Legal

Being able to make decisions about our lives for ourselves is an important part of maintaining independence as we age. Our ability to understand and make informed decisions is called mental capacity. Sometimes, through illness or accident, we can lose mental capacity. If that happens, you might want a family …

People may know that they are entitled to have funds set aside for a pre-paid funeral. What many people may not be aware of are the different options that exist and the amount that each person is allowed to set aside for their funeral which will not be included in …

The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 and its associated regulations enables you to appoint a person or persons you trust to manage your financial and personal care under Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”). The forms used have changed significantly over the last 10 years with the latest …

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can have, and everyone should have one. Properly preparing your will now could save your estate a lot of expense in the future, and make things much easier for your loved ones when your time comes. Our clients are …

It’s one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s health system – one that will cost the economy $4.5 billion and affect more than 170,000 New Zealanders by 2050. It’s dementia, and 91% of New Zealanders are frightened of it, according to a new survey by Public Trust and Dementia …

The number of people aged over 65 years is predicted to grow to over one million and to make up more than 20% of the population by 2020. New Zealand’s aging population has resulted in new and complex legal issues. Longer lifespans, blended families, sunset relationships and a variety of …

With advances in medicine resulting in people living generally longer, there is a greater need for robust procedures to be in place to protect us as we age. A common concern is what happens when we are no longer able to make our own decisions. Loss of capacity brought on …

People may know that they are entitled to have funds set aside for a pre-paid funeral. What many people may not be aware of are the different options that exist and the amount that each person is allowed to set aside for their funeral which will not be included in …

The current legal landscape in New Zealand For many years trusts have been used as an important tool for asset protection and estate planning in New Zealand. In the 1990s there was a boom in the number of family trusts established in New Zealand. A significant reason for this was …

Many people put off making a Will – but if you die without a properly made Will, you are said to have died intestate. In this situation your estate will be settled according to the provisions of the Administration Act. The Act divides your estate in set proportions amongst your …