Questions for lawyers Found 360

I lost my job and have fallen behind on my mortgage repayments. The bank has sent letters about legal action and possibly selling my home. I am frightened and do not know what my rights are. What can I do?

I discovered that a stranger owns the dot nz domain that matches my business name, and they are asking for a large payment to sell it to me. I want the domain but do not want to pay a ransom. Is there a legal process?

Our container was held at the port longer than expected due to circumstances partly outside our control, and the shipping line has now invoiced us a very large demurrage and detention charge. Do we have any grounds to dispute this?

I have been unhappy with the way my insurer has communicated with me and handled my claim, and its final response was unsatisfactory. I do not know whether there is an independent body I can go to or whether I have to sue.

I am on a fixed annual salary, but I am regularly expected to work evenings and weekends, sometimes 55 or more hours a week, with no extra pay or time off. My contract just says hours as required. Is that lawful?

A relative of mine died and the life insurer has refused to pay out because they say the policy holder did not disclose a health problem on the application form. The person did not think it was significant. Can the insurer really refuse to pay?

I recently became a director of a family-run company and did not realise it came with legal obligations of its own. Nobody explained what I am personally responsible for. What are the main duties of a director in New Zealand, and can I be held personally liable?

I was convicted of a driving offence many years ago in another country and it was serious at the time. I now want to apply for a visa to move to New Zealand for work. Can a past conviction stop me from getting a visa?

We imported a shipment of goods and Customs has detained it, saying it may not comply with import requirements. We need these goods urgently for our business. What is the process and how quickly can this be resolved?

I obtained a court judgment against a former customer, but months later I have received nothing. They ignore letters and it is unclear whether they have assets. Winning seems pointless if I cannot collect. What enforcement options do I actually have?