News

Follow this section with News and Insights as this is where we regularly post new updates and articles. It could be about changes to the law, advice on how to handle certain situations or give practical information that could be useful before you seek legal advice.

Machaela Forbes becomes a Director of The Law Shop | by Paula Yakas
Wednesday, 01 November 2023
Machaela becomes a Director
Welcome to 170 Ranolf Street | by Paula Yakas
Friday, 08 September 2023
Dream to reality | by Paula Yakas
Friday, 04 August 2023
We are moving! | by Paula Yakas
Thursday, 20 July 2023
New beginnings at The Law Shop | by Paula Yakas
Monday, 03 July 2023
Changes to our team | by Paula Yakas
Friday, 30 June 2023
On 30 June 2023, The Law Shop is changing.
Refinancing - let us take care of the legal work | by Paula Yakas
Thursday, 23 March 2023
If you're looking to refinance your mortgage, we've got you covered.
Consider this before signing a commercial lease | by Paula Lines
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
If you are about to lease a commercial property to run your business from, it’s not just the real estate agent you need to talk to. Commercial leases come in different shapes and sizes and before you sign, there are several things to consider. Make sure to do your homework and don’t forget to consult your lawyer before you commit to anything.
Due diligence when buying a business | by Paula Lines
Saturday, 29 February 2020
When you want to buy an existing business, it’s hugely important to know for sure that the business you have your eye on is indeed profitable. You’ll have to carefully establish that the projections of potential earnings that the seller has provided are achievable and realistic. That’s why you need due diligence.
Cash flow and mortgage security | by Paula Lines
Friday, 31 January 2020
A new year is for new beginnings, and if this is your year to get started in business, good for you! The best advice for any start-up is: make sure your cash flow is managed well. One of the main reasons businesses fold is that they run out of cash. But if you are smart about how you spend your start-up capital and keep a close eye on your cash flow, disaster can be avoided.
Virtual lawyers see technology as catalyst for change | by Paula Lines
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
What type of office is best for a service-based business these days? Do you need a building to drive to and from to do your 8 hours of work each day, or is there a better way? For many progressive businesses, the traditional office is becoming a thing of the past.
Don't let holiday stress get the best of you | by Paula Lines
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
In business, you expect the unexpected. While most people are winding down at the end of the year and look forward to some time off, most business owners are ramping it up instead. The start of summer is obviously a hectic time for retail and hospitality but in the lead up to Christmas, many other businesses feel the pressure, too.
Prepare your Business for the holiday season | by Paula Lines
Saturday, 30 November 2019
Are you ready for the inevitable "This year went by so fast" statements? Can you believe that Christmas, and 2020, are only a few short weeks away?
Be prepared as life, and business, is full of surprises | by Paula Lines
Thursday, 31 October 2019
While everyone is healthy and things are ticking over, as usual, most people don’t give much thought to what would happen if they become ill and can’t work. But you can save yourself, and your business, a whole lot of hassle when you plan ahead.
Should you discharge a mortgage when the loan is paid off? | by Paula Lines
Monday, 30 September 2019
Did you know that even if you've paid off your home loan in full, the security stays on your property until you request a discharge of the mortgage? If you want the title to be clear, you can, but you’ll need to instruct a lawyer to officially ask your bank to arrange it.
Preparing your business for Sale | by Paula Lines
Saturday, 31 August 2019
As soon as you decide to sell your business, you have some important choices to make. Either you proceed immediately and put it on the market in its current condition, which means you may have to make concessions on the price due to unaddressed issues, or you can wait until you’ve made an effort to improve your business’ attractiveness to prospective buyers.
How Separation can affect your Business | by Paula Lines
Wednesday, 31 July 2019
When a couple decides to separate, one of the biggest issues is how their belongings will be divided between them. This is understandably a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved, but things could get even more complicated if you own a business.
How to Protect your Personal Assets as a Business Owner | by Paula Lines
Sunday, 30 June 2019
Owning a business can be extremely rewarding, but it involves risk. Depending on the business structure and the contracts you sign, creditors can seek recovery of debt through your personal assets. Risk management is vital, no matter where you are in business.
8 contracts to transfer when buying a business | by Paula Lines
Friday, 31 May 2019
There’s lots to consider when taking over an existing business. You start with lots of research, about the business, its market and industry, suppliers, customers, and the competition. If you have found the venture that is perfect for you, congratulations! This is an exciting time!
