When your spouse or partner dies, you may need to make important legal decisions at a very difficult time. You may need to understand your rights under their Will, any contracting out agreement (sometimes called a pre-nuptial agreement), the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, and any possible claim under the Family Protection Act 1955 or the … Read more >

We have partnered with JustFund as a practical and compassionate solution for clients who need support covering legal costs. Through our partnership, eligible clients can access a flexible line of credit to help manage legal fees and expenses, with nothing to repay until after a settlement is reached. Unlike traditional lenders, JustFund does not look … Read more >

Contracting out agreements Rest home subsidies Separation agreements Should you need a contracting out agreement or separation agreement that considers possible future rest home costs or subsidies, contact the Dispute Resolution / Family Hub at Lewis Lawyers by email to reception@lewislawyers.co.nz. This article is current at the date of publication. It is intended to provide … Read more >

A common question we hear from concerned parents is: how can I protect my adult child’s inheritance (specifically from their partners or spouses – current or future, and especially in the event of a relationship breakdown)? In New Zealand law, the starting position is – inheritance is separate property. On separation, inheritance would be classified … Read more >