News and views

In part one of our series on Trusts, we explore the unique challenges faced by blended families. Picture your family trust as a citadel protecting your hard-won assets - but what happens when new family members enter the picture? Through the story of David and Jane's blended family, we illustrate how seemingly innocent actions can inadvertently create legal claims on trust assets.

We're delighted to welcome two new faces to our Aspiring Law team. Rosa Garcia Knight and Elise Streat bring fresh energy and expertise to our firm and embody our commitment to providing clear, client-focused legal services within our community.

A recent Supreme Court case, known as the Alphabet Case, tackled the complex question of how far a parent's legal responsibilities extend, particularly when family assets are placed in trusts. The Court confirmed that while parents have special legal duties to their children during childhood, these obligations usually end when children become adults. Find out what this important case means for family trusts and how potential law reforms could affect your estate planning.

The number of companies going into liquidation in New Zealand is on the rise. Did you know that payments made by a company before it goes into liquidation may also be at risk?

In August 2024, the government announced that it would progress a package of reforms to the Companies Act 1993 and related legislation. They are designed to address several issues and make New Zealand an easier and safer place to do business.

Despite the short-term nature of these roles, if you hire staff on a casual basis you still have significant legal responsibilities. This is highlighted in a recent case before the Employment Relations Authority.

Contracting out agreements can be entered into at any time during a relationship and are particularly useful for couples entering into a de facto relationship, or marrying later in life, as both parties are more likely to come to the relationship with more complex financial affairs.