While it’s true that trustees have legal duties, starting with the technical details can be like trying to decorate a cake before you’ve even baked it. There’s nothing solid for the detail to stick to — and it quickly becomes messy and overwhelming. Before diving into the legal side, it helps to step back and look at the big picture — then start building your foundation for the role.

"I’ve heard trusts aren’t much use any more?” It’s something I hear often — usually after someone has received well-intentioned advice from friends, family, or a quick Google search. The law has changed. Everything suddenly seems more complex and expensive. And trusts don't really "work" any more... right? It’s a fair question. laws have evolved and trusts do require more care and attention than they once did. But like most things in this space, there isn't a one-size-fits-

When two or more people buy property together in New Zealand, they must decide how the property will be legally owned. The two main options are joint tenancy and tenancy in common. Each can have major consequences for couples, families, and relationship property disputes. In family law matters — including separation, estate planning, and blended families — the way a property is owned can significantly affect what happens to the home or investment property.

Hearing about Miranda and Simon helping their daughter buy a home, I quickly switched into lawyer mode and started raining on Miranda, Simon and Miria’s parade. “What will happen if Miria’s boyfriend ends up moving in?” “Have you considered how you would feel if Miria, one day, separates from her future spouse or partner and they end up with half of the house and hence half your gift?”. My questions rolled on as the colour drained from Miranda’s face and her glass rapidly g

When you are juggling the emotions of a separation and negotiating your parenting and financial matters with an ex, it can be tempting to put off looking at your will to “another day”. But attending to your will, powers of attorney and how the ownership of your home is recorded are important aspects of comprehensively getting things sorted in order to avoid future problems for you and those you care about most. Here’s why -

There’s a folder in my hall cupboard that I will probably never personally use — but one day, it will be incredibly useful for someone else. I recommend every adult has one of these. It’s my “Death Folder” — or, as I sometimes call it, my “In Case Of” Folder. Inside is all the important, practical information my loved ones will need if I die or if I ever become unable to manage my finances or make decisions for myself.

Bypassing legal advice can ultimately end up costing you more when you separate or divorce. Here’s why.

Will my ex get half my Kiwisaver or superannuation? As this blog points out, not necessarily.

Think of a Contracting Out Agreement as a way of insuring your property from relationship property claims in the event of a separation.

Contemplating your death is not something anyone relishes which is possibly why so many people put off completing their will or updating it.