trust to an end

How do I bring my trust to an end?

Trusts have been established for many different reasons, including estate planning, creditor protection, to ensure access to rest home subsidies, tax benefits or for protection from relationship property claims.

Do I still need a trust

Do I still need a trust?

If you have a family trust set up a number of years ago, it’s good practice to review it to ensure it is still ‘fit for purpose’. Leading on from that is the question that is often asked of us, “Should I bring my trust to an end?”

Gifford-Devine-road

Private land with public access

Our ability to access the ‘great outdoors’ in New Zealand is seen as something of a citizen’s right. At times, however, It does conflict with the rights of private landowners when, in order to access the great outdoors, there is a need to cross their private land first.

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Biosecurity in New Zealand

Biosecurity issues never seem to be far from the news these days. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for biosecurity in New Zealand and gets its powers in relation to biosecurity under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Gifford-Devine

More updates on property matters

If you have been following our articles about foreign residential investment, P contamination and warming up Kiwi homes, here are the latest updates on each topic. We’re pleased to let you know there is some good news here.

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The fee is how much?

People who have secured a mortgage know that banks often sweeten the deal by providing a contribution towards legal fees. But how much are legal fees for a property transaction and why aren’t they a standard amount? We know people aren’t always comfortable talking about lawyers’ fees. Here’s how it all works.

Gifford-Devine-flatting

The fundamentals of flatting

Remember going flatting for the first time? It’s an exciting time, but it can present problems for young people if they’re focused on fun and not the fundamentals.

contract of sale

Contract of sale: standard or specific terms?

Farmers will know that making a sale is usually a significant deal, and you’ll want to get the best deal you can for the fruits of your labour. Does this mean you have to accept the purchaser’s ‘standard terms’ in the contract of sale? What are the implications of setting your own terms in a contract of sale?

compensation payments

Increasing compensation payments for emotional harm

People who have suffered emotional harm in the workplace have traditionally received small compensation payments from employers. In recent decisions, there has been a consistent trend increasing these compensation payouts.

Gifford-Devine-Budget 2018

Budget, budget, read all about it!

The budget announcement is an annual event that generally affects every New Zealander in one way or another. This year, it was a ‘business as usual,’ no surprises budget with the government taking a cautious approach going forward. Here’s a rundown on the 2018 Budget announcements…