Rainey Collins Lawyers

What can I do if I have been left out of a Will?

Friday, 20 January, 2012 | Claire Coe

It is a very stressful time when a relative or close friend dies, but this can be made even worse if you find out you have been unexpectedly left out of a Will?   There are four different ways you can apply to the Court for a share in an estate.

1. Promises

   If you have performed a service or have done work for the deceased, and they promised

Can you leave someone out of your Will?

Friday, 20 January, 2012 | Claire Coe

When you make a Will you want to know that your property will go to the people you want it to. You can leave close family members out of your Will or recognise family members in unequal shares if there are good reasons for it but the will may be challenged as a breach of your duty to provide for those family members.

There are four main restrictions on… Continue reading

FREE Seminar – getting your Will right – how you can so easily leave your hard-earned assets to someone you had no intention of benefiting … and “short-change” those you care about …

Monday, 17 October, 2011 | Claire Coe

Bob separated from his second wife some years ago, but did not get around to updating his Will. 

That Will left half of his estate to his second wife.

When Bob died, his only children from his first marriage were stunned to find that his ex-second wife was to receive benefits that she would otherwise not have had.

If Bob had simply updated his Will, the anguish… Continue reading

Make sure your hard-earned assets end up where you want them to

Wednesday, 2 March, 2011 | Claire Coe

Phillip and Tania had been together for almost two years and had started considering marriage.  Phillip had been meaning to make a Will to include Tania but had never got around to it.  He died suddenly, devastating Tania and his family.  Tania was shocked to hear from Phillip’s lawyer that she was not entitled to receive anything, by law, from his Estate – it all went to Phillip’s parents.
 … Continue reading

Time to update your Will

Friday, 14 January, 2011 | Claire Coe

There are circumstance where your Will needs to be updated.  Have you had a major change in your life since you made your will including:

• Been married, separated or divorced?
• Entered into or ended a de facto relationship?
• Had children?
• Started a business?
• Purchased significant property?
• Inherited money?

Bob separated from his second wife some years ago, but did not get around… Continue reading

If you don’t make a Will everything could go to the Government

Friday, 14 January, 2011 | Claire Coe

If you die without a Will the law sets out how your Estate will be divided, regardless of what you or your family might want.  This is what happens:

• If you have a spouse or partner but no children or parents, the whole Estate goes to the spouse or partner.
• If there is a spouse or partner and children, your spouse or partner receives all personal chattels

Do you need a new Will?

Monday, 10 January, 2011 | Claire Coe

A Will is an expression of your wishes about what you want to happen after you die. Its main purpose is usually to explain how your property and possessions should be divided up after you are gone. It can also be about guardianship of your children, gifts you would like to leave, and even what music you would like at your funeral.

Every Will is unique and every adult… Continue reading

Ensure You Look After Them After Your Death as You Have During Your Lifetime

Wednesday, 13 October, 2010 | Claire Coe

Sandra and Peter had a son, Max, who suffered from autism.  Max had a tendency to overly trust people and, as parents, Sandra and Peter understandably kept a watchful eye over everything he did, especially when it related to money. 

As he turned 16, they become increasingly concerned about his ability to deal with the pocket money they gave him.  He was extremely trusting of people and would often… Continue reading

Last Wishes – Communication is the Key

Thursday, 14 January, 2010 | Claire Coe

What happens when you die, but your family don’t know what your wishes are? Communication is the key. We are regularly contacted for guidance especially where cross cultural issues may arise.In order to avoid unnecessary grief and anguish we recommend that you use these simple guidelines:

1. Tell your family and extended family what you wish to occur when you die. This includes any particular funeral/tangi arrangements (i.e. marae/church/home).

Results of Rainey Collins “No-Will Excuse” Competition

Monday, 27 April, 2009 | James Johnston

We were delighted with the entries received in the ‘What’s Your Excuse?’ wills competition.  A special thank you to all who participated.  We appreciated both the humour in many entries and the seriousness of many others.

Excuses received ranged from people who have never before found a firm which was able to make the process seem nice and simple, showing [them] an easy pathway to promptly get the job… Continue reading

Tuesday, 31 January, 2012

TV 1 Breakfast Show

Thursday, 26 January, 2012

Recent promotions announced at Rainey Collins Lawyers