Sue Me Later

Estate planning is about more than simply having a will. If your plans are unclear, incomplete or out of date, the people you want to protect may be left facing uncertainty, family tension and difficult decisions at an already stressful time.

In this episode, I discuss estate planning mistakes that can create problems for families, and why it's important to think carefully about how your wishes are recorded and communicated. We look at the risks of leaving things until later, making assumptions about what a will covers, and failing to review your arrangements as your circumstances change.<...

Ben Roberts-Smith's interview with Ben Fordham on 2GB raises some serious questions. But how do his claims stand up when you look at them through a legal lens?

In this episode, I give my thoughts on the interview, his account of how he has been treated, and the distinction between telling your side publicly and having your evidence tested in court.

One point that matters: losing a civil defamation case is not the same as being convicted of a criminal offence. The legal standards are different, and that distinction needs to be understood when discussing...

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) can affect everyday decisions, and misunderstanding its conditions can create serious problems.

In this episode, I explain five common traps people can run into when dealing with an AVO, including why it matters to read every condition carefully and how seemingly minor actions can cause difficulty. If you've been served with an AVO or are concerned about complying with one, get legal advice about your specific circumstances.

This episode provides general information only and is not legal advice. AVO laws and procedures vary between Australian states and territories.

...

You've just been fired. Was it unfair, and can you do anything about it?

Being dismissed can leave you angry, confused and worried about what comes next. But losing your job doesn't automatically mean you have an unfair dismissal case.

In this episode, I explain:

If you're considering challenging your dismissal, act promptly. Strict time limits...

What happens if your ex drains the bank accounts during a separation or divorce?

In this episode, we break down what Australian family law says when one party withdraws or transfers significant amounts of money before a property settlement is finalised.

We cover what you should do immediately, how to protect yourself financially, when urgent court orders may be available, and whether money that has already been spent or transferred can still be taken into account in a property settlement.

We also look at a real Australian family law case where a husband...

What happens when abuse leaves no bruises?

In this episode of Sue Me Later, Hayder Shkara sits down with family lawyer Amy Pattle to discuss coercive control, one of the most misunderstood and difficult forms of domestic and family violence.

Coercive control often occurs behind closed doors and can involve manipulation, isolation, intimidation, monitoring, financial control, emotional abuse, and patterns of behaviour designed to dominate another person.

We discuss:

• What coercive control actually is
• Common warning signs and red flags
• How coercive control appears in family law matters
• The impa...

Are Australians about to face inheritance tax by stealth?

The proposed changes to testamentary trusts could have a major impact on how families pass wealth to the next generation.

For years, testamentary trusts have been used as part of estate planning to protect assets, provide flexibility, and manage tax outcomes for children and beneficiaries.

But if the rules change, your will may not work the way you think it does.

In this video, I speak with estate planning expert, Tara Lucke from The Art of Estate Planning

https://www...

Thinking about studying in Australia?

Before you choose a course, you need to understand where that course is actually taking you.

Too many international students enrol first and ask questions later. They spend thousands of dollars, commit years of their life, and only then realise their study pathway may not lead to the visa or migration outcome they were hoping for.

In this video, we explain why choosing the right course is not just an education decision.

It can affect your graduate visa options, skilled migration pathway, future employment opportunities, and...

What actually happened after the ISIS Brides and children returned from camps in Syria to Australia?

One woman is facing terrorism-related charges (including allegedly entering or remaining in a “declared area” and alleged membership of a terrorist organisation).

Two others are facing some of the most serious allegations you can see in an Australian courtroom: slavery offences and “crimes against humanity – enslavement”.

But what do those charges really mean under Australian law?
How can Australia prosecute alleged conduct that happened overseas, in a war zone?
What happens with bail?
And what about...

Buying property is exciting, but it can also be expensive if you miss the wrong details.

In this video, I break down 3 costly mistakes property buyers make and what you should watch out for before signing a contract, paying a deposit, or committing to a purchase.

These mistakes can lead to unexpected costs, delays, disputes, or serious regret after settlement.

We cover:

Why you need to understand the contract before signing
The danger of skipping proper searches and due diligence
Why finance, cooling-off periods, and settlement dates matter
...

I break down the Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

This report was released while criminal proceedings are still underway, which means the Commission is legally limited in what it can reveal publicly.

So instead of a full blow-by-blow narrative, the public version focuses on the systems behind national security: how intelligence is handled, how agencies share information, how counter-terror coordination works, and what changes the Commission thinks need to happen now.

We’ll walk through the key public recommendations and we’ll also talk about the trust issu...

Can you actually go to jail for what you say in Australia?

In this video, I break down:

What hate speech actually means under Australian law
The difference between offensive speech vs illegal speech
When your words can cross the line into criminal conduct
And where free speech really stands in Australia today

This is about understanding the law so you don’t accidentally find yourself on the wrong side of it.

You’ve been arrested. Now what?

Most people think they know what to do…

They don’t.

And in the first few minutes after an arrest, one wrong move can make your situation a lot worse.

In this video, I break down the 7 things you need to remember if you’re ever arrested in Australia.

