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Our article library is designed to help you understand the legal issues that matter most, whether you're a private individual, a business owner, or a trustee. It’s part of our commitment to manaakitanga (care and respect) and making legal knowledge more accessible across Aotearoa (New Zealand).


Each article is written by one of our experienced lawyers and offers clear, practical guidance on everyday legal topics. We cover a wide range of areas, including:



Looking for answers to questions like ‘Do I need a will in New Zealand?’ or ‘How do I resolve a legal dispute?’ You’ll find helpful information, real-world examples, and answers to these common questions all in plain language.


Use the filters in the search panel to explore articles by legal area, and then narrow your search further to find exactly what you need. Below, you’ll find a preview of our most recent articles.

buying an investment property as your first home

Buying an investment property as your first property

By Jennifer Edwards • September 17, 2026
Buying an investment property as your first property? Understand the KiwiSaver, finance, ownership and legal issues to consider before you buy.
heart lock on rope

How is property divided if your spouse or de facto partner dies? And how does any contracting out agreement impact this?

By Marie Hansen • September 14, 2026
How is property divided if your spouse or de facto partner dies? And how does any contracting out agreement impact this?
subdivision costs NZ

How much does it cost to subdivide a property in New Zealand?

By Jennifer Edwards • September 2, 2026
How much does it cost to subdivide property in NZ? Understand the surveying, Council, infrastructure, legal and other costs to budget for.
What Is a Statutory Demand? A Guide for Creditors

What Is a Statutory Demand? A Guide for Creditors

By Nathan Tetzlaff • August 24, 2026
Owed money by a company? Learn what a statutory demand is, when it can be used, the legal requirements, and how it can help recover unpaid debts.
subdivide property for family NZ

Can I subdivide my property for my children?

By Jennifer Edwards • August 20, 2026
Thinking about subdividing your property for your children? Understand the subdivision, financing, title and other considerations before you start.
Personal Guarantees Explained: What Every Guarantor Should Know | Smith & Partners

Personal Guarantees Explained: what you need to know before you sign

By Nathan Tetzlaff • August 18, 2026
Thinking about signing a personal guarantee? Learn how personal guarantees work, the risks involved, when they can be enforced, and how to protect yourself.
subdividing property NZ

Subdividing your property in New Zealand: what you need to know

By Jennifer Edwards • August 12, 2026
Thinking about subdividing your property in NZ? Learn what's involved, how long it can take and what to consider before you start.
AI legal privilege

Can using AI cause you to lose legal privilege?

By Nathan Tetzlaff • July 27, 2026
Using AI tools like ChatGPT during a legal dispute could put legal privilege at risk. Learn when privilege applies, how it can be lost, and how to protect confidential information.
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