Meet Our Professional Team
 |
Philip Farrugia LL.B. - Partner A well-known lawyer who has practised in the Liverpool area since 1972, Philip specialises in real estate conveyancing, commercial leasing and disputes, small business, Probate and Estate planning, Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships. Philip's loyal clients keep coming back because they appreciate his honesty and efficiency. Philip has served the Liverpool community as the President of the Law Society of NSW's Liverpool/Fairfield branch. For three years, Philip was a legal adviser for the general managers of the Westfield Group's development, construction and leasing departments. On 1 July 2013 Philip invited Hannah Smith to become a partner of the firm and consequently the firm was incorporated to MGF Law Pty Ltd trading as Markham Geikie Farrugia. |
 |
Hannah Smith LL.B. - Partner Hannah joined our team in June 2010 and upon her admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in August 2010, became an employed Solicitor. Hannah has quickly built a reputation for providing our clients with efficient service and honest advice. Originally from South Wales UK, Hannah began her Law Degree at the University of Plymouth in the UK and after two successful years transferred to complete her degree at the University of Western Sydney. On 1 July 2013 Hannah accepted Philip Farrugia's invitation to become partner and they have been developing the business together since then. |
 |
Paul Farrugia LL.B. - Senior Lawyer Head of our taxation department, Paul has practised in most fields of law in the local area since 1977. Specialising in real estate conveyancing, small business and income tax, he has also lectured in contract and real estate law at TAFE colleges. |
MGF Blog Keeping you informed:
19 May 2021
The Real Property Amendment (Certificates of Title) Bill 2021 passed through NSW Parliament on Tuesday 11 May 2021, allowing for the cancellation of paper certificates of title (CTs) in NSW. The introduction of this new legislation will allow for 100% electronic lodgement of land transactions, moving away from paper-based processes. Please call our office on 02 9602 8488 for more information or to find our what will happen with your CT. Further information is available on the website of the NSW Office of the Registrar General.
4 August 2020
Changes to stamp duty for first home buyers have been announced as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. For more information click here. If you or anyone you know are purchasing property in NSW our office is ready to assist. Call us on 02 9602 8488 for a quote
6 May 2020
Due to the current Covid-19 situation our in office times have changed but we are still available 9-5 Monday to Friday for all your phone enquiries. If you wish to discuss your matter or arrange a face to face appointment please call us on 02 9602 8488.
9 May 2018
It's that time of year again! The Local Business Awards are back in action and we would like to ask all of our wonderful clients to please support our firm by voting for us on the below link. We will keep you updated with the results.
Every vote counts!
https://thebusinessawards.com.au/business/39643/Markham-Geikie-Farrugia-Solicitors-
21 March 2018
As of 1 July 2018 some of our fees will be increasing in accordance with general inflation and rising costs. All existing matters will not be affected. We thank you for your understanding.
25 September 2017
Fences – Fences raise 2 questions: Is there a need for a new fence? And Who should pay?
If you need to build or repair a dividing fence Under the Dividing Fences Act 1991 (NSW) the general principle is that adjoining neighbours must share the cost of a “sufficient dividing fence”. If you cannot come to an agreement over the sharing of costs – call us!
15 August 2017
We often get asked what work goes into selling a property, the below link briefly outlines the process of a sale. For further information or to obtain a quote please contact us today.
https://www.lawsociety.com.au/cs/groups/public/documents/internetcontent/657103.pdf
2 August 2017
If you feel that your employment termination was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, an unfair dismissal application must be lodged within 21 days after the dismissal takes effect, also a dismissal does not have to be in writing, a dismissal can be communicated orally. If you require assistance please call us today on (02) 9602 8488
28 July 2017
To all of our clients, unfortunately we did not win the Local Business Award in our category. We would like to thank everyone for their support and votes and we will be sure to try again next year!
5 July 2017
We are pleased to announce that we are a finalist in the Local Business Awards! We would like to say a BIG thank you to all of our clients for their support and voting for us.
We will know the results on the 27th July 2017. Fingers crossed!
19 May 2017
MGF Law will be hosting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea on Tuesday 23rd May 2017! For any clients that wish to attend please RSVP by 3pm Monday 22nd May 2017. If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate please click on the below link. Every dollar helps Cancer Council fund research, support, prevention, and advocacy programs.
Your support is appreciated.
17 March 2017
Should I make a Will?
Yes. If you die without making a Will your assets would be distributed under a rigid formula (by the Court) regardless of what you wish. It is essential to make a Will if you are concerned about who will receive your assets and belongings after you die. It is particularly important to make a Will if you have a family or other dependents.
17 February 2017
Disputing with your neighbour and unable to resolve the issue? Neighbour disputes can escalate quickly, whether it be an issue with fencing, trees, noise or buildings we can assist. Not all neighbour disputes require legal intervention and we can point you in the right direction and possibly save you $$$$.
18 January 2017
Happy New Year to all of our clients! We hope you had a great Christmas break. We are now back in full swing and business as usual. If you have any matters you wish to discuss please call today.
15 December 2016
We wish you the compliments of the season and advise that this office will close Thursday 22 December 2016 at 5 pm and re-open Monday 9 January 2017 at 9 am.
14 December 2016
We are offering a 50% discount on both Enduring Power of Attorney and Appointment of Enduring Guardian on the 19th and 20th of December only! Mention the website post to receive this offer. Not available with any other discounts.
26 October 2016
We have teamed up with the NSW Government and now provide a 20% discount for holders of a NSW Seniors Card. This discount applies to all of our fees. In addition, pension card holders also receive a 20% discount.
http://www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/discounts
27 July 2016
From 1 July 2016, there are new ID requirements for all Real Property transactions. Please do not be alarmed if we ask for ID documents as all of our files must contain the appropriate identification.
