At Garth Mathieson Lawyer we aim to provide cost-effective results and legal advice in a language that is easy to understand. Established in 1993, Garth Mathieson Lawyer has been providing legal services to the Bay of Plenty, as well as national and international clients for over 20 years. As trusted legal experts we offer the following services:
We strongly recommend that you contact us prior to signing any agreement for sale and purchase of real estate. This is particularly important for auction purchases, which are unconditional.
The provisions in a Will can be set aside by the Court if a claim is made under the Family Protection Act 1955, the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949, or the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. To ensure your wishes are carried out we will advise you on the provisions of these Acts and draft your Will so that your wishes will be carried out. We can also advise and assist you with any claims against an estate.
An Enduring Power of Attorney gives a person authority to act on your behalf for your property or personal care and welfare. These powers can be useful if you are overseas or if you become physically unable to sign legal documents, or if you become mentally incapable.
The cost of appointing an Attorney while you are capable is significantly less than if it becomes necessary to seek orders from the Court appointing an attorney.
One of the purposes of the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 is to provide for the division of relationship property. The Act provides for two types of agreements: one agreement provides for the division of property when a relationship has ended, the other agreement is to contract out of the Act and to protect an individual’s assets when the relationship begins.
We recommend that anyone who has assets and is entering into a new relationship should enter a relationship property agreement. The understanding that a trust will protect your assets in all situations is misleading. Please contact us to discuss whether a relationship property agreement is desirable.