News and Resources | Gibson Sheat Lawyers, Wellington

Estates and Elder Law

Residential Care Subsidies - A Guide

The decision to move to residential care can be difficult and stressful. It is often brought about by factors outside of anyone’s control. As well as this, the prospect of expensive care fees can be daunting...

Estates and Elder Law

Later life relationships

Children and finances appear to be the top two challenges that may keep an older couple from a long term relationship.

Estates and Elder Law

Residential Care Subsidy, Family Trusts and Deprivation of Assets and Income: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

When a person needs rest home or hospital care, and their assets are taken into consideration to determine whether they are eligible for a Residential Care Subsidy (RCS).

COVID-19

Making your wishes certain in uncertain times - COVID-19

A Power of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and a Will are always important documents to have in place, but at times like this they take on a renewed significance.

Estates and Elder Law

What does a Will mean & what happens when people die without one?

A will is a legal document that records how you want your property and care for your dependants managed after you die. It is arguably the most important document you will ever sign.

Estates and Elder Law

Ageing Concerns Everyone expo in Masterton

Our Elder law team members enjoyed a great day at the ‘Ageing Concerns Everyone’ Expo in Masterton on 24 September.

Estates and Elder Law

Community presentations with Age Concern Wairarapa

Donna Watt and Michelle Williams from our Masterton office have been involved with Age Concern Wairarapa's recent Forums for Seniors

Estates and Elder Law

I've been named an Executor of a Will, what do I do now?

This article explain what it means to be named an executor in a person's will, and what responsibilities you take on as executor...

Estates and Elder Law

The Importance of a current Will

The High Court case of Rauch & Ors v Maguire & Anor [2010] 2 NZLR 845 highlights two interesting distinctions. Firstly, the distinction between ownership of property as 'joint tenants' and ownership as 'tenants in common'. Secondly, the distinction between the duties of disclosure owed to beneficiaries by 'Executors' and by 'Trustees' of a deceased person's estate.

Estates and Elder Law

Residential Care Subsidy and Asset Thresholds: What you need to know.

The population of New Zealanders aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 15% last year to over 25% by 2068. The Residential Care Subsidy (“Subsidy”) is government-funding to assist those living in a rest home or hospital-level care pay for their residential care fees. This article aims to assist people who wish to understand how their asset planning may affect their eligibility for the Subsidy.

Estates and Elder Law

Wills and property ownership

The way in which a property is owned - as 'joint tenants' or as 'tenants in common' can have a significant impact on the value of an estate. It is vital this is taken into consideration in estate planning.

Estates and Elder Law

Retirement Villages Roadshow

The Retirement Village Roadshow was held in Masterton on 20 September, organised by The Commission for Financial Capability.

Estates and Elder Law

Where there's a Will, there's a way

If there's no Will, it is possible for the ex-spouse of a deceased person to apply to be Administrator of their estate and even to receive the entire estate if the marriage was never dissolved. Don't let this happen to you or a loved one!

Estates and Elder Law

Enduring Powers of Attorney - General information

An Enduring Power of Attorney (‘EPA’) is a legal arrangement which allows for one person to authorise another person to act on their behalf. Depending on the donor’s wishes, an EPA can either grant the attorney wide general rights, or rights limited by conditions and restrictions imposed by the donor.

Estates and Elder Law

Weddings and Wills

Death and Wills! These are generally not topics typically associated with each other. However, when planning a wedding, it is wise to consider documents such as Wills and Contracting Out Agreements (commonly known as “pre-Nups”) as marriage imposes significant obligations in relation to property division and the allocation of assets.

Insights

Residential Care Subsidies - A Guide

Later life relationships

Residential Care Subsidy, Family Trusts and Deprivation of Assets and Income: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Making your wishes certain in uncertain times - COVID-19

What does a Will mean & what happens when people die without one?

Ageing Concerns Everyone expo in Masterton

Community presentations with Age Concern Wairarapa

I've been named an Executor of a Will, what do I do now?

The Importance of a current Will

Residential Care Subsidy and Asset Thresholds: What you need to know.

Wills and property ownership

Retirement Villages Roadshow

Where there's a Will, there's a way

Enduring Powers of Attorney - General information

Weddings and Wills

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