Questions for lawyers Found 360

I chair a community sports club that is an incorporated society. Members mention that a new law requires us to update our rules and re-register. What has changed and what happens if we do not comply? I am not sure where to start or who I should be contacting about this.

I run a consulting business in New Zealand and some of my clients are based overseas. I am GST registered for my New Zealand clients, but I am not sure whether I need to add GST to invoices for the overseas work. What is the rule?

We agree on most things and want to avoid the cost of a court battle. Do we need to go to court to formalise a separation, or can we just sign something between ourselves? What paperwork protects us both?

The board of my small company made a decision that appears to conflict with the company’s constitution, and when I raised it I was told that the directors know what is best. Are directors allowed to override a constitution, and what can a shareholder do?

A relative recently died, and the hospital asked us whether we would agree to organ donation. We know he was registered as a donor on his driver’s licence, but we are unsure about whether the family or the registration decides. How does consent work?

I have started doing some freelance graphic design work alongside my regular job, and I am not sure whether I need to declare this income or if it only matters once I earn a certain amount. What are my obligations?

My car was damaged while parked on the street, and the other driver drove off. My insurer is asking for an excess before it will repair the car. Since it was not my fault, why should I pay anything? I have never dealt with anything like this before and would like to understand my options clearly.

We are a group of investors planning a property project and are wondering whether a limited partnership would be better than a company. We heard about tax flow-through. What is the legal structure and what are the trade-offs?

I believe a local government body has been consistently favouring one supplier and ignoring its own rules. Is there an independent body I can complain to and what would it investigate? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

I bought a coat online, tried it on and simply decided I did not like it. The shop refuses any refund, saying they do not do refunds for change of mind. The coat has not been worn and still has tags. Are they legally allowed to say no?