We couldn't wait to tell you - Cleardocs and BGL have integrated!

Sharmistha Bose, Product Marketing Specialist

Earlier in the year when we announced our first partnership of 2015, Ercan Barlas, our Technical Lead and Project Manager, promised you we would be back with more partnerships. We have kept our word.

Cleardocs are pleased to announce a new partnership with BGL, Australia’s leading supplier of superannuation and corporate compliance software solutions.  We have integrated with BGL’s Simple Fund 360.

How does this help you? A seamless integration with BGL Simple Fund 360 allows you to pre-populate the Cleardocs question interface with your existing BGL fund information.  Saving you time and typing.

Currently, users are able to take advantage of the integration when ordering the following document packages:

1.       Superannuation Trust (SMSF) set up;

2.       SMSF borrowing (related party);

3.       SMSF borrowing (bank); and

4.       SMSF Pension Pack.

What is the process?

In order to pre-populate your answers, start a new order on the Cleardocs website and then click on “Use details from BGL Simple Fund 360” when the interface gives you the option to auto-populate your answers. 

The Cleardocs system then:

·         directs you to the BGL website to log in with your credentials and authorise Cleardocs to access your fund information;

·         returns you to the Cleardocs interface and prompts you to choose your preferred BGL fund from a drop down box; and

·         auto-populates the interface with your BGL fund information.

All security measures have been approved by both BGL and Cleardocs to ensure that your details are safe and protected. For privacy reasons, Cleardocs does not have access to any of your BGL login details. BGL only provides Cleardocs with certain contact information.

For further queries about the BGL Simple Fund 360 integration with Cleardocs, please contact our helpline on 1300 307 343 or via email on support@cleardocs.com.

+Cleardocs Thomson Reuters

Enhancements to Cleardocs website

Veena Pingali, Java Web Developer

Cleardocs is constantly looking to improve the service we provide to you. As part of this, we have recently changed the way our mega menu (ie the main navigation menu) works on our website.

So, here is how the improved menu looks:

 The new menu bar improves page speed, landing you on your chosen product page faster.

Product pages contain:

·        pricing information;

·        all the information you need to know about the product in ‘General Information’ and ‘Frequently Asked Legal Questions’ sections;

·        links to resources including samples documents and information checklists ; and

·        access to start a new order.

Although you can no longer aceess your document orders from the mega menu, a complete list of all your orders can be viewed on the ‘MyDocuments’ page.

After logging in to Cleardocs website, to navigate to my-documents page, click on MyDocuments blue button.

This page gives the categorized list of all documents created by you along with the status of each document.  The ‘Filter by’ option provided on the top to view documents allows you to view the documents based on the status, product name and creation date.

More improvements are on the way.

+Cleardocs Thomson Reuters

NEW VIC SUCCESSION LAWS? SPOTLIGHT ON ESTATE PLANNING

Cassandra Townsend, Manager, Precedent Lawyer

I recently read an article about proposed new succession laws in Victoria that will limit the categories of people eligible to contest a will.

Among other things, this demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive estate plan and a clearly drafted will. Cleardocs provides tools to help you achieve this through its various estate planning products:

• ClearWill Online;
• ClearWill with Trusts for Law Firms;
• Powers of Attorney in NSW and Vic;
• Death benefit arrangements.

In response to customer feedback, I am currently working in conjunction with expert lawyers at Maddocks to make available to customers further resources to assist you with your estate plan. These will be released from later this month and include:

• additional document package inclusions.
• ClearLaw articles.
• sample documents;
• visual aids; and
• more.

Stay tuned in the months ahead.

 +CleardocsThomson Reuters

Welcome to Cleardocs, how can I help you?

Stuart Barton – Customer Service Representative

I’m Stuart, and I’m the newest addition to the team at Cleardocs. I've recently relocated to the city of Melbourne from Perth W.A., just two months ago. The process of both setting up a new life and learning a new job has been an interesting journey, one of which I am enjoying on a daily basis. My background is primarily in customer service, working in both the private sector and government on state and federal levels.

Thankfully all the existing members of the Cleardocs team have been very welcoming and supportive in my learning of our range of products. I am finding I am learning more each day, about the variety of both the products we offer and customers we assist.  

I have found one of the most common questions I am asked is regarding shelf companies, and if Cleardocs offer them. Cleardocs does not provide for shelf companies. Information on shelf companies is available on our website. 

Outside of work I enjoy weight lifting, fashion, film, art (which made relocating to Melbourne an easy decision).  I am a pet owner of a little pug called Crouton who sadly I had to leave behind in Perth. I am also studying a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction studies.

+CleardocsThomson Reuters

Top 10 ClearLaw articles to help you keep up-to-date

By Thomas Lam

Articles prepared by top 20 law firm – Maddocks – since 2005

ClearLaw, first published back in August 2005, is a monthly newsletter of articles about current legislative issues concerning SMSFs, CompanyRegistration, DiscretionaryTrusts and more. The articles are usually authored by relevant lawyers from Maddocks or Thomson Reuters' senior tax writers.

All Cleardodcs users receive an email alert once the articles are published on our website and can read these articles for free.

In this blog, I would like to share with you the 10 most popular ClearLaw articles to date:

1. UpcomingSMSF administrative changes: early discussion with the ATO Mar 2014 – upcoming legislative changes affecting SMSFs outlined by an ATO senior officer.
2. Companiesvs Sole Traders: Things you need to consider May 2010 – looks into some of the issues you need to consider when deciding whether to operate a business as a sole trader or through a "Pty Ltd" company.
3. ATOprovides warning on SMSFs which lend money (NOT borrow money) Sep 2011 – warnings from the ATO about SMSF trustees entering into lending arrangements on behalf of the SMSF.
4. Changeof SMSF trustee: practical tips for LRBAs Mar 2014 – tips and guidance to SMSF trustees to help them comply with their duties under superannuation law and LRBA documents.
5. Jointventurers v. Partners: Do they owe the same duties to one another? Jul 2007 – discusses two court decisions suggesting joint venturers owe one another the same fiduciary duties as partners.
6. CorporateTrustee v Individual Trustee: Key Differences for SMSFs Apr 2011 – highlights the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a corporate trustee over an individual trustee for a self managed superannuation fund and other trusts generally.
7. SMSFMembers overseas? Beware the residency trap Nov 2006 – an interesting and relevant read for any SMSF member who plans to stay overseas for more than two years.
8. Overviewof some things to consider when registering an Australian company Mar 2010 – a guide to some of the issues you need to consider when registering a 'proprietary limited' company.
9. Electronicsignatures: when are they effective? Nov 2013 – identifies risks and tips for dealing with electronic signatures.
10. Understandingthe differences between an agreement and a deed: lessons from 400 George Street (Qld) Pty Ltd v BGInternational Ltd Feb 2013 – discuss how deeds and agreements are distinct in two principal ways.

I hope you will find these articles interesting and useful. You can read our most recent ClearLaw articles here. Feel free to forward us topics you would like our lawyers to cover as ClearLaw articles.  Please note that ClearLaw articles are up to date at the time they are published. Old articles are not updated to reflect changes in the law.