It's surprising how often we see businesses making the exact same mistake.

On the surface, everything looks fine. They have terms and conditions in place, clients are signing paperwork, and business carries on as usual.

But when we take a closer look, we often uncover issues that could leave the business exposed if something ever went wrong.

In this short video, I shares a few real examples we've come across recently, and why it's worth checking your own documents before they need to protect you.

It might be worth asking yourself... could your business be making the same mistake?

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Have you ever had a friend or family member say, "You should just do this..."?

This week alone, we met with two clients who had been given well-intentioned legal advice that sounded like a great solution... but could have ended up costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The tricky part is that bad legal advice often sounds completely reasonable until someone explains why it isn't.

In this quick 2-minute video, I share these real-life examples and explains why it's always worth checking legal advice before acting on it.

A five-minute conversation today could save you from an expensive mistake tomorrow.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Building a successful family business is one thing. Making sure it stays that way for the next generation is another.

We've worked with many family businesses where everyone gets along... until questions arise about who makes decisions, who takes over, or what happens when circumstances change.

The reality is that many of these issues can be avoided with the right planning long before they become problems.

In this short video, Ross shares one of the simplest ways family businesses can protect what they've built and create certainty for the future.

If you're part of a family business, this is two minutes well spent.

If you own a commercial or retail property, this is a worthwhile 2-minute investment.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Most commercial landlords believe that if they have a signed lease, they're protected.

What many don't realise is that simple oversights can lead to costly consequences — from losing thousands of dollars in recoverable expenses to unintentionally extending a tenant's lease. ⚠️

These mistakes are more common than you might think, and in many cases they're entirely avoidable. 📌

▶️ In this short video, Ross explains five common mistakes landlords make with commercial and retail leases, and how to avoid them before they become expensive problems.

If you own a commercial or retail property, this is a worthwhile 2-minute investment.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Most people know a Will should set out who receives their estate.

What many don't realise is that the way a Will is structured can have significant tax and asset protection consequences for the people left behind.

Recent changes to the taxation of trusts have brought testamentary trusts back into focus, and may mean that a Will which once seemed appropriate no longer reflects the most effective estate planning strategy.

The good news? In many cases, these issues can be addressed with the right advice and a timely review.

In this short video, I explain what has changed, why testamentary trusts may now be even more valuable, and what to consider if your Will hasn’t been reviewed in some time.

If you have a Will in place, you'll want to watch this.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Most business owners know they can't dismiss someone for the wrong reasons.

What catches many employers off guard is that even when they have a legitimate reason to let someone go, they can still find themselves facing an unfair dismissal claim.

We've seen it happen time and time again. An employee's performance isn't up to standard, but the documentation doesn't reflect it. Or a business tries to take a shortcut, only to create a much bigger problem later.

The good news? These situations are often avoidable if you know what to do before difficult conversations become dismissal decisions.

In this short video, I explain some of the most common mistakes employers make, and how to protect your business from unnecessary claims.

If you employ staff, this is a worthwhile 2-minute investment.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

We recently had a client trying to do something that sounds simple… but really isn’t.

They wanted to be treated as both an employee and a contractor at the same time.

The problem? You can’t. And getting that line wrong can lead to some serious consequences – from tax issues to unexpected super, payroll tax, and even penalties.

It’s one of the most common areas where people slip up – especially when structuring work arrangements or bringing people into a business.

We break it down in this short video

If you run a business, hire contractors, or are setting yourself up — this is one to get right from the start.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

When someone close passes away, there’s a lot to deal with — and one responsibility often catches people off guard.

We regularly speak with clients who know they need to “get probate”… but aren’t quite sure what that actually means — or what happens if it’s not handled properly.

It’s one of those things that can quietly delay everything or create complications when you least expect it.

If you ever find yourself in this position, it’s worth understanding this early — it can make the process a lot smoother.

A client asked us something recently that sounds simple – but the answer can have serious consequences when selling a property.

It all comes down to your vendor statement… and when it quietly stops being “okay”.

We’ve seen situations where this catches people out – and it can be the difference between a smooth sale and a deal falling over.

We explain it clearly in this quick 2-minute video below.

If you’re selling, might be soon or know someone who is, watch or share – this is one of those things you’ll want to know before it becomes a problem.

