http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.galliemiles.co.nz en-us Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:32:22 +1300 Rocketspark 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/157243/holiday-hours-2025-2026/ Happy Holiday Season! Our last day of work will be on Monday 22nd December. We will re-open with a skeleton staff on Thursday 8th January 2026. We wish everybody a safe and happy holiday season. ... Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post157243 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 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/104581/top-tips-for-successful-farm-succession/ ... Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post104581 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/149949/winter-enewsletter/ Welcome to our winter newsletter! There's lots going on at Gallie Miles across our Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Otorohanga offices. In this client newsletter below, we're sharing an insight blog on planning for retirement living and ensuring your Will keeps up. We're also sharing a 'point of view' blog on feeling like you don't have enough time to do your Will, which is a common pain point many clients experience. Our Property Law Team are providing insight in... Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:34:58 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post149949 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/post/149872/what-is-a-solicitors-approval-clause/ Commonly included in property sale and purchase agreements, a solicitor’s approval clause usually means that the agreement depends on your lawyer being satisfied with the contract terms. Here’s what you need to know about solicitor’s approval clauses.... Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:10:46 +1200 http://www.galliemiles.co.nz/blog/#post149872