Relationship changes can have unexpected consequences for your Will, potentially affecting who benefits from your estate and who is responsible for administering it. In this article, Sharnae McVerry explains how marriage, separation, divorce and de facto relationships can affect your Will, and why it is important to review your estate planning when your circumstances change.
Can a surviving partner claim under both a Contracting Out Agreement and the intestacy rules? In this article Jessie Sanders explains the Supreme Court’s answer and why your agreement and will should work together.
Council fees and charges under the Resource Management Act can sometimes be higher than expected, particularly where additional work is required during the consent process. In this article, Charlotte Muggeridge explains when council charges can be challenged, the objection process available under the RMA, and the key timeframes and considerations for anyone considering an objection.
Resource Management Act prosecutions can have serious consequences, including significant fines and criminal liability. In this article, Charlotte Muggeridge explains how RMA breaches are enforced, what happens if you are prosecuted, and the key risks and rights to be aware of.
Without Prejudice conversations are commonly entered into by parties to a workplace dispute, but they are not without risk. Evanna Lafferty outlines the key “do’s” and “don’ts” of these conversations for employers, to ensure that legal privilege is properly applied.
Both employers and employees have good faith and fidelity obligations to each other during the employment relationship. Adherence to these is not optional, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences for the breaching party. In this article, Evanna Lafferty outlines why an employee in a recent Employment Court case was ordered to pay almost one-million dollars in damages to his employer for breaching these obligations.
Many people include age restrictions in their wills to prevent young beneficiaries from receiving an inheritance too soon. In this article, partner Matthew Peploe explains why those restrictions do not always work as intended and how the Trusts Act 2019 can allow beneficiaries to access their inheritance earlier than expected.
Planning for long-term residential care involves more than health considerations, with asset ownership, trusts and gifting potentially affecting eligibility for financial assistance. In this article Mia Paintin outlines how the Residential Care Subsidy works and why early estate planning can be important for future eligibility.
You have met with your bank and your lawyer, you’ve signed all of the paperwork and now settlement day has arrived. Here is what a purchaser can expect a settlement day to look like in a residential property purchase.
Buying or selling a home is a major financial commitment, and understanding the legal implications before signing is essential. In this article, Patrick Steele explains why obtaining legal advice early can help you avoid unnecessary risks and costly mistakes.