’s important to ensure a prospective resident understands these costs and can determine, for themselves, whether the benefits are worth what they'll be paying going into, during and on exit from the village, and that they'll have sufficient funds left over to meet their future care needs.”

     

KJB Law and Phillips Wealth Partners run occasional free

retirement living seminars at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

For details of upcoming seminars, call Shradha Deo on

(02) 6281 0999 or email her at shradha@kjblaw.com.au

We wish you the  

very

best

outcome

for   

your   

situation  

in

2025

.

PICTURED (from left): Principals Andrew Freer, Jo Twible, and Des Moore are each experts in their fields and have wide-ranging experience in legal matters. See here for links to their individual profiles and personal contact details. They'd love to hear from you. 


NEW STARTS (background): The early morning sun rises on Lake Burley Griffin, piercing the trees that line its shores, and bringing its constant promise of something new and fresh. Video: VisitCanberra.com.au.

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF

Andrew's inspiring bike ride across Italy

FROM the start of September, in 2024, principal Andrew Freer (left) had been in Italy, spending his long-service leave on an intensive group bike-ride through Tuscany, Umbria, and surrounds.


The Appenini ride was due to leave Fiesole, near Florence, on September 4, giving Andrew and friends time to explore the Tuscan region for three days.

"Yes, I was very fortunate to experience a little of this region as well as take a few days acclimatising and getting some warm-up cycling," he said.


Sightseeing in Florence included the famous Duomo cathedral, officially the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Accademia gallery, the home of Michelangelo's David.


Andrew was in Tuscany on the day before the start of the big ride when his double win in the Doyle's Guide honours was announced back home.


DAY 1, Sept 4, 112.82 km, 6h 1m: Andrew and friends left Fiesole, aiming to reach the province of Arrezo in another part of Tuscany that night. "It was quite warm and I knew I'd be busy chewing what I'd bitten off right up to midnight! I posted a few cycling photos to Facebook but my daughter said she wasn't particularly impressed with them, so I got busy and uploaded another batch."


DAY 2, Sept 5, 141.87 km, 7h 38m: The group headed off to the region of Umbria, leaving Arrezo in Tuscany and riding south-east to Todi, in the province of Perugia. "This was quite challenging, especially the last sneaky little climb into Todi! And to think I thought yesterday was tough!"


DAY 3, Sept 6, 136.67 km, 6h 49m. They left Todi and headed to L’Aquila. "I gotta say my legs were showing clear signs of benefitting from riding for three days in a row, but it was quite a long climb late in the day. However, I told myself, the next two days will be a step up. Today was another spectacular day in the mountains, as you can see from the photos. There was plenty of climbing."


DAY 4, Sept 7, 117.47 km, 6h 41m. The riders left L’Aquila and headed to Popoli, still in the Abruzzo region. "We rode via a small hill called the Gran Sasso, plus we had a very nice swim in the river at the end!"


DAY 5, Sept 8: "We rode from Popoli to Lanciano via a brute of a mountain (but beautiful) called the Blockhaus in the Parco Nazionale (national park). The views were really something and made up for the very long and steep ascent!"


REST DAY, Sept 9: A scheduled rest day in Lanciano for the Harvest Festival. "I'm really enjoying this!"


DAY 6, Sept 10: 128.69 km, 7h 7m. “Today was a morning ride, heading out from Lanciano, in Abruzzo, for Campobasso in the Molise region after our much-needed rest day. No iconic climbs today, but plenty of metres were climbed!”


DAY 7, Sept 11: 112.56 km. "Lots of wind turbines hinted at the riding conditions we were going to face. Less climbing today, but we still gained height for a windy smashfest home. We had a nice post-ride swim!"


DAY 8, Sept 12: 133.5 km, 6h 34m. "The ride from Lucera to Melfi was a flattish smash-fest for 60 kms. The joys of Puglia. Then lots of hills and plenty more wind turbines — literally hundreds of them. Then a return to some climbing. Explored the Castle at Melfi at the end! And another lovely post-ride swim. The legs are getting stronger. Two days to go!”


DAY 9, Sept 13: 131.28 km, 5h 32m. “After leaving Melfi, first we climbed up, then did an 80km relatively flat run but it was a hot and hard slog into Matera. We wore pink Jerseys in remembrance of Albert’s granddaughter. We had an early lunch. Finally, it was so good to be in the hotel. We walked into the old town for dinner. Now, time for some James Bond spotting. Final day tomorrow!”


FINAL DAY, Sept 14: "It was a lighter day, as we left Matera for Monopoli. Did olive oil tasting then had a swim when we reached the sea. All up, we've just done 1300km in 10 days since leaving Fiesole, near Florence, and arriving in Monopoli. That's 21 km of vertical climbing! Thanks for following!"

BACKGROUND: Day 3, Sept 6: Umbria to Abruzzo.