👉 What you say will be used against you
👉 What you do next actually matters
👉 And most people get it completely wrong

⚖️ In this Podcast:

What to say (and what NOT to say)
...

In this video, I respond to some of the claims I have heard online about the Roberts-Smith case.

This isn’t about picking a team. It’s about understanding how the rule of law actually works when allegations are this serious.

The criminal process now carries a much higher evidentiary threshold, and yes I understand, the findings of the Federal Court are not criminal convictions. 

But the...

In this podcast, I break down the recent court decision that struck down New South Wales’ protest laws and why it matters more than most people realize.

These laws were introduced quickly, with the intention of giving police broader powers to control protests. But when tested in court, they didn’t hold up.

So what went wrong?

It’s about the limits of government power.
It’s about how far the law can go before it crosses the line.

I explain:

The case against Ben Roberts-Smith is shaping up to be one of the most difficult prosecutions Australia has ever attempted.

In this video, I break down the real problems with this case from the perspective of an Australian lawyer.

Once you strip away the media coverage - what you’re left with is a prosecution that faces serious legal and practical hurdles:

– Allegations coming out of a war zone, years after the fact
– Heavy reliance on witness evidence that will be aggressively challenged
– The overlap with a civil case that already made fin...

Ben Roberts-Smith is back in court with his bail application. 

In this video, I break down what actually happened at the bail application, what the court is considering, and why this stage of the case is far more important than most people realise.

We go through:

What Roberts-Smith has been charged with
The legal test for bail in Australia
The key arguments his lawyers are likely making
The risks the court weighed up 

If you want to understand what’s really going on from an Australian Lawyer (without the...

If you’re going through a separation or thinking about starting family law proceedings, the process can feel overwhelmin and confusing.

In this video, I break down the entire family court process in Australia from start to finish.

⚖️ What we cover:

-What happens before court even starts
-Filing an application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
-The first court event and what to expect
-Interim hearings and urgent issues
-Disclosure and gathering evidence
-Mediation and dispute resolution
-Preparing for a final hearing (trial)
-What...

Domestic and family violence in Australia doesn’t always look the way people expect.

It doesn’t always involve sirens, shouting, or visible injuries.

In this video, I break down what domestic and family violence really looks like, how common it is, why leaving is one of the most dangerous moments, and where Australia’s systems succeed, and fail, in keeping people safe.

Using national data, real cases, and recent legal reforms, this video explores:
• The true scale of domestic and family violence in Australia
• Why emotional abuse and economic abuse are so com...

How do Australian courts really decide parenting cases?

If you think it comes down to who is the “better parent” or whether parenting will be 50/50, you’re not alone.

But that’s not how the Family Court actually works.

In this video, I break down how judges make parenting decisions in Australia, what the court really focuses on, and the biggest myths that cause parents to misunderstand their own cases.

I know most people have heard the horror stories of estate planning gone wrong.

In this episode, we break down what really happens to your assets when you pass away and why so many people get it wrong. 

Too often, people delay estate planning because it feels uncomfortable or complicated. 

The reality? 

Not having a plan is what creates the real problems!

We discuss:

What a will actually does (and what it doesn’t)
The biggest mistakes people make in estate planning
How family disputes arise...

Going through a high conflict divorce with a narcissist? You’ve probably seen these all too familiar patterns. I’m Hayder Shkara, Australian family lawyer, and in this video I break down what I call the Narcissist Playbook in Divorce - the predictable tactics narcissists use to manipulate, control, and exhaust their former partners.
 
I’ll show you how to recognise things like charm offensives, gaslighting, delays, smear campaigns and using children as leverage, and I’ll share practical ways to respond effectively using evidence, structure and the Biff communication method, (Brief, Informative, Friendly and Firm).
 
If you...

Buying or selling a property isn’t just about finding the right price it’s about understanding the legal risks that can cost you thousands if something goes wrong.

In this episode, Hayder Shkara sits down with Vanessa Anderson from CJC Law, an experienced Queensland conveyancer, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of a property transaction and the mistakes buyers and sellers often don’t realize until it’s too late.

We cover:
• What happens if you find problems after settlement
• Why smoke alarm compliance, insurance, and disclosure matter
• The truth about bu...

In this episode, we sit down with Toni Whitaker, an experienced succession and estate lawyer, to uncover one of the most misunderstood areas of law: what really happens when someone passes away without a will or an appointed executor.

Toni explains how poor estate planning can create stress, legal battles, and unexpected costs for families. She shares why appointing an executor is critical, what can happen under intestacy laws, and how adult children may still have statutory rights even if they’re not included in a will.

We also cover the importance of enduring powers of...

In this episode, we sit down with Gerard Pander, a third-generation Ipswich lawyer whose family has been shaping the local community for almost a century. From growing up inside a small family law firm to becoming a trusted advisor and long-serving hospice board member, Gerard shares a powerful story of legacy, service, and what it truly means to practice law with purpose.

He opens up about:

🔹 Being introduced to law through a family business
🔹 How communication and client care became his core strengths
🔹 A nine-year estate dispute and the lessons it taught
🔹 How the lega...

