A Guide to Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA)
What is an enduring power of attorney? An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is an important document in which you name a person (called your attorney) to act on your behalf and make decisions for you if you are unable to make decisions. There are two types of EPAs, one for property and one for […]
Am I Too Young to Have a Will?
Wills exist to allow you to decide exactly what happens to your assets, whatever they may be, and how those should be distributed on to your loved ones after you die. Do you have jewellery you wish your sister to have? Who would you like your car to go to? Have you thought about the […]
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will? Understanding New Zealand’s Intestacy Laws
Without a Will, your family may face unexpected complications, financial strain, and legal battles during a time of grief. This is not something any of us want to think about, but it is an important question to consider: What happens if you do not have a Will? In New Zealand, dying without a Will—also known […]
Do You Still Need a Trust?
Having a trust used to be easy, with little to no compliance required. However, subsequent Court cases and the new Trusts Act, which came into effect last year, have increased the compliance requirements for trusts. Whether it’s FATCA, AML/CDD, the new disclosure requirements to beneficiaries or the new disclosure requirements to the IRD, compliance is […]
Do I need a Will?
The truth is that not having a Will creates added expense, time and complexity to your estate administration. It also leaves your family in doubt as to what your wishes really were. Following someone’s death, any asset over $15,000 or piece of land that is not owned jointly with another person, requires a grant of […]
Recently married? What does that mean for your Will?
If you are getting married in the near future and currently have a Will, it will be valid up until the date of your marriage. To ensure your Will remains valid after your marriage it needs a specific provision. We recommend updating your Will so it includes a provision stating it is made in contemplation […]
So you want to write your child out of your Will?
Generally speaking, you are granted freedom to dispose of your assets as you wish in your Will. However, as a parent, there are certain duties on you to provide for your children. Failure to make proper provision for a child in your Will can result in a claim being brought against your estate by that […]
You’ve been appointed an attorney – now what?
However, the person being appointed as the attorney doesn’t receive any legal advice at all. If you have been appointed an attorney by a family member or friend, then this article will provide you with some guidance as to what that role entails. As an attorney, your job is to act for the donor and […]