Lighthouse Legal

19/06/2026

Thinking about adopting a child from overseas?

If so, did you know that this area of law has changed significantly — and is continuing to evolve?

Last September, New Zealand urgently changed its laws relating to overseas adoptions, restricting the pathways by which children adopted in some countries can enter and settle in New Zealand. Further changes are now being considered by Parliament through the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill.

The result? An overseas adoption that may have previously led to citizenship or immigration status in New Zealand for the child may no longer do so.

The last thing any prospective adoptive parent wants is to invest significant emotional, financial, and practical effort into an overseas adoption, only to encounter unexpected legal barriers later.

If you're considering adopting from overseas, now is the time to get specialist legal advice before taking the next step.

Lighthouse Director Selina Trigg has been closely monitoring the law reform and current proposals for more changes in this area and can help you understand how the current law may apply to your situation.

To discuss your circumstances and ensure you start your adoption journey on the strongest possible footing, book a free initial chat with Selina here: [email protected]/s/6qDO43HAW06419FJbIJCSw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/[email protected]/s/6qDO43HAW06419FJbIJCSw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

17/06/2026

Annual reminder: your family trust isn't a slow cooker. You can't just set it and forget it.

Life changes. Families change. Assets change. The law changes.

That's why it's important to review your trust regularly to make sure it still reflects your wishes, is being administered correctly, and continues to meet the purpose it was established for in the first place.

Think of it like an annual WOF for your trust — a quick check now could save a lot of headaches (and expense) down the track.

If it's been a while since your trust had a health check, our trusts and estate planning specialist, Sarah Simpson-Thomas, would be happy to help with an initial free chat which you can book here: [email protected]/s/7zWlsYvIHESUbftolkStmw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/[email protected]/s/7zWlsYvIHESUbftolkStmw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

16/06/2026

Meet Eugene Raika.

If you've ever wondered what happens when you combine nearly two decades of legal experience, a black belt in Classical Aikido, and a genuine passion for helping people, the answer is: Eugene.

Whether he's assisting with a complex property transaction, navigating a family law matter, or helping clients find a practical path forward, Eugene is known for his warm, respectful approach, lightning-fast responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to making the legal process feel clearer and less overwhelming.

Outside of the law, you'll often find him at the gym or drawing on the principles of Aikido — a discipline that teaches practitioners to remain calm in the face of conflict and seek resolution without aggression. It's a philosophy that fits perfectly with the way Eugene practises law.

And then there's Graham.🐾

Graham is Eugene's beloved bulldog and a regular fixture in Zoom meetings, usually contributing a gentle soundtrack of snores from beneath Eugene's desk.

The funny thing? While Eugene owns a bulldog, he doesn't believe in bulldog tactics. He prefers curiosity over confrontation, creativity over conflict, and collaboration over digging in his heels.

To learn more about Eugene or to book a free chat with him about your property or family issue, head on over to: https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/eugene-profile-page

29/05/2026

Did you know the beneficiaries of your trust should be given information about the trust?

The people who can benefit from the trust - called the 'beneficiaries' - generally need to be given information about the trust, including the fact they are a beneficiary.

It's incredibly important to check who the beneficiaries of the trust are, which will be set out in your Trust Deed. Sometimes, it's not who you expect!

If you need help figuring out who the beneficiaries are, understanding what information to provide or dealing with unexpected beneficiaries, we are here to help.

27/05/2026

It’s Wellbeing Wednesday at Lighthouse and the team is coming together for a full day of learning, growth, and professional development under our theme: “The Future’s So Bright” 😎

Swag boxes? Check.

Shades? Check.

Brains switched on and ready? Absolutely.

We’re diving into everything from:

⚖️ Contracting Out Agreements

🤖 AI and the future of legal practice

🧠 Working with client emotion

🏡 Relationship Property developments

💬 Building strong client engagement

…all with a healthy dose of fun, connection, and sparkles along the way!

25/05/2026

It’s the conversation almost every family avoids… until suddenly they can’t.

Talking about death, illness, ageing, finances, wills, or “what happens if…” can feel uncomfortable — but avoiding those conversations can leave families facing stress, confusion, conflict, and expensive legal issues later on.

A couple of the key things people overlook?
- Enduring Powers of Attorney that set out what is to happen if you become unable to make decisions about your property and care for yourself
- having an "In Case Of Folder" with all the important information your loved ones may need in an emergency or after your death.

As this article points out, having the difficult conversations — and getting the right documents sorted — is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family. 💛

If you’ve been meaning to “get around to it”, this is your sign. Our estate planning specialist, Sarah Simpson-Thomas, is available for a free initial chat to help you understand your options and get things properly in place. You can easily schedule your chat with her at 👉 www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/sarah

www.stuff.co.nz/money/360975658/conversation-we-all-avoid-and-why-it-could-cost-your-family

Some conversations need to happen before it’s too late.

22/05/2026

Did you know that your Will doesn't cover your trust?

Your Will is super important, and sets out what happens with your personally-owned assets after you die. But it doesn't cover anything that is held in your family trust.

Trusts can carry on after your lifetime, and need separate planning. The good news is there are simple options, and ways to make sure that both your Will and trust work together.

If you need help with your Will and trust planning, or understanding the difference between them, we're always happy to help.

20/05/2026

From the Scottish Highlands to the Southern Alps - Lighthouse Director Julie McClain carries a whole lot of heart (and a bit of Scottish grit) with her!

Julie brings warmth, straight-talking honesty, and a genuine ability to connect with people at what are often some of life’s toughest moments.

A trained Collaborative lawyer and certified Divorce Coach, Julie is passionate about helping families resolve matters through cooperation, early intervention, and practical, human-focused solutions — not unnecessary conflict.

Having been through her own separation and divorce, she understands first-hand what clients are navigating, and brings real empathy (alongside clarity and humour) to her work.

Outside the office, Julie is always on the move — skiing, travelling, running after her son… and improving her French while never saying no to a good instant coffee!

We’re lucky to have her on the Lighthouse Legal team. Learn more about Julie over at https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/julie-profile-page and while you're there, you can book an initial free 15-minute consultation with her.

19/05/2026

“I’m a trustee… but I’m not really sure what I should be doing!”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — Being a trustee often starts with good intentions… and quickly can turn into either:
• overthinking every decision, or
• signing things off and hoping it’s all fine (while quietly wondering what you’ve actually agreed to)

Neither feels great.

Our latest blog by Lighthouse's Trust Consultant, Sarah Simpson-Thomas, breaks down why the first step for trustees isn’t memorising legal rules — it’s stepping back, understanding the role, and building confidence in the bigger picture before getting into the detail.

If you’re a trustee and feeling unsure, this is a really helpful place to start. Even more helpful is a free initial chat with Sarah which you can book here: [email protected]/s/7zWlsYvIHESUbftolkStmw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/book/[email protected]/s/7zWlsYvIHESUbftolkStmw2?ismsaljsauthenabled=true

https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/post/i-m-a-trustee-but-i-m-not-really-sure-what-i-should-be-doing

While it’s true that trustees have legal duties, starting with the technical details can be like trying to decorate a cake before you’ve even baked it. There’s nothing solid for the detail to stick to — and it quickly becomes messy and overwhelming. Before diving into the legal side, it help...

15/05/2026

Whether you are seeking clarity and advice in a family legal matter, with the establishment or management of a Trust, with writing your Will and Enduring Powers of Attorney, or with the purchase of a property — we're here to help.

☎️ Book a no-obligation 15-minute phone call with one of our lawyers today, and take the first step in a clearer direction.

https://www.lighthouselegal.co.nz/book-session