In today’s episode, we sit down with criminal lawyer Julianne to break down one of the most important legal topics: What should you do if the police arrest you?

Many people panic, say the wrong things, or feel pressured to “explain themselves.” But legally, that can lead to big problems. In this episode, we go step-by-step through what happens during an arrest, what the police MUST tell you, what your rights are, and the common mistakes people make that can harm their case.

🔍 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
•You ALWAYS have the right to remain silent, and it CANN...

In this episode of the podcast, we go deep into a part of the legal world most people only hear about in whispers — debt collection.

Our guest, Kirsten, has spent 19 years in insolvency and debt recovery, handling everything from modest unpaid bills to multimillion-dollar defaults. She explains the real difference between debtors who can’t pay and those who won’t, and why that distinction matters more than the numbers on the page.

You’ll hear:
• What really happens during a repossession
• How secured vs. unsecured debt changes every legal decision
• Why emotions, cris...

The holiday season can be one of the most challenging times for separated parents. Family traditions, travel plans, and the pressure to “make Christmas perfect” can lead to conflict if there isn’t a clear parenting arrangement in place.

In this episode, Hayder and Dannielle Young talk about how to plan Christmas parenting arrangements in a calm, child-focused way. They discuss the importance of parenting plans or consent orders, how to manage changeovers and interstate travel, and how to avoid last-minute stress.

They also explore creative approaches like establishing new traditions or celebrating a “second Christma...

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
 In this episode, Solicitor Sneha Chand shares her insights on how conveyancers and property lawyers simplify the legal process and protect buyers every step of the way.

Hosted by Hayder Shkara, this conversation dives into what really happens behind the scenes — from reviewing contracts and managing finance to handling those unexpected settlement “horror stories.”

If you’re planning to buy property or just want to understand conveyancing better, this episode will help you navigate it...

The partner visa is one of the most personal and complex areas of Australian immigration law. In this episode, Hayder Shkara and Krish Ram dive deep into what couples really need to know when applying for a partner visa.

From clearing up the confusion around marriage vs. de facto relationships, to understanding why proving a “genuine relationship” is so critical, they share practical insights and real-world experiences to guide you through the process.

💡 Key topics discussed:

Can You Be in a Legal Relationship Without Knowing It? 🤔💬⚖

 In this episode, we explore the surprising reality of de facto relationships—legal partnerships that can exist without a formal agreement or even your awareness. What defines a genuine domestic relationship under the law? How can it impact property, finances, and your future? Whether you're in a long-term partnership or just curious, this episode breaks down what you need to know to protect your rights and understand where you stand.

#DeFactoRelationship #FamilyLaw #LegalTalk #KnowYourRights #RelationshipAdvice #PropertySettlement #DomesticPartnership #LegalPodcast #ModernRelationships #BuzzsproutPodcasts

🎙️ What does Australia's immigration system really look like from the inside?

 In this episode, we sit down with Krish to unpack the realities behind visa approvals, political influence on migration policy, and the often overlooked human side of legal decision-making.

From comparing how different nationalities are treated under the visa system to explaining why immigration is often used as a political scapegoat, Krish shares practical insights and sharp observations on how administrative law impacts real lives. We also dive into the misconceptions about being a lawyer. 

Whether you're a law student, migrant, or just cu...

In this episode, we explore what really happens after marriage. Relationships and marriages can start with love and good intention but what happens when people change, trust is broken, and property or children are involved?

We discuss:
-The emotional toll of infidelity
-The complexities of property settlements and joint assets
-Power imbalances when one partner controls the finances
-Why parenting issues often overshadow financial stress


Whether you’re in a relationship, considering marriage, or going through a separation, this episode will open your eyes to the often-ignored legal and emotional ba...

In this episode, we explore the real struggles international students face in Australia academic pressure, cultural shock, high rental costs, and stricter visa rules. We unpack the gap between expectations and reality, course misalignment, and the new Genuine Student criteria. Murad also highlights current skills shortages and how students can better prepare for long-term success.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or education advisor, this episode offers essential guidance on navigating study pathways and making informed, future-proof choices.

🎙️ Tune in to hear Murad share expert insights on academic transitions, skilled migration, and choosin...

 In this episode, Hayder Shkara sits down with Vanessa to break down the new Property Law Act 2023 and what it means for real estate agents, sellers, and buyers.

They cover:
• Mandatory seller disclosure laws coming into effect August 1
• What must now be revealed before a property hits the market
• Risks of non-compliance — including last-minute contract terminations
• How these changes shift responsibility from buyer to seller
• The growing cost of property transactions and what first-time buyers should know

Whether you're in the industry or looking to buy/sell, this episode breaks down the bigg...

In this episode, Hayder Shkara and family lawyer Layla Sayed delve into the complexities of family law, discussing the emotional and legal challenges faced by clients.

They explore the journey of becoming a lawyer, the daily realities of practising family law, and the importance of mental health in the legal profession. The conversation also addresses the dynamics of domestic violence, the role of AI in legal practice, and the need for reform in youth justice laws.

Layla shares insights from her experiences, emphasising the need for compassion and understanding in family law matters.