Navigating the process of purchasing a business | by Paula Lines
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
In many cases, it makes sense to buy an existing business. You skip the risky start-up phase and gain an existing brand, client base, staff, and stock. Once you have found the business you’d like to purchase and have researched all aspects, it’s time to register formal interest and start due diligence — the process of understanding what assets, liabilities and commercial potential a business has.
Celebrating Women in Law | by Paula Lines
Sunday, 31 March 2019
When buying or selling a business, a property, or when it’s time to get personal affairs such as a Will organised, you’ll need legal advice. Getting it from a knowledgeable, no-nonsense solicitor who speaks in everyday terms can make the process so much easier. That’s what the all-female team at The Law Shop are all about.
Protecting your assets with a family trust | by Paula Lines
Thursday, 28 February 2019
If you own a business, you may be personally liable for the debts of the business, or financially responsible in the case of accidents or other failures as it is your duty to keep employees and the public safe. Even if you operate your business through a limited liability company, there are circumstances in which you may be legally responsible.
Keys steps to starting your own business | by Paula Lines
Thursday, 31 January 2019
A new year, a new beginning. If becoming your own boss was a New Year’s resolution and you are actually doing it, then first of all congratulations! It takes guts to become self-employed but for many people, the benefits outweigh the risks. How you get from point A to point B is completely up to you now and, if you do it right, your earning potential is unlimited.
The Best Start for a Business Partnership | by Paula Lines
Monday, 31 December 2018
Like any relationship, partnerships can have their stresses. If you’re in business with another person, whether you trade as a partnership or as a company, you should have a well-written agreement in place. A good solicitor can help you identify possible issues and present solutions, and help you draft the agreement. Then you and your business partner can avoid the pitfalls of partnerships, as you will both have a thorough understanding of how the business is to be managed in the future.
Signing legal contracts when you’re out of the country | by Paula Lines
Friday, 30 November 2018
If you’re planning an overseas holiday over the Christmas break, or if you’re overseas at any other time of the year, it’s important to think about how your business will run without you being there. You’ve probably organised the day to day running of the business while you’re away, but you may not have thought about what might happen if formal documents need to be signed in your absence.
When the going gets tough – are you personally liable? | by Paula Lines
Wednesday, 31 October 2018
In business, there are ups and downs. The loss of a key account, unrealistic assets on the balance sheet, staff turnover, slow stock turn, rising debts and slowing growth. It can happen to the best of us. If red flags like these are dealt with early on, they can often be turned around and the business will keep going strong. But if a company gets to a stage it can’t pay its debt, liquidation may be on the cards.
Protecting New Zealand from "dirty" money | by Paula Lines
Friday, 31 August 2018
Although it sounds somewhat terrifying, there’s a good reason for the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act that’s been in force in New Zealand since 2013. According to figures released by the Ministry of Justice, about $1.35 billion from the proceeds of fraud, illegal drugs and trafficking is laundered through everyday New Zealand businesses each year.
What to do if a Trust is no longer needed | by Paula Lines
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Asset protection is one of the most common reasons to set up a trust, but at some stage, the trust may no longer be relevant. This could be due to changes in the law, or changes in your individual circumstances. Winding up a trust can be relatively straightforward, but it is most important that trustees get legal and accounting advice about distributing trust assets, to make sure that they don’t incur liabilities.
Managing your assets in a Trust | by Paula Lines
Saturday, 30 June 2018
Establishing a trust can be an effective way to protect your property and assets from business risk. In a nutshell, it means transferring legal ownership of your assets to trustees while you can continue to use and enjoy them for as long as the trustees permit.
Buying a Business? | by Paula Lines
Thursday, 31 May 2018
Buying an existing business instead of starting one from scratch can make good sense. You can skip the precarious start-up phase and hit the ground running. That’s exciting, but it comes with a whole lot of new responsibilities, new premises, new staff, new customers, perhaps a whole new industry.
Do This For Your Business If You Travel Overseas | by Anne Ludgate
Monday, 30 April 2018
If you have property in a trust, or if you own a company and you’re planning on leaving the country, don’t simply rely on your Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) for property. A company is a separate legal person, and even if control lies solely with you, signing a personal Power of Attorney does not give your attorney the right to sign for you in your capacity as a Director or Trustee. What you need, is a Deed of Delegation.