Italian Law

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What we can help with

Jules Marra is an Italian speaking, and Italian qualified lawyer. We work together with our Italian law firm to assist with any legal issues you may have in Italy, or specifically covered under Italian jurisdiction. SGM Legal will take care of you in Australia, while our Italian partner firm will handle all of your legal issues in Italy.

Estate Planning and Wills

Estate planning and administration becomes difficult when not all the assets, executors or beneficiaries are in the same country. SGM Legal can assist you in navigating these complexities.

There are significant differences between Italian and Australian laws, particularly governing deceased estates, and the validity and power of wills, and inheritance. For example, in Australia, you are able to gift your estate in its entirety however you wish. In Italy, however, there are specific laws about what portion of your estate you can gift to people or organisations other than family members. Italy has laws that govern specifically what percentage of your estate you must gift to your spouse and your children, for example. This can cause complex legal issues when a loved one dies where they have property or interests in both Australia and Italy.

SGM Legal, and our partner firm in Italy, can assist you with these issues as well as preparing and/or reviewing wills and powers of attorney to ensure they comply with Australian and Italian legal requirements and governing deceased estates and the validity and power of wills, which span across Australia and Italy.

Importing & Exporting

Importing and exporting Italian or Australian produce and goods is also a complex area of law where disputes often arise. Many companies in Australia and in Italy are exporting Italian produce, such as wine, cheese, meats and deli goods to the Australian market. However, not only are the import and exports obligations and duties very specific for both Australia and Italy, Italy is governed by local and European laws. Where disputes arise in this instance, an Italian lawyer familiar with the local and European laws will explain your rights and obligations and advise you as to the best legal options to resolve the problem.

International Family Law can be complex, and cross-jurisdictional issues may arise in relation to custody disputes or divorce proceedings. Some issues that can arise from international family law include:

If you are an Australian based overseas, will your marriage or divorce be recognised in Australia?
Will an Australian binding financial agreement be enforceable abroad?
Will a court order from an overseas country be enforceable in Australia and vice versa?
If your relationship breaks down while you are overseas, can you file divorce or children’s proceedings in Australia?
Is it possible to select the jurisdiction of your choice for divorce, financial or children’s proceedings?
If so, which jurisdiction would be best for you?

SGM Legal and our partner firm in Italy are here to help you navigate these complexities during what is often an emotional and highly stressful time.

Pensions

According to the last Australian Census in 2016, there are over 60,000 Italian citizens living in Melbourne, with approximately 40% of pension age. Our Italian lawyers are able to assist you with questions about your Italian pension entitlements and any possible superannuation you might be able to claim. SGM Legal can also provide advice on the legalities and impact on both your Italian pension and Australian pension.

International Family Law

If you are an Australian based overseas, will your marriage or divorce be recognised in Australia?
Will an Australian binding financial agreement be enforceable abroad?
Will a court order from an overseas country be enforceable in Australia and vice versa?
If your relationship breaks down while you are overseas, can you file divorce or children’s proceedings in Australia?
Is it possible to select the jurisdiction of your choice for divorce, financial or children’s proceedings? If so, which jurisdiction would be best for you?

SGM Legal and our partner firm in Italy are here to help you navigate these complexities during what is often an emotional and highly stressful time.

Other Areas

SGM Legal also assists with reviewing documents in both Italian and English, such as business contracts, employment contracts, deeds, transfer of land, wills, and powers of attorney. Whatever you relationship with Italy may be, SGM Legal can assist you with all your Italian-Australian questions.

Other areas SGM Legal can assist with include:

Transfer of land
Buying and selling real estate
Employment contracts
Receiving your superannuation when you have worked in both Australia and Italy

    
 
 
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   Alex Cottrell 
 May 6, 2026
 
 
  We received great service from Nicholas Raso, who provided sound advice and was able to get across our situation very quickly. We utilised the free 15 minute consult and at no stage was he pushy for us to engage him beyond the first call. If we require further legal advice or representation for our property issue, we wouldn't hesitate coming back to SGM.
  
 
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   Bruce K 
 March 25, 2026
 
 
  I'm exceedingly happy with SGM Legal after my matter settled late last year. Jules had notable foresight about the best way forward in a niche part of civil law. Toby's contribution was also significant. I especially liked my Statement of Claim (SOC) & how it all came together at the start. Their openness & communication were great. Other team members were attentive & cordial when they stepped in. SGM are a cut above & yet still grounded in all they did to help me achieve an outcome I could live with. My heartfelt sincere thanks, BK!
  
 
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   Angeline Surya 
 February 9, 2026
 
 
  I had a really positive experience working with Nicholas Raso at SGM Legal.

Nicholas was professional, clear, and very reassuring throughout what was a stressful tenancy and VCAT-related matter. He explained things in a straightforward way, was responsive, and gave practical advice that helped bring the situation to a clean resolution.

I really appreciated how calm and thorough he was, it made a big difference during an otherwise confusing process. I felt well supported and confident in the steps being taken.

Thank you again to Nicholas and SGM Legal for the help. I would happily recommend them.
  
