Insights

Step-by-step legal programme for startups

Cooney Lees Morgan has been delivering legal excellence for over a century, with roots reaching back to 1918.

Celebrating Over a Century of Legal Excellence

When love and romance are involved, it’s not always easy to discuss what the future may hold if things don’t go to plan. Our family law team can provide expert advice that carefully treads the fine line between asset protection and family relationships.

Our seven specialists in the area of family law have over 90 years of combined experience.

When entering a contract, it is important that you understand what you are entering into and what clauses are in your best interests to either edit, add or remove from the contract.

Most people recognise that they need to see their lawyer to plan for key events in their life.

It’s surprisingly common for family members to be left out of a person’s will.

In this October 2025 update, we consider the resetting of methane targets by the Government, and what this means for farmers.

In New Zealand family law, the concept of a “qualifying relationship” carries significant weight, especially when determining relationship property rights and legal entitlements.

For family businesses, succession planning is a complex and oftentimes emotionally challenging process.

Shifting development contribution powers under the the new local government water services act 2025

A new law came into force on 17 October 2025 that means some family violence victims will be able to immediately apply for their marriage to be dissolved.

Many Kiwis set up a family trust believing it will safeguard their assets if a relationship breaks down. The truth is more complicated – while trusts can offer some protection, recent legal cases have shown they’re far from bulletproof.

The “Bank of Mum and Dad” is now the fifth biggest lender in New Zealand when it comes to buying a home according to Consumer NZ.

In a recent notable ruling, the High Court of New Zealand struck out negligence claims brought by a minority group of wholesale investors against the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), following the collapse of the Du Val Group.

When a property is owned by two or more people, there are two methods for holding shared ownership of the Title. The two methods of legal ownership are: Joint ownership or Tenancy in common.

Are you thinking about undertaking a subdivision? Whether it be a simple two lot subdivision, or a large scale subdivision with multiple lots, you need to ensure you have considered the following matters:

Generally, a property being sold by way of mortgagee sale will be sold at a price lower than a property being sold at open market, and for good reason.

Trusts can be set up to protect assets from various claims.

Are you buying a house? Make sure you make it conditional on a building report (or due diligence investigation) so you know that what you are buying is sound and there are no hidden issues that may end up costing you a lot to fix after settlement.

Few things in life are more exciting than being handed the keys to your new home. On settlement day, clients usually want to know exactly ‘when’ that big moment will arrive. Some are working with moving companies on tight timeframes; others just can’t wait to take possession of their new home.

Is your property agreement binding?
For an Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Property to be binding, generally it needs to be in writing, have been signed, and include, at a minimum, the “3 P’s”:

Your agreement went unconditional, all transfer documents have been signed, you’re ready to settle – but wait there’s more!

When it comes to securing development finance, lenders will look carefully into all on-sales to ensure there is a guaranteed take out when the development is completed.

The prospect of buying your first home can be daunting. The best advice is to find a helpful property lawyer who can explain the process and assist you along the way. In the meantime we’ve put together our top five tips below to get you started.