Frustrated from the Citizenship Delays

As of 1 July 2024, NSW residents will be subject to the enforcement of seatbelt regulations by existing mobile phone detection cameras on NSW roads whilst driving or riding in a motor vehicle. The new penalties mark a significant step forward in enhancing road safety standards across the state. Key Changes Penalties apply if you or your passengers are not wearing a seatbelt OR wearing one incorrectly. Incorrect usage of a seatbelt includes wearing the sash under the arm. All passengers in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt, regardless of their seating position. This includes rear-seat passengers, who were previously exempt from mandatory seatbelt usage in certain circumstances. There will be no grace period or warning letter issued. Penalties for Non-Compliance Non-compliance can result in fines and demerit points for drivers. The penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the number of unrestrained passengers and whether they are children or adults. Statistics reveal that 150 people died between 2019 and 2023 due to not wearing a seatbelt. The law aims to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision, ensuring that every occupant of a vehicle is properly restrained. As legal professionals, we emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to the new seatbelt legislation. Drivers have a duty of care to ensure that all passengers are safely secured before embarking to a destination. Impact on Insurance Claims The enforcement of stringent seatbelt laws can also impact personal injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Failure to wear a seatbelt can potentially affect the outcome of a claim, as contributory negligence may be considered if injuries could have been mitigated or prevented by seatbelt usage. For further guidance on how these changes may affect you or your legal rights or if you or anyone you know has received a penalty notice, do not hesitate to consult with Emilda Israel or one of our friendly legal practitioners for more information Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations may vary, and individuals should seek personalised legal counsel regarding their specific circumstance.

Simon Diab & Associates has proudly partnered with JustFund to offer our clients greater financial independence, particularly through family law litigation funding. For some clients it can be a struggle to afford legal fees and disbursements, and limited access to funding sometimes means the settlement process stalls and clients get stuck. This partnership enables our clients to access the legal assistance they deserve to settle their family law matters and move on with their lives without the burden of immediate financial constraints. Who is JustFund? Justfund provides an innovative new approach to helping clients pay legal bills. They are Australia’s first and only dedicated family law finance provider. They work with leading family law firm partners across Australia to offer assistance with legal fees. This is a game-changer for those in a financially difficult position. People struggle with accessing legal services for many reasons. For example, a financially dependent spouse experiencing family violence may seek assistance removing themselves from that environment. However, their financial dependence severely limits their options. JustFund takes the stress out of seeking financial relief. They offer a flexible and affordable line of credit to cover legal expenses and disbursements during your separation and you can apply at any stage of the settlement process. Their services simplify access to legal funding for financially disadvantaged parties. JustFund’s services only cover matters related to property settlements. *Unfortunately, JustFund cannot cover cases that only involve parenting arrangements. However, if you’re organising parenting and property matters simultaneously, JustFund can assist. Here is How it Works 1. Application Apply directly to JustFund.com, it takes just 20 minutes, is free to do so and there is no impact on your credit score. 2. Assessment JustFund will assess your eligibility, based on essential information such as the amount of funding required relative to the amount you are likely to receive from your property split. You will typically receive a response within a week. 3. Approval Once approved, Justfund will set up a line of credit for you. Your family lawyer will send invoices to you, and we’ll cover them. 4. Eligibility JustFund will provide a line of credit to individuals negotiating a property split as part of their separation. This can include parenting matters if it is connected to, or being run alongside a property split. 5. Repayment Repayment isn’t necessary until your family matter has been resolved. You’re only required to repay the credit you used as a lump sum.