Compensation Law
Compensation Law
Includes personal compensation claims, superannuation claims and professional negligence claims.
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Family Law
Family Law
Includes separation, divorce, property settlements, children and domestic violence.
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Wills & Estates
Wills & Estates
Includes Estate Administration, Estate Litigation and Estate Planning.
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Property, Development & Leasing Law
Property, Development & Leasing Law
Includes property, body corporate, land subdivisions, unit developments, mortgages, securities, rural and town planning matters.
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Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Our criminal lawyers will assist with traffic offences, domestic violence and white-collar crimes.
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Conveyancing
Conveyancing
Includes residential sales and purchases
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Business Services & Employment Law
Business Services & Employment Law
Business and commercial law including business sales and acquisitions, leasing, employment and industrial relations law, maritime law, PPSA matters, company incorporations and trust establishments.
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Commercial Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Includes debt recovery, business disputes, building and construction, insolvency, environmental offences and town planning appeals.
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Leading Lawyers Townsville
Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective. Connolly Suthers are North Queensland’s most experienced and qualified law firm. Established in 1895 with a foundation of leading Townsville lawyers, Connolly Suthers has since become one of North Queensland’s largest, most diverse, and dynamic firms.
Employing a range of expert Queensland lawyers who offer specialist legal advice, Connolly Suthers comprises a team of individual talents working under collective energy. Originating from Townsville Connolly Suthers deliver Queensland’s highest standards of legal help, advice, and services.
We work under the belief that strong reputations don't go unnoticed, and this is why our firm has continued to successfully service the legal needs of North Queenslanders for over 130 years. Work with a law firm that understands you and prioritises your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
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Who Keeps The Pet?
Where you were married or in a de facto relationship, the Federal Circuit and Family Court (“the Court”) has jurisdiction to make orders regarding who gets ownership of pets following separation. Where parties can reach agreement about who is to keep the pet, an order for ownership of the pet can be included in property settlement orders. However, where parties cannot agree who is to keep the pet, the court can decide who gets ownership of the pet as part of property settlement. Previously, the Court viewed pets strictly as property and did not consider whether there was any attachment to the pet or what was in the pet’s “best interests” when determining who should keep the pet. When determining who would keep the pet, the Court would consider:- Who purchased the pet, whose name it was registered in with the council and whose name the microchip was registered to; Who paid for the purchase of the pet and associated expenses (including vet costs, food, insurance etc); Who cared for the pet (ie feeding, bathing, walking, taking to the vet etc). Fast forward to June 2025 and the Court’s approach has changed due to the amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act”) which came into effect on 10 June 2025. Whilst the Court still view pets as “property”, the Court now also considers several factors when determining who should get ownership of the pet, including attachment by a party or child to the pet, family violence, and history or threatened cruelty or abuse by a party towards the pet. The term now used for a family pet in the Act is “companion animal”. A “companion animal” is defined in the Act as “an animal kept by the parties to a marriage or either of them, or the parties to a de facto relationship or either of them, primarily for the purpose of companionship”. A “companion animal” does not include:- An assistance animal within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992; An animal kept as part of a business; An animal kept for agricultural purposes; or An animal kept for use in laboratory tests or experiments. Due to the amendments to the Act regarding companion animals, section 79(6) of the Act provides the Court can make one of the following orders:- One party is to have ownership of the companion animal; or Ownership of the companion animal be transferred to another person who consents to the transfer of ownership; or The companion animal be sold. The Court cannot make orders for shared ownership/care of pets. When considering what order the Court should make in relation to companion animals, section 79(7) provides the Court is to take into account the following considerations (if relevant):- The circumstances in which the companion animal was acquired (ie gift, joint purchase, pre-relationship ownership); Who currently has ownership or possession of the companion animal; The extent to which each party cared for, and paid for the maintenance of, the companion animal; Any family violence to which one party has subjected or exposed the other party; Any history or actual or threatened cruelty or abuse by a party towards the companion animal; Any attachment by a party, or a child of a marriage, to the companion animal; The ability of each party to care for and maintain the companion animal in the future, without support or involvement from the other party; Any other fact or circumstance which, in the opinion of the court, the justice of the case requires to be taken into account. Need advice? If you have separated and are concerned about who will get ownership of your pet, our Family Law Team can provide you with advice. Contact our Family Law Department, if you would like to arrange an initial consultation.
