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Legal Stuff

What you can do to make things easier when dealing with legal situations, and resources that may be available to you.

Living Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney
What these are, and when you might use them.

Provided by Consumer Online, the website of the Consumers' Institute, an independent, non-profit organisation aiming to get New Zealand consumers a fairer deal.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Will
Who can see a will, ways you can obtain a copy, how much it will cost, and how long it may take.

Provided by Ministry of Justice, a government ministry contributing to creating a fairer and safer New Zealand, and to the shared justice sector outcomes.

Citizens Advice Bureau Information
Information sheets on topics ranging from ACC reviews and appeals, to dealing with death, family trusts, neighbourhood disputes, selling a house privately and solving employment disputes.

Provided by Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, a voluntary organisation providing free, confidential information and advice to anyone about any query or problem.

Trusts and Estates
The tax rules that apply to trusts and estates, including how a trust’s income is divided up for tax purposes, and how each part is taxed.

Provided by Inland Revenue, the government agency responsible for collecting most of the revenue that government needs to fund its programmes.

Powers of Attorney
Ordinary power of attorney, enduring power of attorney (EPOA), property or personal care and welfare EPOA, who should set up an EPOA, how long it has effect for, and living wills.

Provided by Consumer Online, the website of the Consumers' Institute, an independent, non-profit organisation aiming to get New Zealand consumers a fairer deal.

The Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 - Information on the protection of personal and property rights (Ministry of Justice brochure, PDF 485KB)
Overview of the legislation protecting those who are no longer able to make or communicate decisions about their own affairs. Includes personal rights and orders, welfare guardians, property rights and orders.

Provided by Ministry of Justice, a government ministry contributing to creating a fairer and safer New Zealand, and to the shared justice sector outcomes.

Legal Aid
What legal aid is, and when you might be eligible to receive legal aid.

Provided by LawAccess, a catalogue of New Zealand law-related information and resources.

Community Law Centres
What community law centres are, and contact details for centres throughout New Zealand.

Provided by LawAccess, a catalogue of New Zealand law-related information and resources.

For further resources on legal topics and protecting your rights, see Understanding and Protecting Your Rights in Growing Older.

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