Our client testimonials speak for themselves . . .

               I found that Des and his assistant Tania, and

               the whole KJB Law team, were fantastic after spending about three years with them on a family law matter. The firm is very professional and they were

able to focus on helping during a very difficult time.

Des and Tania and the rest of the team were always supportive, offering professional guidance, care, and support. If you want a hard-working team on your side, KJB is that team. Thank you again, KJB!

Long-term client (2020–2023) of Des Moore, Principal

              Now that my unpleasant matter has concluded,

              I'd like to express my absolute satisfaction with the service and the courtesies you offered me during this year and 2021. Your assessment, instruction, and guidance on my best options and outcomes greatly relieved me of a lot of the stress I was experiencing.

I'll certainly keep your firm foremost in my mind should I ever again need legal support.

And I won't hesitate to recommend KJB Law should anyone I know need the same.

Client of Des Moore, Principal

              I'm speechless. I have to say that I didn't see my

              matter being settled by consent. Well, miracles do happen! Des and Laura, I cannot thank you both enough — you've been absolutely amazing, and I was so lucky to have such professionals on my side. 

Client of Des Moore, Principal, and

Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate

              I want to thank you for your efforts leading

              up to and including yesterday's mediation.

I felt extremely well represented and supported by you and the team. You did an amazing job in understanding the matter and my preferences in approaching settlement, and executing on them. I'm extremely pleased with the outcome. Based on my experience, it only stands to reason that the culture and skills at KJB have justified your industry recognition and my friend's recommendation. My most sincere thanks to you.

Client of Jay Riddle, Solicitor

               We'd very much like to express our thanks for 

               your assistance and patience in the matter of our wills and enduring powers of attorney. It was super service from a very professional law firm. Thank you!

Clients of Kerstin Glomb, former Special Counsel

               The conference we had with Jo was very

               informative and it helped us greatly to clarify our thinking and priorities about the proposed development and the nature of the deal. Jo's advice was greatly appreciated. Her candour and practicality were refreshing and supportive. Just as in 2011, when Jo helped us with conveyancing to buy our property, her work was invaluable, and she has enabled us to make one of the more important decisions of our lives with confidence and security.

Return clients of Jo Twible, Principal

              We'd both like to thank you and the team at

              KJB Law for the very smooth and successful purchase of our property. We're both very happy with the work and efforts by you and the team. It's been a very positive transition into our new home and we'll certainly recommend KJB to anyone who's looking to buy a home.

Clients of David Trigg, Conveyancing Manager

              Laura, I wouldn't have got here without your

              unending support through this painful period

of my life. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can finally get on with my life.

Client of Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate

              Thank you so much for all your help. Laura,

              I couldn’t have done it without you. It was a real privilege to work alongside you, to be able to

sort out all this, and I'm ever so relieved it's all done.

Thank you so much. You're very much appreciated!

Client of Laura Dowling, former Senior Associate

◼︎Contact our friendly receptionist, Kylie, who'd be delighted to put you in touch with the legal specialist your situation needs. Call Kylie on (02) 6281 0999 or you can email her direct at reception@kjblaw.com.au.

Our DOUBLE win at the Business Awards!

We're so very grateful for this huge honour

⚜️ BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ⚜️

⚜️ BEST PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ⚜️

Canberra Region businesses gathered recently for the annual announcement of the winners of the Local Business Awards. 
KJB Law was not only the winner of the Professional Services category (listed right) but we were also announced as Outstanding Business of the Year.
It's a tremendous honour, and one we don't take lightly. The glittering occasion was all the more special, coming as it did after 18 hard months for the community.
"We're so proud of our hard-working KJB team," said principal and solicitor Andrew Freer, when accepting the Professional Services category award for the company. "They put everything they have into looking after our clients' needs. This award acknowledges that."

Precedent Productions' Steve Loe said “Many tears of joy were shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone’s control. It was wonderful to see our finalists come together to celebrate in what's been a difficult time for people around the world."

We were thrilled with that first win. And completely taken aback when the final award of the night was announced.

"Most Outstanding Business of the Year for the Canberra Region is KJB Law!"

We couldn't believe it. And we were in such honoured company with all the other finalists.

"This is very humbling to all of us here at KJB Law," said principal and solicitor Des Moore, as he accepted the final award on the night.

"We'll keep working hard for our community and our clients. Thank you so sincerely for this honour and recognition."

The local business awards are run by

Precedent Productions: (02) 8363 3333

or visit precedent@precedent.net.

For more information about the awards,

visit: thebusinessawards.com.au.

              Many tears of joy were

             shed on the night, as Canberra Region businesses  celebrated each other’s achievements. The pandemic has been tough on us all, with businesses hit hard by things beyond anyone's control.

STEVE LOE 

Precedent Productions