Slip Ups between marketing brochures and signing of agreement

One of the clearly defined and longstanding requirements regarding the sale and purchase of land in New Zealand is that the agreement must be in writing and signed by both the accurate seller and purchaser. When the seller of the land uses a real estate agent to assist with the sale, that agent is the seller’s agent. Under the law of agency, any representation made by the agent is deemed to be on behalf of their seller principal. However, within the...

Trees under the Emissions Trading Scheme (Pre and post 1990)

As climate change issues come more clearly into focus, so do the relevance and effects of the Emissions Trading Scheme. If you are in the Scheme, or are buying or currently own a property that has trees that are affected by the rules and regulations surrounding the Scheme, then you definitely need to be vigilant. There is no doubt that combined assistance is required from your lawyer and accountant alongside the consultants that are at the coalface implementing and administering the...

Family Protection Act claims

The Family Protection Act (“the Act”) is utilised by certain classes of family members who have an issue with the extent of their inheritance; either due to being left out entirely or where they perceive the share received is less than what is reasonable and fair because the deceased has breached their moral duty to that person to adequately provide for their maintenance and support. An application is made to either the Family Court or the High Court. That said, there...