December 6, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Divorce law amended for victims of family violence

In another display of cross-party agreement, the Family Proceedings (Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union for Family Violence) Amendment Act (Amendment Act) was passed into law in October this year, and will come into force in October 2025. The purpose of this legislation is to reduce the harm caused by family violence in marriage or civil union relationships. It amends the Family Proceedings Act 1980 to allow for a marriage or civil union to be dissolved where a party in the...

November 21, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Improvements to enable more remote participation in courts

In September this year the Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament. As an omnibus Bill it made changes to two Acts, with two amendments to the Courts (Remote Participation) Act (CRPA) and one to the Criminal Procedure Act. The purpose of the amendments is to clarify and improve the law governing remote participation to enable more remote participation in court proceedings using both audio-only links (audio link) and audiovisual technology. The changes to the CRPA are expected to increase...

October 4, 2024 In Bramwell Bate News By Cherie Hannam

Do you need a Trust?

Written by Anna Bernie  Originally published in The Profit  It’s no secret that Kiwi’s have long loved trusts. It is estimated that there are currently between 300,000 and 500,000 trusts in New Zealand. But why the obsession? And is there still the same love for trusts that there once was? Trusts have always been a useful tool for asset protection and estate planning. Asset Protection Historically, one of the most commons reasons for setting up a trust was to protect assets from creditors and relationship...