So you’ve made a Will and you’re feeling organised. You put a copy of your Will into a drawer or folder with other personal papers and you move on. However, your Will needs to be reviewed if your circumstances change. Many people don’t realise that your Will is invalid if you marry after making it, […]
You may be aware that the government has made changes to the KiwiSaver HomeStart grant as of 1 August 2016. In parts of New Zealand it has become increasingly difficult for first home buyers to purchase property. The recent changes are an effort by the government to assist first home buyers into their first home. […]
Well it’s a new year and we have hit the ground running! Gallie Miles is on the move and we can’t wait. We have a new, purpose built building currently under construction at the top end of Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu. While just around the corner from our current Mutu Street premises, the new building […]
Is your Beach House rented on a short-term basis? Does the entity that owns your Beach House file GST returns? If you answered yes to both those questions, then you need to know about recent changes. The definition of “commercial rental property” has recently changed. The change means that a Beach House (rented for part […]
Most people are now familiar with the Property (Relationships) Act (“the Act”) and the equal sharing of relationship property when a marriage or de facto relationship of more than three years ends. The Act defines relationship property and separate property, and provides for the division of relationship property on separation. That is commonly understood. What […]
With the New Year well underway and children back to school, now is the perfect time to review your personal documents. Why not make 2015 the year that you’re going to get organised. Don’t leave your estate planning until it’s too late! It shouldn’t take more than an hour to read and review your legal […]
I have recently encountered a few clients having issues selling or purchasing cross leased properties. What I’ve realised is that many owners of cross lease properties do not understand the cross lease concept. Whether you own a cross lease property, or are looking to purchase one, it is important to understand the ownership structure. WHAT […]
‘Losing your marbles’ is often joked about, but the stress and cost to your family if you do not organise your affairs in advance, is no joking matter. On a weekly basis I receive a phone call from a family member wanting to “get Enduring Powers of Attorney” to act for a relative who has […]
Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t want to be kept alive artificially”? Some people have very strong views about being kept alive in a vegetative state, or being kept on life support. Have you ever thought about how you would want to receive treatment if you were ever in such a situation? It […]
A recent NZ Herald article illustrates the need to have a Property Sharing Agreement when co-owning property with family or friends. A retired Auckland couple have recently taken their son and daughter-in-law to the High Court in a dispute about the arrangements for the sale of a property the four own together. The son and […]
