News and views | Aspiring Law

The plight of stepchildren

When a parent dies and leaves their child or children out of their will, those children are entitled to bring a claim against their parent’s estate under the Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA). While a financially stable adult child may not have a claim to a large proportion of their parent’s estate, they will usually still have a claim for ‘recognition.’ The same is not true for children claiming against the estate of a stepparent.

Trusts and Life planning
Recognising elder abuse

Financial pressures on families during the cost-of-living crisis have escalated. Organisations that support the elderly are reporting elder abuse is on the increase.

Trusts and Life planning
Preparing for Death

It has been said that preparing for death is an act of love. Think of it as a gift to those you are leaving behind. It can bring clarity for loved ones during an emotional and challenging time and ensure your wishes are carried out. It doesn’t have to be a difficult process, so don’t put it off.

Trusts and Life planning
The issue of capacity

When a person’s legal competence or fitness is at question, things can get complicated.

Trusts and Life planning
A Will is only as good as the words you use

Wills can and do get contested all the time, so make sure you get it right. A Will is not a simple document. There’s a lot to consider and it must be created correctly and thoroughly so that your property is dealt with how you want it to be and if it does get challenged, your wishes are able to be defended.

Trusts and Life planning
Where there’s a Will there’s a way

New Zealand’s cost of dying crisis is making dying unaffordable for many so it’s important to plan ahead.

Trusts and Life planning
Is your trust still worth the paper it’s written on?

Managing a trust today is much more complicated and costly than it has ever been before. So, are we falling out of love with the family trust?

Trusts and Life planning
Need to know - EPAs

Steph talks about the ‘power’ of an Enduring Power of Attorney if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.

Trusts and Life planning Enduring Powers of Attorney