Aspiring Law

28/10/2026

Is it time to wind up your family trust?

With many New Zealand trusts now several decades old, some people are considering whether to bring theirs to an end. But just because friends or family have wound up their trusts doesn’t mean it’s the right decision for you.

Before deciding, it’s worth considering:
• What assets does the trust hold? Consider the nature and value of the assets involved.
• Has gifting been completed? The trust’s gifting position may affect whether it makes sense to wind it up.
• Who are the beneficiaries? Think about who the assets are intended for and how ending the trust could affect those intentions.
• Does the trust still serve a purpose? Your circumstances and plans may have changed since it was established.

Trusts can still serve a useful purpose, whether that’s helping manage family assets, planning for future generations or addressing particular business and relationship property risks.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters is making a decision that suits your circumstances.

📞Do you need advice about setting up, reviewing or winding up a trust? Call us on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected].

22/10/2026

Thinking about setting up an Enduring Power of Attorney? It doesn't have to feel overwhelming.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re no longer able to make them yourself.

But knowing where to start can be tricky. What do you need to decide? Who should you appoint? And what if you come across pages of information and paperwork that leave you wondering where to begin?

That’s where we can help.

We’ll talk you through the options, help you consider who you’d like to appoint and any specific instructions you want included, then take care of preparing the legal documents.

It’s about making sure you understand your choices and have arrangements in place that reflect your wishes, without having to navigate the process on your own.

Planning ahead starts with a conversation.

📞Need advice about setting up an EPOA? Call us on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected].

19/10/2026

“We’re not de facto - we’re just dating.”

But when does a relationship move from simply dating to being a de facto relationship, and why does it matter?

In our article, we cover:
✅ What makes a relationship de facto
✅ Why it matters
✅ What you should do

Getting advice early can help avoid much more difficult conversations later.

📞 Unsure where you stand? Call us on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected].

🔗 Read the full article here: https://aspiringlaw.co.nz/articles/when-does-dating-become-de-facto-relationship

12/10/2026

Employment leave is changing!

The Holidays Act is set to be replaced by a new Employment Leave Act in August 2028, with changes to annual leave, sick leave, public holidays and more.

So, what’s changing, and what will it mean for employers and employees?

Click through to see the key changes.

👉 Read our full article for a closer: https://aspiringlaw.co.nz/articles/employment-leave-changing-what-employers-and-employees-need-know

If you have questions about how the changes may affect your business or employment arrangements, call us on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected].

07/10/2026

Thinking about replacing a boundary fence?

Before you build, it's worth knowing who pays, where a fence can go, and why following the right process matters.

Fence disputes are easier to prevent than resolve.

🏡 Need advice? Call us on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected].

Want to know more? Read our full article here: https://aspiringlaw.co.nz/articles/fences-feuds-and-law-sorting-out-neighbour-fencing-disputes

05/10/2026

Special Counsel Graeme was at Beckenham Bowling Club on Saturday, presenting to around 25 members about some important aspects of planning ahead. Thanks to Rick Helliwell, the club’s Sponsorship Manager, for the warm introduction and for having us along.

The presentation covered Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, rest home care costs and entering a retirement village, followed by questions from the group.

There was plenty of interest in the topics, with some members finding they still had a few things to put in place.

It was great to get out and have a chat about some of the legal matters that become increasingly important as we get older.

📞 Need help? Give us a call on 03 443 0900 or email [email protected]

04/10/2026

Aspiring Law has turned 15! 🎉

That’s 15 years of helping clients through some of the biggest moments in their lives - buying a home, planning ahead, resolving family issues, starting a business, caring for loved ones as they age. Every one of those moments matters, and so does every Aspiring Law team member who has helped along the way.

It’s a fantastic achievement and a testament to Janice, our team and the genuine dedication that has gone into building Aspiring Law over the past 15 years.

We’re grateful to our clients, our community and everyone who has been part of the journey so far.

Here’s to the next 15 years!

01/10/2026

Congratulations to Jessica Smith on her admission to the bar!

Making the occasion even more special was having Senior Associate Micah Neville act as her moving counsel. It was great to have a colleague and mentor from the firm supporting Jessica through such an important milestone in her legal career.

A well-deserved achievement, Jessica. We’re looking forward to seeing what’s ahead as you continue your career with Aspiring Law!

28/09/2026

Well done to everyone who took part in the Aspiring Law Wānaka Football Tournament over the weekend, and a special congratulations to the winning teams! ⚽🏆

A bit of Sunday morning snow couldn't dampen the spirits of the 31 teams at the Aspiring Law Wānaka Football Tournament over the weekend!

A huge thank you to all the teams who travelled to be part of it. It was great to see so many young players out on the pitch enjoying their football.

Congratulations to our winners:
U10 Mixed – Wānaka FC
U11 Mixed – Mosgiel AFC
U12 Mixed – Green Island Junior Football
U10 Girls – Cromwell Junior Football Club
U12 Girls – Green Island Junior Football

See you all next year!

Aspiring Law

27/09/2026

Our latest client newsletter is out now! 📰

This edition has practical tips and insights from our team, including what to consider when deciding whether to bring a trust to an early end, what happens to your digital life when you’re gone, when dating becomes a de facto relationship, whether a grandchild can challenge a Will if they predecease their parents, and neighbour fencing disputes.

You’ll also get to know our newest team member, Charles Darling, and see some behind-the-scenes moments from a recent photo shoot.

Take a look at the full newsletter here👇
https://aspiringlaw.app.boltmail.nz/campaigns/hk4171yh8nad4/web-version/jt5202jy858ff