HELP!! I need help managing a Deceased Estate!
When someone dies, the thought of managing a loved one’s estate can be overwhelming. We are here to help and guide you through the process. It is important to note if your loved one had Enduring Powers of Attorney, these come to an end when they die. No one has the legal authority to deal with […]
Apartment Hunting? Don’t get stuck with a lemon!
With Auckland’s soaring house prices, more first-home buyers are stepping onto the property ladder through apartment living. But while high-rise life has its perks, buying an apartment comes with its own set of risks—think leaky buildings, surprise repairs, and unexpected costs. Many new apartments offer a 10-year warranty or insurance, but not all do. If […]
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPOAs) and why are they so important
EPOAs are like a life jacket – rather have them and not need them, than not have them and need them. We all want to avoid complications. Putting EPOA’s in place will give you and your loved one’s peace of mind for the future. It can make difficult situations a little easier knowing that someone […]
Life Changes – Are your personal legal affairs up to date?
Richard and Sally thought they had everything sorted – Wills in place and legal affairs in order. But life happened and things changed. Richard’s executor moved overseas, making estate management difficult. Their daughter Sarah developed a gambling problem, raising concerns about her inheritance and Sally inherited a holiday home in Australia, only to discover unexpected […]
Property Market Boom
Summer is finally here and property purchasers and vendors are coming out of the woodwork and are eager to move! The Reserve Bank announced a further drop in the OCR (official cash rate) to 4.25%. With the warmer weather and drop in the OCR we should see a positive increase in activity within the property […]
Back to the office
After years of remote working in the wake of Covid, how feasible is it for employers to order their employees to return to the office? In recent months, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced his expectation that government departments enforce stricter rules around working from home, citing that it would boost productivity. Typically employment agreements […]
Navigating Xmas as Co-Parents
Christmas is all about family, but for separated parents, the holiday season can bring its own set of challenges. Ensuring a joyful holiday for your children starts with understanding your rights and responsibilities. Under the Care of Children Act 2004, the welfare and best interests of the child are paramount. If you don’t have a […]
To avoid a mess, a Will is best!
In New Zealand around 1500 people die every year without a Will. If this is you, and your estate is worth more than $15,000, this could cause more headaches and stress for your loved ones. It can also be expensive, delay distribution and complicate the Administration process. Furthermore, when you die without a Will, your […]
I’m looking for a new job, but my employment agreement includes a restraint of trade clause – what does that mean?
How many of us have accepted a job offer, received the employment agreement to peruse, only to notice that the agreement includes a restraint of trade clause? How many of us hold the belief that such clauses are not worth the paper they are written on? If you have held this belief, you are not […]
Why now might be the perfect time to refinance your mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage is a decision that should be made carefully, considering both the current economic environment and your personal financial situation. With the recent decrease in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 5.5% to 5.25%, many homeowners are asking if now is the right time to refinance. There are signs that inflation is getting […]
Parenting Through Stormy Waters
As parents, children tend to become the centre of our universe. They are all consuming from day one. They take our time, our energy, and they bring out every emotion we can experience. We love them in a way we could never have understood you could love someone BC (before children). But when couples separate […]
Do Family Trusts still have a purpose?
With the wave of changes implemented by Governments over the last few years and legal cases where former partners have successfully attacked an ex-partner’s Trust, it may have crossed your mind whether Trusts still have a purpose and if so, are they worthwhile. There has also been a noticeable increase in the cost of Trust […]
Embracing Electronic Contracts: Why They Matter and How to Navigate Them
Gone are the days of handshake deals and simple paper agreements. In today’s digital era, contracts have moved online, making it more crucial than ever to understand the fine print—the terms and conditions often glossed over in the rush to click “agree.” This shift to electronic contracts offers numerous benefits but also requires a careful approach to […]
What to consider before hosting on Airbnb for individuals and trustees
Airbnb and other similar peer-to peer accommodation platforms are a great way to earn income by renting out your whole property or an unoccupied space in your home. However, listing a property comes with several responsibilities which the owners, being individuals or trustees, must watch out for. Income Tax Airbnb rental income is taxable income. […]
Parenting Through Stormy Waters
As parents, children tend to become the centre of our universe. They are all consuming from day one. They take our time, our energy, and they bring out every emotion we can experience. We love them in a way we could never have understood you could love someone BC (before children). But when couples separate […]
Do you have a Will?
While most of us don’t think about it, we will all pass away. And most of us don’t know when. So it is important to have our affairs in order just in case the unthinkable happens. Many young people in particular will argue that they have so few assets they don’t need a Will. As […]