The bright-line property rule is changing
What is the bright-line property rule? Under the current rules, the bright-line tax rule means that if you sell a residential property you have owned for less than 10 years,…
Protecting your inheritance from your spouse or partner
How do I protect my inheritance from my spouse or partner? Sometimes we are lucky enough to receive a gift or inheritance from family members, either while they are alive…
Make your wishes known with a Will
Life is full of changes. Whether you are moving in, getting married, buying a business, starting a family, getting divorced, planning for retirement – there’s a lot to think about…
Does your house insurance policy cover a total loss?
After the Christchurch earthquake many insurance companies changed their house insurance policies from “full replacement” cover to “sum insured” amounts. This meant that if your house was damaged or destroyed,…
Separating? Make sure your Will is up to date too!
Under the law, there is a “state of limbo” when married couples separate but are not yet divorced. If you have decided to separate, you should consider the following: You…
Commercial landlords and tenants be aware – compulsory no access clauses are near
No access in emergency clauses have been a hot topic for most landlords and tenants since NZ’s first level 4 lockdown last year. Clause 27.5 of the ADLS Deed of…
What’s Mine Is Yours. But Is It Really?
Making the decision to live with your partner is an exciting time. It is a big step, but also requires some legal foresight. The law in New Zealand creates a…
Residential Landlords And Tenants – What You Need To Know About Law Changes Under Covid-19
Thursday 26th March was the start of New Zealand’s move to Alert Level 4 lockdown, with the Government asking all New Zealanders to stay at home. But what happens if…
Commercial Property Leases – What’s Fair During Covid-19?
With the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown now in place, we’re receiving queries from both commercial property landlords and tenants seeking to clarify their obligations during this unprecedented event. There is…
Is Your Family Trust Past Its Use By Date?
A recent article published by stuff.co.nz highlights that many family trusts established in the 1980s and 1990s may no longer be needed due to changes in circumstances and upcoming changes…