http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.galliemiles.co.nz en-us Sun, 03 May 2026 20:10:00 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/163988/the-only-way-is-up-with-rachel/ With her approachable, friendly demeanour, Gallie Miles Senior Solicitor Rachel Cooper offers a calming, reassuring presence when people are going through sometimes difficult relationship property and commercial dispute matters. In this blog, we learn a bit more about Rachel and the not so usual path she took that saw her practising law.Originally from the Hawkes Bay, Rachel now lives in the Waikato with her husband and two children. She has worked as a drug investigator for New Zealand Customs ... Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:53:22 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post163988 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/163982/gallie-miles-partners-with-justfund-to-offer-more-flexible-solutions-for-family-law-legal-fees/ Gallie Miles is excited to announce that we have partnered with JustFund, a smarter, flexible way to fund your Family Law Matter.  We understand that when you're navigating a separation or relationship property matter, the financial strain can sometimes stand in the way of getting the legal support you need.That's why we've partnered with JustFund - New Zealand's only dedicated provider of flexible funding solutions for family law legal fees. Through this partnership, eligible cli... Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:51:53 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post163982 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/162142/home-buyers-guide--things-to-think-about/ Thinking of buying a house or property? What are the things you need to think about when buying a house? When does your lawyer get involved when you’re buying a house? Whether you’re a first-home buyer or a seasoned property purchaser, this guide takes you through the key stages of buying a house and the key things you need to think about at each step. ... Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:28:46 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post162142 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/162104/the-kindest-and-most-practical-thing-you-can-do-for-your-family/ No one enjoys talking about Wills, but having one in place is one of the kindest and most practical things you can do for your family. A Will sets out clearly who receives your home, your savings, personal belongings, and any investments (including your KiwiSaver). It allows you to appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes and, if needed, to provide for grandchildren, charities, or specific gifts that matter to you. Most importantly, it removes uncertainty at a time when your loved... Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post162104 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/159790/in-the-news--whitcoulls-will-template-left-126-000-estate-in-legal-limbo/ A recent story in The Press highlights the importance of having a proper Will. Kiwi's are great at DIY, but a Will is not something you should DIY. We can help. The story: Joan Frances Bourne did not trust professionals.At 87, when she decided to write her will at her granddaughter Monique’s baby shower in November 2017, she was determined to do it her own way - without going to a lawyer’s office.A recently released High Court judgment reveals her daughter Karen had purchased a tem... Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:03:00 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post159790 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/156274/property-purchases-and-insurance--are-you-covered/ When purchasing your property, it probably doesn’t come to mind whether there could be a problem with getting insurance, or that the premiums may be out of your budget. While it’s not a legal requirement in New Zealand to have insurance for a home when you are purchasing, it is a non-negotiable requirement of your bank if you are borrowing money to purchase it. With many insurers looking into the impacts of environmental changes in New Zealand, the effect on insurance is becoming clear. Pre... Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:06:16 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post156274 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/155587/700k-goes-to-nz-government-following-the-death-of-a-new-zealander-with-no-will-or-traceable-family-members/ A recent case highlighted by the New Zealand Herald highlights the importance of having a Will. The New Zealand Government received almost $700,000 from the deceased’s estate, when they died without a Will and no traceable family members.The article states that this is the largest sum of ownerless property in New Zealand since 2015.It is estimated approximately 50% of New Zealand adults don’t have a Will.Gallie Miles Wills expert and Senior Solicitor Renee Dunn n explains that when someone d... Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:43:38 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post155587 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/155588/could-your-children-lose-everything-to-a-stepparent-protect-their-inheritance-in-a-second-marriage/ You’ve found love again and want to make sure your children are looked after when you’re gone. But did you know that your Will might not be enough to protect your children’s inheritance, especially if you own your home or other assets jointly with your new spouse?... Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post155588 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/153716/why-is-a-contracting-out-agreement-important/ You worked hard to buy your home. Or maybe you’ve been left an inheritance you’d like to protect. But did you know that under New Zealand law, after just three years in a relationship, your assets could be split 50/50 if things don’t work out or if you die?That means:The family home you purchased before your partner moved in could end up being shared equally.The inheritance you received from your parents could be at risk.The assets you thought you were leaving to your children may no longe... Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:07:56 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post153716 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/152543/no-will-no-peace-the-cost-of-avoiding-one-important-conversation/ Reshare from Stuff Are you one of the approximately 50% of New Zealanders who doesn’t have a Will? Stuff reports that each year, about 1500 people die without one. That’s 1500 families thrown into legal limbo at the worst possible moment, dealing with bureaucracy when they should be grieving.Don’t let yourself be one of them. And if you’re thinking you don’t have anything worth leaving, you’re probably wrong. If you’re working and have a KiwiSaver account, a car, some savings,... Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:51:38 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post152543