Legal Services & Expertise

Explore essential tips & insights at Weston Ward & Lascelles law firm for a stress-free journey to making your homecoming dreams a reality this Christmas.

In an ideal world, neighbours live side by side in perfect harmony, sharing a mutual respect for boundaries, both physical and personal. However, the reality is often far from this ideal. Property disputes between neighbours are common, ranging from minor inconveniences to full-blown legal battles. These disputes can disrupt not only your peace of mind but also the value of your property and your relationship with the community. If you're facing a property dispute, it’s essential to understand the nature of these conflicts and how to resolve them effectively. In New Zealand, the law provides various avenues for resolving these issues, but navigating the legalities can be complex. That’s where Weston Ward and Lascelles come in—providing quality property law advice to guide you through to a solution. Common property disputes in New Zealand Property disputes between neighbours arise from a variety of situations, each requiring a different solution. It’s important to understand the nature and history of your issue to identify the best way to approach it; court and civil litigation is very rarely the first course of action. Boundary disputes Boundary disputes are perhaps the most common and unpleasant type of neighbour conflict. These disputes arise when the physical boundaries between properties are unclear or contested. There is a common myth that neighbours must pay 50% of the costs of a new boundary fence or share the costs of repairs to an existing boundary fence which often fuels misunderstandings. It’s advisable to seek legal advice early before the dispute escalates out of control, as these cases often do. Weston Ward and Lascelles’ property lawyers will help you understand the property titles, plans, legal boundaries and any other legal entity that impacts your property. It is very easy to get into a dispute with your neighbour if you (or they) don’t fully understand the legal position and have follow the incorrect procedures. Once the boundaries are confirmed, your property lawyer can give you tailored legal advice on how best to proceed. 

It’s second nature for those involved in business to engage a lawyer experienced in business and commercial law for business advisory services. Whether it’s for a startup or an established organisation, contract reviews are a valued and expected expense to ensure the terms and conditions are fair, accurate and aligned with the client’s best interests. Yet, this same level of diligence and self-protection is often neglected in personal matters, including buying a property. With rising property prices, unstable mortgage rates and unemployment rates expected to hit 5% by the end of the year, spending more money to complete a house purchase is likely the last thing you want to think about. However, and this is a huge however, engaging a Christchurch property lawyer to review the Sale and Purchase Agreement before signing is a wise investment; it is a strategic move that can save you from significant future complications. Weston Ward and Lascelles are leading property and conveyancing lawyers in Christchurch who help clients buy properties. From first home buyers to clients with multiple properties, our advice is always the same: do not sign on the dotted line until the Sale and Purchase Agreement has been reviewed, and here’s why: Entering into a Sale and Purchase Agreement is legally binding, it’s a contract. A major principle of property law is caveat emptor or “buyer beware”. The onus is on you to protect your property, assets and finances, and a Sale and Purchase Agreement contact review does just that.  Ensures a smooth conveyancing process compliant to laws and regulations The key role of a property lawyer is to oversee the conveyancing process and keep the schedule on track . Invariably this means liaising with real estate agents, the vendors’ lawyers, local councils and other stakeholders. Aside from collating and reviewing information, conveyancers ensure the legal obligations are adhered to.

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