The law has long required that wills be signed by the
will-maker in the presence of two witnesses. The Covid-19 lockdown
and mandatory distancing rules has prevented some wills from being
signed this way, especially where people live alone or with only
one other adult.
By Andrew Steele - 21 Apr 2020
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The Covid-19 lockdown and mandatory distancing rules prevented
affidavits and declarations from being signed 'in person' or before
a solicitor.
By Andrew Steele and Jacque Lethbridge - 20 Apr 2020
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It has been five days since New Zealand went into lockdown
in response to the Covid19 Pandemic, and separated parents sharing
care of their children have faced the unprecedented and daunting
issue of who the children will reside with during
lockdown.
By Dharsh Nanayakkara - 30 Mar 2020
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With the nation now in lock-down phase as a result of the
Covid-19 crisis, many employers are considering how they can look
after their businesses as well as their employees. For some,
government subsidies will allow a degree of continuity in staffing
whilst others will need to make changes that will adversely affect
their employees. We touch upon some key topics below.
By Claire Mansell - 25 Mar 2020
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As COVID-19 continues to sweep across the globe, many
employers are contemplating the potential effects on their
businesses, not just from a down-turn in trade but the very real
possibility that they may end up with multiple staff absences over
an extended length of time. Below we answer some of the common
questions our employer clients are asking.
By Claire Mansell - 16 Mar 2020
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We are delighted to welcome Andrew Skinner to the
partnership. Andrew is an experienced commercial lawyer with
specialist industry experience in building and construction and
franchising.
By Melissa Higham - 4 Feb 2020
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Appointing testamentary guardians
A difficult decision parents of younger children have to
make when making a Will is deciding who should be appointed as
guardians of their children. Inclusion of an appointment of a
guardian should be considered whenever a Will is made by a person
with children who are under the age of 18.
By Emma Foster - 22 Jan 2020
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We're pleased to be the contributor for the New Zealand chapter
in the 2nd edition of "A Global Roadmap to Personal Data
Protection". Proudly put together by Meritas Law Firms Worldwide.
Download your complimentary copy here: https://www.meritas.org/DataProtectionGuide.aspx
By Mike Worsnop - 18 Nov 2019
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The recent Court of Appeal decision in Guest v
Guest [2019] NZCA 64 stands as a reminder to trustees
that if they do not act reasonably, then they may be exposing
themselves to a significant costs liability.
By Terri Gough - 10 Nov 2019
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The Disputes Tribunal has just increased the financial
threshold for submitting a claim to $30,000. Until 29 October 2019,
a party could only file a claim up to a maximum of $15,000 (or
$20,000 with both parties' agreement). At this low sum it meant
that parties who wanted to pursue claims slightly over $15,000
faced the prospect of either writing off a portion of the debt to
pursue their claim in the Tribunal, or abandoning it all
together.
By Pierce Bedogni - 1 Nov 2019
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