15 July 2016
We are now able to assist you in Home Building disputes and employment matters. Call us today and mention this post to receive 10% off your first matter with us (not limited to areas referred to in this post).
14 February 2016 - Driving Offences
Do you need help with a driving-related matter?
If so, call us today to make an appointment to see one of our experienced lawyers.
21 January 2015 - Family Law
Are you separated from your spouse and now considering a Divorce, property settlement or orders in relation to your children?
This can be a very strenuous time and it is important that you receive the right advice and guidance. Here at MGF we have many years' experience in Family Law and are able to provide you with easy to understand advice and assist you throughout your matter in the most effective and efficient manner. We look forward to your call.
22 April 2014 - Business Transactions
Are you looking to buy or sell a business? If so call us now so we can advise you throughout your transaction and update you on the changes concerning the PPSR and ASIC.
30 January 2014 - New Retirement Advice Service
Are you over 55 and thinking about retirement?
Have you considered who is qualified to advise you?
At MGF Law our lawyers have many years' experience advising on legal, tax and Centrelink issues. Our clients have been very pleasantly surprised to discover that if they plan their future carefully, their annual income after age 65 could increase by many thousands of dollars.
But you should act before your 60th birthday to get the full benefit.
Answer and send us your anonymous questionnaire for our free assessment to see whether you should spend money on a consultation or written advice. Click on our enquire online link above and type RETIREMENT ADVICE in subject line and we will send you the questionnaire to complete, we will then contact you to discuss your individual case.
10 September 2013 - Personal Properties Securities Register (PPSR)
The PPSR commenced operating on 30 January 2013. It is a national register for consumers, businesses and the finance industry which allows them to search the register when they need to know whether certain personal property has a security interest registered against it.
If you operate a business and supply goods on credit, hire, lease or on a retention of title arrangement you should become very familiar with the PPSR. Call us now to find out how you can register your interest in your property on the PPSR. Alternatively for more information visit www.ppsr.gov.au
28 March 2013 - National Families Week 2013
National Families Week will be held between 15 and 21 May 2013. The aim is to celebrate the vital role that families play. This year's theme is "Getting the balance right". For more information visit: http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au/familiesweek/
6 March 2013 - Welcome back Hannah Smith
After 4 months maternity leave Hannah is back on board and ready to assist you with your Family Law matter. Call us now or send us an email if you would like to speak to her regarding your personal circumstances.
9 November 2012 - WARNING SCAM
Merck Alliance appears to be a scam business. They are using our address as their own to recruit employees. We suggest that you do not give them any personal details.
We are receiving applications by mail and personal deliveries at our office of signed Employment Agreements. Some persons advise us that they have been asked for their bank account and passport details.
24 October 2012 - Real Estate Purchases and Government Grants
Starting from 1 October 2012, new Government Grants with different rules have been introduced to REPLACE previous concessions.
The most important change is that benefits will ONLY be available when you buy a NEW HOME for less than $650,000. How much you receive will depend on the price and whether or not you qualify as a FIRST HOME BUYER.
FIRST HOME BUYERS who qualify receive a grant of $15,000 (down to $10,000 from 1 January 2016). They may also receive a substantial stamp duty concession when purchasing vacant land for under $450,000 or a new house for under $650,000. Total exemptions apply if prices are below $350,000 and $550,000 respectively.
Example: a qualified first home buyer for $550,000 receives the maximum benefit, being a grant of $15,000 plus a stamp duty saving of $20,240.
OTHER BUYERS paying less than $650,000 for a new house or $450,000 for vacant land for a new home may receive a grant of $5,000.
For more details click on the OSR link http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/benefits/first_home/
27 September 2012 - Stamp duty grant
Commencing 1 July 2012, a $5000 grant will be available to buyers of new homes, whether off the plan or newly built, with a value up to $650,000 and to buyers of vacant land that is intended to be the site of a new home valued up to $450,000.
Applications for the grant must be made within three months of the date of execution of the agreement for sale or of the transfer (where there is no agreement).
A purchaser under the scheme can be any entity, including a natural person, a company or a trustee of a trust and is available to investors as well as owner occupiers.
The payment of the grant will be administered by way of applying the amount of the new home grant as a credit against liability for duty on the agreement for sale or transfer. However, if the total amount of duty is paid, or there is a balance of grant owing, a payment will be issued by cheque upon completion of the purchase (i.e. the registration of the change of title).
For more information call us or see www.osr.nsw.gov.au
25 June 2012: Auctions - BEWARE!
Did you know that when you are purchasing residential real estate at auction you do not have a cooling off period? That means that when the hammer comes down you are locked in and there is no turning back regardless of your financial situation.
7 June 2012: What is the difference between a lawyer, a barrister and a solicitor?
We are often asked this question. The simple answer is barristers and solicitors are both lawyers, but they have different functions. In most court cases, the solicitor would normally have most contact with the client and would prepare a 'brief' for the barrister, who would be the client's spokesman, or advocate, in court with the solicitor by his side to assist him.
14 February 2012: Do you have an up-to-date Will?
If you have no children and you and your partner are involved in a fatal accident if it is determined you passed away first, your in-laws may inherit your estate. Come and see us so you can decide who inherits your estate.
21 November 2011: First Home - New Home Scheme
From 1 January 2012, First Home Plus exemptions and concessions offered by the NSW Government will be replaced by the First Home - New Home Scheme. An agreement or transfer will only be eligible for the concession or exemption if the acquisition of the first home is a new home or vacant land intended to be used as the site for a new home. First Home Plus exemptions and concessions will continue to apply in relation to agreements to purchase an existing home entered into before 1 January 2012. See the Office of State Revenue website for further information, phone 1300 130 624 or emailfirst.home.benefits@osr.nsw.gov.au