Queensland Trust Law Reform: Vesting Period Extended to 125 Years
Effective 1 August 2025, Queensland has introduced a major reform to trust law, extending the maximum vesting period for trusts from 80 years to 125 years. This change, under the Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), offers new opportunities for long-term estate planning and wealth management. What’s Changed? The reform: Abolishes the common law rule against perpetuities Introduces a fixed statutory vesting period of 125 years Applies to new and existing trusts governed by Queensland law Who Does This Affect? Trusts eligible for the extended vesting period include: Discretionary trusts Unit trusts Fixed trusts Bare trusts Testamentary trusts To qualify, the trust must have a substantial connection to Queensland, such as: Queensland-based trustees Queensland-held assets Queensland-resident beneficiaries Why It Matters Extending the vesting period offers: Deferral of CGT and other tax consequences Greater flexibility in succession planning Enhanced asset protection Longer-term income distribution strategies What Should Trustees Do? Review your trust deed for amendment powers Amend the vesting date if permitted If not, consider: Seeking beneficiary consent Applying to the Supreme Court of Queensland Legal Insight from Connolly Suthers This reform presents a valuable opportunity for trustees and advisers to future-proof their trust structures. Our experienced team can: Review and amend trust deeds Advise on legal implications Assist with court applications if needed Contact us today to discuss how this change may benefit your trust.
Discretionary Trusts & Rights of Beneficiaries
Is a beneficiary of a Trust entitled to legally privileged trust documents? When presented with this question many good lawyers would at first glance and without thinking it through probably answer “Good question…. The answer is “no”. Others lawyers that are more battled wearied may answer it with a question “Who would win a fight between a lion and a tiger?” which is another way of saying that old chestnut “it depends”. There is no question that nearly all trustees will not want to release anything at all to a beneficiary (particularly if they are estranged, troublesome, and up to no good). The Beneficiaries – who are they? Beneficiaries (commonly in the modern commercial world and in the context of disputes regarding deceased estates) can include:- discretionary (primary and wider beneficiaries) of discretionary trusts; children of members of super funds (they are potential recipients of a death benefit payment – this extends to spouses and those in interdependency relationships – it can also extend to extramarital partners and de facto partners of married members); What documents might a Beneficiary want to see? Often they want to see if any mistakes have been made by a Trustee along the way (to assist them to mount or improve a claim). They will want anything they can get their hands on including:- Financial Statements; Investment Strategies and Trustee Minutes; Investment Advice; Deeds of Variation and Appointment of New Trustee (the full document trail); Pension Documents. Generally, there are two different types of information: trustee information, being information generated or held for the purposes of a trust, and which a trustee would be required to hand over to a replacement trustee; personal information, being information held by a trustee relating to a trust which is personal to the trustee, and paid for by the trustee. There are three ways for a beneficiary of the trust obtaining this information:- the Trustee willingly discloses the information; a superior court (using its inherent jurisdiction) orders it be disclosed; or when litigation is on foot, the documents are disclosed as part of the court disclosure rules. The first category of documents (trustee information) is vulnerable to being disclosed to beneficiaries. The second category (personal information) on the other hand is not, but it may be relevant to issues in litigation and therefore be required to be disclosed in accordance with disclosure rules in the course of the litigation. For both categories, a Trustee may be able to claim privilege to resist disclosure of documents. In the recent New Zealand case of Lambie Trustee Ltd v Addleman https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases/2021/2021-NZSC-54.pdf it was found that all advice in issue in the proceedings was covered by legal professional privilege so that, against non-beneficiaries, the Trustee was entitled to assert privilege. Importantly though, the Court confirmed that a trustee is not entitled to privilege against a beneficiary of the trust in respect of advice on issues in which the trustee and beneficiary have a joint interest. In this case, the Court found that the Trustee and the Beneficiary had a joint interest in the administration of