Blog
NZ Aged Care Reform 2026: What Families Need to Know
A major new report recommends substantial changes to the way aged care is delivered and paid for in New Zealand. While nothing has changed yet, some of the proposals could affect the Residential Care Subsidy, family trusts, the family home and the cost of receiving care at home.
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What Is the Residue of Your Estate and Who Should Receive It?
The residue clause usually determines who receives most of an estate. We explain what the residue includes, how it can be divided and what happens if a beneficiary dies first.
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Who Should You Appoint as the Executor of Your Will?
Who should you appoint as executor of your will? Learn what an executor does and how to choose someone suitable for your estate.
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Is Your Will Really a Simple Will?
Many people contact a lawyer asking for a simple will. Sometimes their instructions are straightforward.
Loan or gift? Why family advances should be recorded properly
Family financial help is common. Parents may help an adult child buy a home. A grandparent may contribute money toward a property.
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Missing trust documents: what can be done?
Incomplete trust documents can create real problems for trustees, especially when AML checks, bank lending, property transactions or trustee changes are involved. This article explains why trust records need to be kept for the life of the trust and why missing documents should be dealt with early.
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Changing Trustees of a Family Trust: What Is Involved?
Changing trustees is usually straightforward when there is no mortgage involved. If the trust has bank lending, the process can take longer because the bank may need to consent, complete AML checks and update its lending documents.
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Why your trust may need an IRD number for a property transaction
A trust may need its own IRD number before certain property transactions can be completed, even if the trust has no income and has been treated as non-active. This article explains why IRD numbers are needed, how the bright-line rule fits in, and why it is worth checking the trust’s tax position early.
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AML checks: why your lawyer asks for so much information
AML checks are now a normal part of legal work in New Zealand. They can feel repetitive and paperwork-heavy, especially where a trust, property transaction or bank lending is involved. This article explains why lawyers ask for identity information, source of funds, source of wealth and trust details.
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So you’ve decided to move into a retirement village? 5 legal matters you may need to sort out
Moving into a retirement village is often treated as one decision: choosing the village and choosing the unit.