Blog
Separated but not divorced: when “it’s complicated” meets the law
Have you seen the option in Facebook for your relationship status? It says “It’s complicated.
Read more about 'Separated but not divorced: when “it’s complicated” meets the law'...
Five Years On: Do trusts still have a place in NZ?
The end of January 2026 marked five years since the Trusts Act 2019 came fully into force.
Read more about 'Five Years On: Do trusts still have a place in NZ?'...
When There Is No Will - Considerations before applying for Letters of Administration
If your spouse has died without a valid Will, you cannot simply “carry on” dealing with their assets.
Why Memoranda of Wishes Matter for Trustee Decision-Making
When a family trust is established, the trust deed records the legal structure: who the beneficiaries are, what powers the trustees hold, and the framework within which those powers must…
Read more about 'Why Memoranda of Wishes Matter for Trustee Decision-Making'...
Enduring Powers of Attorney: Essential, but Not Enough on Their Own
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows another person to manage your personal and property affairs if you lose mental capacity.
Read more about 'Enduring Powers of Attorney: Essential, but Not Enough on Their Own'...
About to Hit Three Years Together? Is Your Home, Income, and Pre-Relationship Assets (Family Trust Assets) Still Legally Yours?
If you’re living with a partner and getting close to the three-year mark, it’s worth understanding how the Property (Relationships) Act might treat the life - and particularly the assets - you’ve built together (or brought to the relationship).
Retirement Village Law Reform: Five Changes Being Discussed
In early December last year, the NZ Government announced proposed changes to the Retirement Villages Act following years of feedback from residents, families, advocates, and advisers.
Read more about 'Retirement Village Law Reform: Five Changes Being Discussed'...
Retirement Village ORAs: The Real Risk Often Appears at Exit
Buying into a retirement village? Exit repayments under ORAs can be delayed. Understand the risks, proposed law changes, and what to consider before signing.
Read more about 'Retirement Village ORAs: The Real Risk Often Appears at Exit'...
Why a final failure clause in your Will matters more than you might think
When most people make a Will, they picture a fairly straightforward sequence. One of us will go first. Everything passes to the other.
Read more about 'Why a final failure clause in your Will matters more than you might think'...
Understanding the Roles in a Family Trust
(and why getting them wrong causes problems later) Family trusts are often described as if they’re simple containers that hold assets.
Read more about 'Understanding the Roles in a Family Trust'...