Family FAQs
My partner has left me- what do I do first?
Come and see us straight away. Work to be done includes updating your Will, sorting Bank and creditor issues, and making sure assets are secured and protected. Separation is a distressing time, but taking early advice can save a lot of stress and money. My ex partner is taking our children overseas without my consent - what can I do? Call us immediately. Urgent steps can be taken to put a block on children's passports. As soon as you think this is going to happen, you should call us and tell us the urgency of the situation. We can stop your children from getting on the plane. What if it is too late and my children have been taken overseas against my wishes? Let us know as soon as you can. Rob Harte Lawyer acts for the New Zealand Central Authority, the Government agency entrusted with enforcing the Hague Convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction. Over the last 22 years we have successfully returned children from the USA, Netherlands, Australia, Wales, and England. We have also acted for parents from those and other countries to return their children to their home states. You can find out more at the Ministry of Justice website http://www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice or contacting the Central Authority directly on (04) 914 3600. I am remarrying - should I get a property sharing agreement or use a trust? If you want to keep property separate from a new relationship, you need to set your affairs up right at the start. Property sharing agreements are your best option. If you do nothing, then the likelihood is you will be sharing your property with your new partner. My partner has died - where do I start? We need to talk through what will be needed to look after your partner's estate and to implement their Will (if they have one). There are rules about how certain types of property need to be treated, and whether or not you need to apply for probate (an application to the High Court to certify a Will). It is especially important to talk this through if your partner has children from an earlier marriage. Getting things right at the start can save a lot of stress and worry. For more information, to discuss your requirements and for a comprehensive list of services offered, contact Rob Harte, Lawyer today. |
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