the Trust and therefore Trustee could not claim privilege in relation to the legal advice obtained by the Trust regarding its administration. If there is bitterly fought out litigation between the Trustee and the beneficiary the position is different. The court said:- “What is required for the joint interest exception not to apply is that the advice be sought for the dominant purpose of defending litigation. Given the obligations of a trustee to act appropriately and in the interests of the trust as a whole, the starting point for the courts should be the assumption that trustees seeking advice in respect of contemplated litigation are looking for guidance as to the right course of action (in respect of which the joint interest exception will apply). And the courts can expect trustees not to seek advice as to how to resist litigation without having first sought advice (to which the joint interest exception will apply) as to the appropriate stance to take on the point at issue.” “The authorities generally support the view that once a beneficiary commences litigation concerning the administration of a trust, the litigating beneficiary is not entitled to disclosure of legal advice received by the trustees in relation to that litigation. The judgments on the point tend to be succinctly expressed but they must proceed on the basis that, from that point, the beneficiary and trustees no longer have a joint interest in the subject matter of the litigation.” To summarise, once litigation had commenced, the trustee and the beneficiary were in competing positions so the “joint interest exception” to privilege would not apply. Beneficiaries and trustees share a joint interest in the due administration of a trust and therefore in legal advice as to that administration. A trustee is not entitled to assert privilege against a beneficiary in respect of advice on issues in which the trustee and beneficiary have a joint interest. Trustees (who must act in good faith at all times) should assume that all trustee information could be disclosed to beneficiaries unless it is created when there is contentious litigation between the trustee and the beneficiary and is for the dominant purpose of that litigation. The same principles discussed in the Lambie Case apply and similar results can be expected in Australia. If you would like assistance with any of the above information, please contact our Wills and Estates team via (07) 4771 5664.
The Connolly Suthers Difference
At Connolly Suthers, we feel privileged to be entrusted with our client's legal affairs, helping them navigate what is often some of the most challenging times of their lives. Our diverse, talented team has considerable expertise in multiple aspects of law and channel this experience to make a substantial, positive difference in the lives of locals.
We believe that your lawyer should have a significant understanding of how Townsville operates and its underlying cultural systems to provide the most genuine, useful legal advice possible. That’s why we frequently employ experienced legal professionals locally from within North Queensland, possessing a proud history of employing law graduates from James Cook University. Not only does this allow us to give back to the local community, but it only boosts our ability to deliver the most relevant and beneficial legal advice possible.
Our genuine care for the wellbeing of our clients and attention to detail in every case is what sets us apart from other law firms in Queensland. From criminal law to personal injury law, family disputes, property settlements, child custody, and traffic offences, we'll be in your corner, every step of the legal process. If you’re looking for legal support in Townsville, we’re here to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible. Call Connolly Suthers on 07 4771 5664 to get help today.
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If you have an ongoing case with another firm and you are unhappy with how things are progressing, you might want to consider switching to the local lawyers at Connolly Suthers.
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Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What legal services do Connolly Suthers offer?
We operate across a range of legal matters including compensation, family, wills & estates, property, conveyancing, business, dispute resolution and criminal law; helping a variety of clients across Queensland to navigate the legal system.
It’s highly likely that you’ll need the services of a lawyer at least once in your lifetime. When you turn to Connolly Suthers for legal assistance, you can be confident that you’ll receive quality legal advice with a personal touch, regardless of which service you require. Our criminal lawyers, family lawyers, and compensation solicitors are here to help with the most common types of legal problems faced in these areas of concern.
