Questions for lawyers Found 360

Our agency client wants to vary our contract to include additional services and reduce payment rates because of budget cuts. We have not agreed, but they say that they can do it unilaterally. Is that true?

We bought a section with a small stream running through it and would like to build a house near the water. Someone told us there are special rules and that we may need to leave a large strip of land empty. What restrictions could apply?

My family recently set up a trust to hold some investments and property. I do not understand who pays tax on the income the trust earns, whether it is the trust, the trustees personally or the beneficiaries. Can you explain how trust taxation works?

I run a transport business, and a trailer loaded with valuable goods was broken into and partially emptied overnight while parked at what I believed was a secure location. The client is demanding full compensation. Am I automatically liable?

I was found with a small amount of cannabis in my bag during a routine event search. I am not a dealer, just a user. Will police prosecute or do they usually let it slide? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.

I want to update my will to add a grandchild as a beneficiary and change an executor. Can I just write the changes on the existing will, or do I need to start again with a lawyer’s help? I want to make sure I am not missing anything important before I decide what to do.

We received a letter from a government agency saying that part of our property may be needed for a new road. We do not want to sell and are worried about the compensation. What are our rights? I would like to know what steps I should take next to protect myself.

I posted some angry messages about a former friend on social media and now she has complained to the police. She says it amounts to harassment and a breach of a digital communications law. I never threatened her but I was cruel. Could I face charges?

I am a foreign company with no assets in New Zealand and I have been served with a High Court claim. My opponent has asked the court to order that I provide money in advance for their costs. Can a court really require this?

My ex has applied for a protection order and the police also charged me with breaching a previous condition. I am confused about how the two processes work together. Does the protection order count as a criminal matter, and what happens if I breach it?