Trust-busting when a relationship ends: the new rule from the Supreme Court
In June 2023, the Supreme Court of New Zealand released a long-awaited decision in the case of Sutton v Bell. Executive summary The effect of the decision in Sutton v Bell is that it has now become easier to bust assets out of a trust after a relationship ends. The Court ruled that s44 of … Read more >
Hospice Waikato – Free Will month
In support of the incredible services that Hospice Waikato provide, Lewis Lawyers are providing their services by being part of Hospice Waikato’s Free Wills Month in September 2023. For the month of September those that wish to make a simple will or amend a current simple will can do this for free. First you need … Read more >
Throuple Trouble – An Analysis of Mead v Paul
Recently, the New Zealand Supreme Court decided Mead v Paul. This case asked if the Family Court had jurisdiction to decide the division of relationship property between a ‘throuple’. The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the Act) governs the division of relationship property when a relationship ends. The crux of the issue was that, on the … Read more >
Top Ten Tips for Saving Your Family From Legal Disputes: Part 2
The first installment of Ten Tips for Saving your Family from Legal Disputes ended on a light-hearted note about a very serious matter – Kayne West and his sage advice to get a pre-nuptial agreement. Here are our five final tips gleaned from many years of assisting clients through family disputes. Should you need advice … Read more >
