Questions for lawyers Found 360

I cannot afford a lawyer, and my ex has a large amount of savings and can pay for a very expensive lawyer. I fear that I will be at a disadvantage in a Family Court dispute about our children. Is legal aid available for family cases?

We plan to raise investment from about ten friends and family members in exchange for shares in our start-up. We assumed we could just do a handshake deal. Are there laws that regulate offering shares in New Zealand?

I have been offered a job in New Zealand, and the employer says I need an Accredited Employer Work Visa. I have never heard of it. How does the process work, and what should I check before I accept the offer?

My car was damaged in a crash and I was over the legal alcohol limit. The insurer says that it will not pay any of the repair costs or the other driver’s damage. Is that lawful, and is there anything I can claim?

I hold a minority shareholding in a private company and the majority shareholders have stopped paying dividends and stopped giving me information, while awarding themselves generous salaries. I feel pushed out. Do minority shareholders have any legal protection?

A former staff member left to start a rival business and I suspect she has taken our customer lists and pricing information. I do not have much evidence yet. What can I do to protect our confidential information?

My employer announced a restructure and my role has been disestablished, while a newer colleague doing similar work has been kept on. It feels unfair and no one has explained how the selection was made. What are my rights?

My boat sank at its mooring during a storm and the harbourmaster has now told me that I must remove the wreck at my own cost, since it is a hazard to navigation. Can they require this and what if I cannot afford it?

My domestic flight within New Zealand was cancelled at short notice due to a technical issue, and I missed an important meeting as a result. The airline offered only a refund of the ticket price. Am I entitled to more?

I run a small building business with one employee. A client has claimed that our work caused water damage to their home, and I have public liability insurance but am unsure whether it will respond. How do these policies work?