A child (of whatever age) can make a claim against the estate of their parent under the Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA) if their parent dies and makes insufficient provision for them in their will. What happens, however, when a parent dies and their children aren’t aware of the fact? We also discuss the Law Commission’s report on succession law that has some specific recommendations for family claims on an estate.
He Waka Eke Noa
He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) is a partnership established to reduce the emissions generated by the primary sector. It works to equip farmers to measure, manage and reduce on-farm agriculture greenhouse emissions and to provide sustainable farming practices for future generations.
Property briefs
In this edition’s property brief we look at: Updates to the ADLS Agreement – important for buyers and sellers; Building in the Covid landscape; Harsh CCCFA provisions relaxed.
Not sure of your boundary?
All property owners, whether commercial or residential, must ensure that any structure on their property is located within its legal boundaries.
Resource consents
The Resource Management Act 1991 places restrictions on how your land can be used; this is done by the issuing of consents. If you are a property owner, or you lease premises to operate your business, we explain the various types of consent that you may come across from time to time.
Where there is a will, what is the way?
A child (of whatever age) can make a claim against the estate of their parent under the Family Protection Act 1955 (FPA) if their parent dies and makes insufficient provision for them in their will. What happens, however, when a parent dies and their children aren’t aware of the fact? We also discuss the Law Commission’s report on succession law that has some specific recommendations for family claims on an estate.
Caring for Kiwis who cannot make decisions for themselves
Britney Spears’ conservatorship has now been formally ended. Since then, she has made a number of specific allegations against her conservators. We discuss how these issues would be dealt with in a New Zealand context.
Gift or loan?
The importance of properly documenting advances between family members. The trusty Kiwi “She’ll be right” approach is often manifested in a reluctance to formally document intra-family lending arrangements. In this article, we look at three different scenarios that are based on Maddy’s story.
Business briefs
Charges against Bunnings dismissed; Directors found trading recklessly may face multiple fines; Important upcoming legislation drafted.
Grounding your jet-setters
Since Covid appeared in New Zealand in early 2020, employers have navigated a variety of complex matters relating to vaccinations, vaccine passes, alert systems and workforce management.
Contractors
From a legal perspective, hiring contractors has always been tricky. The onus of correctly identifying who is an employee versus a contractor, and ensuring legal compliance, remains an employer’s responsibility.