Questions for lawyers Found 360

My employer has moved my shifts to start earlier and finish later, making it impossible to organise childcare. I asked to keep my old hours, and the response was that I should just adapt. Do I have any right to ask for flexibility?

My husband recently passed away, and we owned our house and other property together. I am unsure whether I simply keep everything as the surviving partner or if the estate has some claim over it. How does this work?

I am completing a degree and would like to remain in New Zealand and work after finishing. I am not sure which visas allow me to stay and whether the time I studied counts towards residence. What are the options?

My daughter’s school has threatened to send her home for wearing her hair in a style connected to our culture, claiming it breaches the uniform policy. She has worn it for years without an issue. Can a school really enforce rules like that?

After a short marriage, my ex-wife has applied for maintenance from me, saying she cannot meet her needs. I earn a good salary but I pay a mortgage and support my children. When can a court order me to pay maintenance?

I am thinking of bringing a claim in the High Court but the legal costs frighten me. If I win, will the other side have to pay all my legal fees? I have heard the winner rarely gets back everything. I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.

I work for a council and I have been asked to sit on a panel evaluating a tender. One of the bidders is owned by someone I used to work with, and I have a personal friendship with them. Do I have to declare it, and what happens if I do not?

We have reached an agreement in principle with the other side in our commercial case, and our lawyer asked whether we want a private settlement or a consent judgment. What is the practical difference and which is better for us?

A hospital doctor spoke to me dismissively, did not explain what was happening and I felt that my concerns were ignored. I want to complain but I am not sure to whom, and I am afraid it could affect my future care. What is the process?

My car had a mechanical failure on the motorway, and while I was trying to get it off the road safely, another vehicle crashed into the back of it. I am worried I might be blamed for causing an obstruction. What determines liability in this kind of situation?