Questions for lawyers Found 360

I have an outstanding tax debt that I have been unable to pay, and I received a letter mentioning that Inland Revenue can deduct money directly from my wages or bank account. Is this true, and what rights do I have?

I was stopped by store security for taking a low-value item and the store has called the police. I feel humiliated and I am worried about my future job prospects. How serious is a shoplifting charge, and what might happen to me?

I own shares in a family company and want to transfer some to my sister. The constitution seems to say something about the board approving transfers. Can the company refuse, and what paperwork is needed to complete the transfer properly?

A courier arrived with a package that had a visibly crushed corner, and I felt pressured to sign for it as received in good condition before I could inspect it properly. Do I have the right to refuse or note the damage before signing?

We won an arbitration in another country against a New Zealand company, which now says the award means nothing here. We want to know whether New Zealand courts will recognise it and how difficult the process is.

A school camp ended with several students injured after a poorly supervised activity. Parents are asking whether the school breached any legal duty, and whether the school can be held responsible. What are the legal obligations?

I have been named executor in my aunt’s will and I am told I need to get probate before I can deal with her bank accounts and property. I have never done this before. What is probate and how do I apply?

After a burglary at my business, the insurer’s investigator asked me to sit for a recorded interview and provide my bank statements. I feel like I am being treated as a suspect. Is this normal and what are my obligations?

I want to run an advertising campaign that directly compares my product with a well-known competitor’s branded product, naming their trade mark to highlight the differences. Is this allowed under New Zealand law, or could I be sued for using their brand name?

I have developed a unique recipe for a sauce and a business concept that I want to pitch to investors. I am worried that they may steal my idea. What legal protection is there for ideas and recipes? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.