Blog

Covid-19 - Wills may now be made by video conference

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

Affidavits and declarations may now be signed via video conference

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

The effects of Lockdown on shared care arrangements for children

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

Covid-19 - Employment FAQ

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

COVID-19 - What are employers' obligations?

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

Martelli McKegg welcomes Andrew Skinner to the partnership

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

Who will care for my children if I die?

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

A Global Roadmap to Personal Data Protection

We're pleased to be the contributor for the New Zealand chapter in the 2^nd 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

Court costs in disputes as to who should be trustee

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

Changes to the Disputes Tribunal - threshold increased to $30,000

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