News and Helpful Articles

Before we start legal work for our clients, we are required to carry out Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (“AML and CFT”) checks. We understand this can seem like an unnecessary and invasive step in engaging a lawyer. So why do we do this? Law firms are now required to complete these checks because they are significant targets for criminals to try to launder money through for the funding of terrorism and other illegal activities. How do we do this?

We often advise on the benefits of settlement. Initial costs of settlement may seem high in the scheme of day-to-day expenses. However, these costs are dwarfed in comparison to the costs of litigation. With a separation, when looking to settle what exactly are the costs associated with settlement? A large portion of your costs will be associated with the drafting of a relationship property agreement. This agreement will provide a background of the relationship and separation.

Before settlement, do a thorough inspection and checklist: test lights, doors and locks, taps and hot water, vents, drainage and fencing. Check all chattels listed in the agreement are present and working. Confirm any agreed repairs are completed, and clear belongings or rubbish before settlement to avoid issues later.

The overall concept of a Trust is simple. It is an arrangement that allows for a third party (i.e., Trustee), to hold assets on behalf of and for the benefit of another person or persons (a beneficiary or beneficiaries). A trustee might be appointed by someone to hold property in a family trust (also known as an inter vivos trust) or alternatively may be appointed in a person’s will (testamentary trust) to hold property and undertake duties in relation to it after a person h

Relationship Property DIY – It can be costly! As they say at Mitre 10: “DIY…it’s in our DNA!” But, when it comes to dividing relationship property following separation, DIY can be a costly mistake. The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 sets out the law relating to the division of property in the event of separation. It lays out the general expectation of equal sharing between couples. The Act also provides that couples can make their own rules relating to the division of prop

We are in the middle of a construction boom, there are many new subdivisions being opened up and, well, as a rural land owner you often have quite extensive boundaries. Fencing them can be expensive. What are the actual legal requirements for a fence? Who contributes? Generally, if you want to build a fence on a common boundary with your neighbour, or upgrade an existing one, you can expect the neighbour to go halves on the bill for an "adequate" fence. That is, one that is

Buying your first home? No idea where to start? Sometimes we wish there was a hand to hold, or a map to read to get to our final destination- in this instance- the relief and satisfaction of having moved all your belongings into your very own home. We are here to help make that journey as smooth as possible (without physically holding your hand, sorry). Your first step is a financial process, working out what is going to be affordable for you. Talking to a mortgage broker

Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment many people will make. With Auckland property prices remaining high, first home buyers are increasingly turning to alternative ways to get onto the property ladder—such as buying with friends or relying on a family guarantor. Buying Property with Friends or Family One common option is to purchase property jointly with friends or family. In these cases, co-buyers are typically registered as tenants-in-common , either in e

Water easements give one landowner the legal right to take and convey water (including pipes, pumps and related equipment) over someone else’s property. Easement terms are recorded on the title and can affect use of the land. It’s important to understand the easement’s rights and obligations when buying, selling or granting access for water supplies.