Dear customer, We are delighted to have chosen six finalists for this year’s Smith and Partners' Law Scholarship. These six finalists from secondary schools in West Auckland demonstrated a strong commitment to helping develop and grow the West Auckland community. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing the candidates and will be announcing the finalist at a function in our offices on October 21, 2014. For the first time this year, we also introduced a People’s Choice Award based on the finalist’s essay submissions on “What makes West Auckland great.” Family, friends and the local community were invited to read the essays and vote for their favourite finalist or school. The response was overwhelming – with over 900 votes cast – and we look forward to announcing the inaugural winner at our office ceremony. Future Leaders of West Auckland is another Smith and Partners initiative, in support of a prosperous and vibrant community here in the West. The Future Leaders of West Auckland group was set up by outgoing young lawyer, Maria Hamber, and is aimed at anyone between 20-35 who works or lives in West Auckland and wants to meet their business and professional peers. Please encourage your young professionals to join us for a night of networking and fun at our next ‘Future Leaders West Auckland’ event on Monday, 6 October. It’s free to join. For more information, please visit the Future Leaders webpage. We hope you’re enjoying the longer days as spring progresses. Read on for more information about important legal issues which may affect you or someone you know. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of us if there’s anything here you would like to discuss. Kind regards, Wade, Peter & Greg. TRUST LAW By Dale Rasmussen What is a deed of distribution? Having a deed of distribution gives an individual peace of mind as to whom and how trust assets will be distributed. Dale Rasmussen breaks down why a deed of distribution might become necessary, what it includes and other legal obligations. READ MORE >   BUSINESS LAW By Wade Hansen Selling shares in a private company, amicably There may be a time when a shareholder decides to sell their investment in a business. Whatever the reason, knowing the proper legal process will ensure the process remains smooth. Wade Hansen outlines a shareholder’s options and obligations when proceeding with a sale. READ MORE > WILLS LAW By Greg Muller Defending a will as a beneficiary There has been a significant rise in disputes over wills, particularly when a child or relative of a first marriage feels unfairly treated when the estate is left mainly to the spouse or children of the second. Greg Muller discusses the complications arising from contested wills and what you as a beneficiary can do to best handle the situation. READ MORE >   FAMILY LAW By Ellen Harbidge Taking the right steps towards family dispute resolution The government recently expanded the support system for resolving care of children disputes, with minimal legal/court intervention. If you've found yourself in a dispute regarding the care of your children and unsure how to navigate the new system, this flow chart will help you understand what steps to take next. READ MORE > PROPERTY LAW By Maria Hamber Things to consider when buying an apartment, unit or townhouse Buying an apartment, unit or townhouse isn't the same as buying a residential property. Being aware of the differences of buying into a shared space will help you decide if this space is right for you. Maria Hamber outlines what you should consider before signing an agreement. READ MORE >   EMPLOYMENT LAW By Carolyn Ranson Reduce the risk of dishonesty with pre-employment screening Hiring a dishonest employee is detrimental to your business – so how do you weed out fraudster candidates? Knowing what to look for in your pre-employment screening can help you identify if someone is not what they appear. In this article, Carolyn Ranson offers a few key tools to help you reduce the risk of hiring someone untrustworthy. READ MORE > OUR SERVICES: Business Law | Employment Law | Property Law | Family Law | Litigation | Wills and Trusts | Estates | Elder Law SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER:   CONTACT US: Phone: 09 836 0939 Fax: 09 837 2500 Email: partners@smithpartners.co.nz Office: 293 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand View Online Map »   If you no longer want to recieve these emails Click here to Unsubcribe All information in this newsletter is to the best of the authors’ knowledge true and accurate. No liability is assumed by the authors, or publishers, for any losses suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly upon this newsletter. It is recommended that clients should consult a senior representative of the firm before acting upon this information.