1. Blended Families & Wills - Important things to consider to make sure all your intended outcomes are delivered when you pass away.

Blended families are very common, and come in various shapes and sizes. However, because of the completing interests, and the fact that relationships between children and step parents (and their own children) can be difficult, there are a number of additional things that need to be considered when such a couple are contemplating making new Wills. This Guidance Note is aimed at highlight the challenges inherent in these situations so that you can put in place a structure that will work - leaving those surviving you in as certain and as stress-free situation as possible.

2. Risk Management - Tools available to make sure important things get done even if you are incapacitated or stuck overseas.

Most people are aware of Enduring Powers of Attorney. However, these are just one of the tools available to make sure that things keep moving even when you are unable to attend to business (personal or company). EPOA's also have no application in relation to trust assets and trusteeships, and are not directly effective at dealing with cash in bank accounts, or your duties as a company director. This Note outlines the broader range of simple-to-implement risk management tools which are available to make sure things keep working smoothly even though your flight may have been delayed, or you are enjoy the hospitality of St George's Hospital in Chch for a while.

3. Family Trusts - What exactly are they and when should we consider forming one?

There is a train of thought in New Zealand presently that there is no longer any point in using a trust as a way protect your assets. This is a somewhat simplistic analysis of the situation, and is largely not correct. Trusts remain a useful and flexible tool when used as part of your succession planning and asset protection - depending on the circumstances. Yes, they were over-sold in the past, and many people have them and don't understand why. This Guidance Notice outlines where were believe trusts still have a useful role to play, and the circumstances where you may want to consider using one.

4. Ownership of Land (and other assets) with others - Should we be "joint tenants" or "tenants in common"?

This Guidance Note will be particularly useful if you are about to go into joint owner of land with someone else. It will also be very relevant if you are considering revising or making a Will. When you buy land with someone else, you will always have a decision to make: own as joint tenants or tenants in common? You will have to choose which one. This Guidance Note will help make sure that you have a good understanding of the implications that will flow from which option you select.

5. Property Sharing Agreements - Owning a property with family or friends.

You are planning to, or already have, purchased a property with family or friends. This Guidance Note takes you through the things that you should be thinking about, being mainly: should we enter into a Property Sharing Agreement? These agreements are simple to put together, but important and can be super valuable in a situation where the co-owners have differing views and expectations. Ideally you want the co-ownership to be a productive experience. But more than that, it would be great if family can remain family, and friends still be friends at the end of the joint enterprise.