Whether you're facing criminal offences, are dealing with a family law matter, looking to file compensation claims, have traffic offences, a domestic violence order, class actions, or just require an experienced team to assure a successful legal outcome, we can provide specialised advice for a wide range of concerns and legal issues.
Whatever type of legal assistance you need, we’re sure to be able to help. At Connolly Suthers, we have considerable experience and knowledge in all aspects of compensation law, family law, wills and estates, property law, criminal law, conveyancing, business services and dispute resolution.
We have Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialists in Property Law, Succession Law, Family law and Personal Injuries Litigation. Combining extensively trained and experienced legal practitioners with state-of-the-art communications and technology, Connolly Suthers delivers an unrivalled level of legal service in the Northern Queensland region. Get in touch with our team today - we're here to provide legal advice for a wide range of legal matters.
Do you offer No-Win, No-Fee?
Yes we offer no-win, no-fee services because we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances. We offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Our compassionate, friendly team understand the value of excellent service when facing a legal problem and a difficult time. Work with the solicitors that understand you and prioritise your needs – work with Connolly Suthers.
How much does representation with Connolly Suthers cost?
All Connolly Suthers clients receive the absolute highest level of quality legal representation and advice available in the region. Generally the cost of our legal services will vary based on the time required for our legal team to work on your case and the extent of the case as a whole, unless it is one of our fixed-fee services.
Regardless, we believe that nobody should be denied justice as a result of limited finances and that’s why we offer no-win, no-fee services in a range of matters including:
- Traffic accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability accidents
- Medical negligence claims
- Life insurance claims
- Superannuation claims
- Certain commercial disputes
With Connolly Suthers Townsville Lawyers, you get the legal representation that you deserve without the worry of paying legal costs in the event that you lose your case. Work with the lawyers that understand you and prioritise your needs – Connolly Suthers.
How do you charge? Will I need to pay upfront? What are your prices like?
Most legal services are charged in accordance with a costs agreement which is provided to you at the commencement of the matter. Usually this must be signed and returned before any work is completed. This includes work done in most areas such as family law, personal injury, large commercial and leasing work, criminal law and estate administration. From your first phone call, your family lawyer, criminal lawyer, personal injury or estate solicitors can walk you through these fees work.
There are fixed price services available for basic conveyancing, wills and enduring powers of attorney. No nasty surprises - just a team who are committed to the best outcome. Please contact our office for more information about these services.
Do you offer payment plans?
Generally, no. However, you should feel free to discuss your financial situation with the solicitor involved with your case, at your initial appointment at Connolly Suthers. We understand that moving through the legal system can get expensive - from your first phone call, our compassionate team will openly discuss fees and work in your best interests, in a timely manner, to achieve a positive outcome.
Do you certify documents? Do you have JPs available?
We usually only certify documents for clients of Connolly Suthers or in the course of matters in which we are involved. If you are looking to find a JP you can search for one here.
Do you hold relatives' documents in safe custody? What can you hold in safe custody?
For client's of Connolly Suthers we offer the service of storing in our safe custody original Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Certificates of Title, etc.
How are you involved with the Townsville Community?
The partners and staff of Connolly Suthers have long-standing ties throughout the local community. Over a large number of years we have supported various clubs and sporting teams in Townsville and in the Burdekin. We are regular supporters of Ronald McDonald House and the Vinnies foundation.
Find out more about our contributions to the local community here.
How do I contact Connolly Suthers?
You can call our Townsville QLD office on 07 4771 5664 during business hours.
Alternatively, submit an email enquiry to law@cosu.com.au and the Connolly Suthers team will endeavour to respond to your enquiry within one business day.
Where are your other offices located?
Our offices are located at 416 Flinders Street, Townsville and 180 Queen Street, Ayr.
We visit Cairns, Brisbane and Mount Isa as well as other regions throughout North Queensland by appointment.