Working with you,

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Parents lending money to kids? Loan or gift? The difference matters

Many parents help their children with money to buy a home or get ahead in life. But what happens if the relationship breaks down later on?

Recently, I was asked about a case where money from the “Bank of Mum & Dad” was not protected and the court had little choice but to treat it as something other than a genuine loan.

In this short video, I explain: 
• Why informal family loans can fail in court
• The simple steps that make it clear the money is a loan, not a gift
• How to protect the assets you’ve worked hard to build

It’s quick, practical, and something every parent considering helping their children financially should know.

A few simple steps today could protect a significant amount of your wealth tomorrow.

⚠️ Are Your Terms & Conditions Actually Protecting You?

Quick question…

If someone placed an order with you today, are you 100% confident your terms and conditions would hold up?

In this short 2-minute video, we cover:
✔️ Why outdated terms could leave you exposed
✔️ The common mistake that can void your protection
✔️ Unfair contract terms that aren’t enforceable

It’s a quick watch and it could save you a serious headache down the track.

👉 Click here to watch the short video. 
It’s a quick watch and it could save you a serious headache down the track.

If you or someone you know would like us to review your terms, we’re always happy to help. 

Working with you

Ross Millen & The Millens Team

Your Deal Might Not Be A Deal Yet.

You’ve signed the agreement. Everything looks set.

But what if the deal isn’t actually binding yet? ⚠️

There’s one clause that can quietly put the entire transaction on hold – and many people don’t realize it’s there until it becomes a problem. 

In this short video, I explain what to watch for before you assume the deal is done.

Know someone working through a sale, purchase, or contract right now? Share this with them — it could save a deal. 🔗

Is this missing from your will?

Most people have never heard of a testamentary trust — but it can make a huge difference to your estate planning.

In this short video, Ross and Joe explain:
💡 How it works
💰 Why it can offer major tax benefits
🛡️ How it can protect beneficiaries

If you have a will (or plan to), this is well worth 2 minutes of your time.

If your business is dealing with late-paying debtors, there’s a legal mechanism that can prompt action fast — and most people don’t realise they can use it. ⚡

In this short video, Joe explains a simple step that can give debtors just 21 days to respond… and why it’s so effective. ⏳

If you’re struggling with getting debtors to pay or know somebody else in this situation please get in touch or share this with them. 📩

When your lease is ending, timing is everything. ⚖️

Miss the six-month window, and your tenant might legally stay longer than you planned. 

In this video I reveal the Section 64 rule that catches many landlords out — and how to avoid it.

⚡ Watch the video here ⚡

Know another landlord or property manager who’d find this useful? 📩

Share this video with them — it could save them from a major lease headache. 

If you’ve ever lent money to your own company — to help with cash flow or get things off the ground — you’ll want to watch this.

There’s a simple step many directors miss that could leave their money completely unprotected if things go wrong.

In this video I explain what you should be doing to make sure your loan is safe.

🎥 Watch the short video here:

Do you have companies sitting idle, costing you $400+ a year in ASIC fees and unnecessary accounting fees?

There’s a simple, fast way to deregister them — no liquidator, no fuss.

Watch Ross explain how in 2 minutes.

We’re excited to introduce Joe Sweeney, the newest member of the Millens Lawyers team.

In this short video, you’ll get to know Joe Sweeney a little better — including:
💡 The surprising skill that most clients don’t expect
💬 What he might have been if not a lawyer
🤝 Why understanding people is at the heart of how he works

Joe brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to helping clients — and we are looking forward to introducing him in person.

Imagine thinking you have the right to buy a property—only to discover later you actually don’t. It’s a common misunderstanding we see all the time.

In this short video, Ross Millen explains the crucial difference between an “Option to Purchase” and a “Right of First Refusal”—and why getting it wrong could cost you dearly.

If you’re negotiating property, shares, or any kind of asset deal, you’ll want to be clear on this distinction. The good news is, we can draft and review your agreements to make sure your rights are properly protected.
 
Know a family member, friend or colleague who may find this video useful? Please share.

Need advice, contact Ross Millen 

In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a worrying trend: buyers relying on verbal promises from agents or vendors — only to discover those promises don’t count when it matters most.

The truth is, if it’s not written into your contract, it doesn’t exist. And that can cost you dearly.

Watch this short video to understand why verbal assurances aren’t enough, and the critical step you should always take before signing any contract.