Smith and Partners Lawyers

27/07/2026

Being left out of a parent's will is more common than you think. Here's what you can do.

26/07/2026

Legal matters can be stressful, confusing, and high stakes. The way you're supported through them makes a real difference.

At Smith and Partners, we work with individuals, whānau, and businesses across New Zealand on legal issues including property transactions, employment related matters, relationship property, disputes, trusts, and commercial law. What that looks like in practice is taking the time to listen, then providing advice that's clear and practical.

We believe good legal advice and support shouldn't feel out of reach. It should feel like a conversation with someone who knows what they're doing and genuinely cares about your outcome.

That's what makes the difference.

21/07/2026

Family trust disputes can get complicated, especially when family members are trustees.

In this article, Nathan Tetzlaff looks at a real case he successfully litigated, where a disagreement ended up in the High Court, and what the outcome means for trustees, settlors, and families navigating similar situations.

Read the full article here:

Discover the Queenin v Queenin family trust dispute, a notable case represented by Nathan Tetzlaff of Smith and Partners, which has captured significant legal attention

15/07/2026

Last week we took the time to acknowledge Matariki at the Smith and Partners office.

We put up posters for everyone to add their own reflections under three of the themes of the season: remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future.

Then, the team came together on Thursday to share homemade soup and frybread, taking some time away from the day to connect and reflect. It was good to slow down for a moment together.

Ngā mihi o Matariki.

12/07/2026

More families are heading to court over estates than ever before.

In this article, Carolyn Ranson examines recent estate claims in 2026, from late-life will changes and estrangement, to caregiving contributions and blended family dynamics, and what can be done to reduce the risk.

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In our experience, estate disputes are rarely unexpected. They tend to arise where known risk factors—such as estrangement, informal caregiving arrangements, or uneven provision in a will—have not been addressed clearly during lifetime.

06/07/2026

When things get complicated, clarity matters most.

Disputes relating to business, family, or property rarely arrive with a simple answer. What matters is having someone steady in your corner. Someone who can cut through the noise, help you understand where you stand, and map a path forward.

That's what we're here for.

01/07/2026

Introducing Georgina Inwood, Graduate Law Clerk in our litigation team.

Georgina works across family and employment law, with a background in Maori legal issues, public law, and a published article in the New Zealand Women's Law Journal.

Having grown up in West Auckland, Georgina was drawn to Smith and Partners by the opportunity to work within and give back to the community she knows well.

Outside of work, you'll find her tramping, baking, or deep in a good book.

28/06/2026

Some of our clients have been with us for decades.

Because having a legal team that already knows your business, your history, and how you think makes every conversation easier and every decision faster.

That's what we're here to build. Not just good advice for today, but a relationship that's useful for the long run.

22/06/2026

A franchise comes with an established brand and a proven system. It also comes with a contract that's been written for the franchisor's benefit.

Before you sign, it pays to understand what you're actually agreeing to. In this article, Jude Dragh walks through the key things to check when buying a franchise.

Read the full article here:

Buying a franchise can be a great way to go into business with the backing of an established brand and operating system.

19/06/2026

Smith and Partners' Commercial Director, Bret Gower was recently quoted in NBR on the rise of copyright enforcement claims targeting Kiwi businesses.

Here's what you should know.