 
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   Bahran Gebreaemlak 
 February 5, 2026
 
 
  I highly recommend Sgm legal.

Sepcaily Georgia markle. Georgia helped me and my mother with vcat, probate, and also to perchase a property.

My mother and i were going through a every stressful and difficult time proir to this matter.

But Georgia stepped in and made sure every thing was going smooth according to our wishes. I will never hesitate to use sgm legal for a legal advise in the future.

Thank you so much Georgia and the team.
  
 
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   Marisa 
 November 22, 2025
 
 
  I highly recommend SGM legal.

In particular, Georgia who dealt with my divorce.
She was always calm & reasurring.
Georgia listened, advised accordingly and was thorough, attentive, empathetic, informative & completely professional.
Thank you Georgia.
  
 
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   Tania 
 November 6, 2025
 
 
  SGM Legal were absolutely fantastic to deal with in helping us manage our debt recovery and insurance claim. Toby answered all of our questions in a way we could understand and was efficient and prompt with his responses and advice. We believe we got the best outcome possible with SGM's help. We are so glad we followed another legal professional's advice to get SGM Legal's assistance with this matter due to them being the experts in debt recovery.
  
 
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   Ali Keshtiar 
 September 25, 2025
 
 
  Nicholas Raso has been incredible to work with. He gave us honest legal advice and went above and beyond to ensure we understood every step. Despite my ongoing questions, he was always patient, first taking the time to listen and understand the situation fully, then breaking things down in a very clear and easy-to-understand way.

What stood out most was his integrity — he was upfront in telling us that part of our case didn’t require his involvement and that it would actually be best to continue working with our current property managers, only engaging him further if things escalated in complexity. That kind of honesty is rare, and it really shows that Nichols puts his clients’ best interests first.

I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who is genuine, knowledgeable, and truly on your side. Honestly for the best possible results and to know you’re truly in the right hands for your situation and to get the best outcome I’d definitely reach out to him!!
  
 
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   Peter Milburn 
 August 4, 2025
 
 
  I recently contacted SGM Legal, and from my first call I received  the most professional and caring advice , with support that resulted in representation at a residential VCAT hearing.

With very little notice Nicholas talked me through what documentation was necessary for him to prepare for the hearing, with only day's notice to the hearing he was attentive and prompt.

It was the first time I had to attend a VCAT hearing and it was extremely stressful, Nicholas' calm demeanor and knowledge of the laws and process helped me cope with the unfamiliar proceedings.

Once the proceeding started I soon realised that I would have failed from the get go, without Nicholas' expertise, as I did not understand the expectations of the legal nature of dates and documentation that was required to present at the hearing.

I could not recommend SGM Legal, and Nicholas any more highly.
  
 
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   Ben Pilkington 
 June 4, 2025
 
 
  Exceptional advice and service from Georgia, Jules and the broader team, very happy. Thank you.
  
 
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   RG 1421 
 June 4, 2025
 
 
  Nicholas Raso (and the entire team at SGM Legal including Jules, Charlie and Parvani) is an amazing, hard working, dedicated, intelligent and patient lawyer who you can trust to take care of your legal matters. Nicholas has been supporting me with a complex tenancy matter involving a high conflict individual for many months now, throughout he has remained professional, calm and dedicated. Nicholas also has excellent knowledge of relevant laws and procedures in an array of legal areas. I cannot thank Nicholas and the entire team at SGM Legal for providing an amazing service to me during an incredibly difficult and horrible time. I will always be extremely thankful.
  
 
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   Nathan Op de Coul 
 March 14, 2025
 
 
  Loved the experience with Georgia, she was professional, polite, patience & understanding. Can highly recommend.
  
 
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   J W 
 September 10, 2024
 
 
  Jools and Nicolas are extremely supportive and professional towards me and my son. Over  the past five years they have acted for us covering a range of different matters. In every  instance they have been faultless. We thank SGM Legal and highly recommended.
  
 
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   Donald Paterson 
 September 4, 2024
 
 
  Dealt with Nicholas Raso to resolve a Victorian residential tenancy dispute, as I live in Queensland.  Nicholas and SGM Legal achieved all the agreed objectives and within the price point set by SGM Legal.  By far the most positive experience I have every had with a legal practice in New Zealand or Australia.  Nicholas was outstanding, which shows SGM Legal empower their staff to provide excellent, client centric, service.
Donald M Paterson
  
 
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   Troy K 
 June 20, 2024
 
 
  A delight to work with! Sheryl is diligent, helpful and informative. It was my first time buying and in a new state so I had a ton of questions. Sheryl made things easy to understand and took a lot of stress out of the settlement process. Very highly recommended.
  
 
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   Candace W 
 June 17, 2024
 
 
  Great experience with the SGM team. They were prompt in responding and kept us updated on developments during the property purchase.
  
 
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   Hector Morgan 
 June 17, 2024
 
 
  Everything was a breeze, they made my home purchasing process extremely easy and thoroughly kept me informed with all the processes. Couldn't recommend them enough.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 49 reviews

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