Dispute resolution clauses can be easily overlooked. However, it is always important to consider what processes are specified in your contract before committing. Here we consider one of the potential downsides of an arbitration clause – for the unsuccessful party at least. This is a useful reminder to consider the pros and cons of the… Read More.

Can you even remember why you got one? Did the neighbour have one? Maybe you heard about them at that school fundraiser? Or was it the TV – after all, everyone has a trust! Did it seem like a good idea at the time, but now…well, you never really understood it, you just nodded along,… Read More.

Contracting out agreements, commonly referred to as ‘pre-nups’, can be an awkward topic to raise with your partner, but they are an essential tool in your asset planning and protection toolbox. Contracting out agreements provide clarity to both parties (or their survivors) in the event that they separate or one or both of them dies.… Read More.

As a business owner, it is prudent to protect your interests. Most business owners establish essential layers of protection, by structuring their businesses appropriately and securing essential insurance coverage to minimise potential personal exposure from creditors. Yet, one critical safeguard that is often overlooked is having a set of clear, well-drafted Terms of Trade defining… Read More.

Rural landowners often consider developing or subdividing their land. This article explores one key aspect and how it might impact these plans. What is the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL)? The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL) came into effect in 2022 with the objective of protecting highly productive land… Read More.

In New Zealand, we deal with natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, and landslides regularly. With climate change ramping up these risks, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand how they can impact our homes and insurance. If you've recently applied for a building consent, your local Council may have flagged your property as being at risk… Read More.

Life is unpredictable, and while we hope for the best, it is wise to be prepared for the unexpected. One crucial aspect of this preparation is understanding and establishing an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA). This legal document can provide peace of mind and ensure your affairs are managed according to your wishes, even if… Read More.

Discussing what is to happen after you die can be an awkward topic and something many of us do not want to think about, let alone plan for. Once you die, everything you own and everything you owe, is called your ‘Estate’, so it’s not just money you need to think about, but all your… Read More.