Relationships / Family

Relationships, New Relationships, and Children – Making the right Will for your circumstances

Created: Friday, 04 September 2020 09:14

Spouses or partners often make wills together, with similar or mirror terms. They often assume that such wills cannot be changed and will be binding on the other spouse or partner, even if there is a change in future circumstances. This is not always the case. The general rule is that wills can be updated or changed at any time, even if they are signed together and mirror the terms of the will of their spouse or partner.

The Retirement Village Option - Lifestyle Paradise or a Financial Cost?

Created: Monday, 13 November 2017 16:56

The growth of the retirement village industry is a defining feature of lifestyle for the senior group in the 21st century. Many elderly people view moving into a retirement village unit as a safe, secure and convenient way of life. However the financial and opportunity costs involved in entering into a retirement village need to be carefully considered.

Reviewing Your Relationship Property Agreement: Nothing Lasts Forever

Created: Tuesday, 21 February 2017 18:21

“Nothing endures but change”

So said Heraclitus some 2500 years ago, and his observation still rings true today. A relationship property agreement reflects a snapshot of your and your partner’s circumstances at the time it was signed. The recent case of Clayton v Clayton [2015] NZSC 30 sharply illustrates the need to consistently review and update your agreement.

Maintenance

Created: Wednesday, 01 May 2013 23:20

When a couple separates, it may be necessary for one party to seek temporary financial assistance from the other, in the form of maintenance payments. However, in order to obtain an order for maintenance an applicant must satisfy the Court that one of the following grounds has caused a real and substantial lack of self-sufficiency:

Domestic Violence/Protection Orders

Created: Tuesday, 01 January 2013 00:23

If you are living with a partner or a family member, or have a close relationship with someone in the household, and you are subjected to violence, you may be able to get a protection order on the grounds of domestic violence. These are some questions we are often asked about these situations.

Can I Move Overseas … and Take My Child With Me?

Created: Friday, 01 July 2011 23:50

Paul and Jane have been married for four years and have a young family. Paul met Jane on a holiday in Australia. Six months later Jane moved to New Zealand and they married soon after. They were blessed with two children - Sam and Jessica - and life was great for a while, until Paul started working longer hours. Coming home tired and irritable, he did very little to help Jane with the children and it wasn't long before he told Jane he was leaving her for another woman. Heartbroken and desperate Jane decided to move Sam and Jessica to Australia so they could be with her family. When she told Paul about her plans, he was furious and said she could leave but the children would have to stay in New Zealand with him and his new partner.