Online harassment: where and how to get help
In an ever-expanding digital world, we will inevitably find ourselves the victim of some form of harmful digital communication. The definition of a harmful digital communication is ever-increasing, no doubt we have all seen or experienced what is probably the…
Changes to the Privacy Act
The Privacy Act 2020 replaced the Privacy Act 1993, and came into force on 1 December 2020. The exponential change in the use of technology in society since 1993 together with globalisation, was a driving force for the necessarychange to…
Difference between Contracting Out & Relationship Property Agreements
The primary and distinctive difference between contracting out and relationship property agreements relates to the timing and status of a relationship between two parties. The definition and status of a relationship as a marriage, de-facto relationship or civil union, under…
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill and terminating a tenancy
With over 34 percent of people in New Zealand renting the property they live in, the passing of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (“the Bill”) has the potential to significantly impact the tenant and landlord relationship; particularly with regard to…
Stevens Orchard family law solicitor loves ‘being in the presence of greatness’
Written by Jacqueline So for NZ Lawyer Magazine 14.10.2020 Greta Melvin also believes that lawyers need to be given more incentive to take legal aid cases For Greta Melvin, the best part of her job as a family law solicitor at…
Can an activated EPA vote for the Donor?
You hold an activated Enduring Power of Attorney (“EPA”) for property on behalf of a much loved one (knownunder the document as the Donor). Can you (the Attorney) vote on election day for and on behalf of the Donor?Attorneys do…
Importance of a Pre-Settlement Inspection
The excited purchasers have found the property and the deed is done – the agreement is signed. They know they are signing up for the property as it is on that date. Not everything is able to be seen or…
Mortgage free holiday overview
During these unprecedented times with COVID-19, the term mortgage free holiday has been heard more now than ever. As many New Zealanders’ incomes have been negatively affected, which can make it difficult to meet mortgage payments (amongst other payments), a…
The new Trust Act 2019
Trusts are widely used in New Zealand, with the main focus in recent years being on family trusts. These have been utilized in relation to relationship property, succession planning, risk control, and as a vehicle for enabling blended family outcomes;…