Smith Terry Law, Barristers and Solicitors is the new 'law firm' in Cambridge, situated at 71 Duke Street (next door to Ministry of Social Development).
Wanting to work in the community that they live in, Donna Smith and Hamish Terry are looking forward to delivering quality legal advice, specialising in Family Law, Wills, Trusts and Estates. We are also registered Family Legal Aid Providers.
Law services we provide:
FAMILY LAW
We have wide experience in all areas of family law. We understand how distressing and stressful family matters can be. The team at Smith Terry Law are dedicated to helping you achieve the best outcome in the most painless and cost-effective way possible.
This area of law requires not only the highest level of expertise, but also a sensitive and practical approach especially when children are involved.
Our expertise includes dealing with matters of:
- Parenting Issues including day to day care and contact
- Domestic Violence
- Guardianship Issues
RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY
RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY
Having a specialist family lawyer on your side can make a huge difference to your current and future financial position.
Here at Smith Terry Law we cover all aspects of Relationship Property including:
- Contracting Out Agreements (Prenuptial Agreements)
- Dissolution of Marriage
- Separation and Division of Relationship Property
TRUSTS, ESTATES & SUCCESSION PLANNING
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Our experienced estate team can assist in the administration of your loved one’s estate after they have passed away.
We deal with the administration of the estate from the initial application to the High Court, collection of the estate assets, payment of any debts of the estate, completion of any tax obligations, through to the final distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries.
We understand that this can be an extremely difficult time and we are here to make it as simple and straight forward a process as possible for you and your family.
TRUSTS
Here at Smith Terry Law we are Trust experts who can assist you in all aspects of Trust law, from Trust creation, administration and maintenance through to Trust litigation.
Family Trusts are vitally important in ensuring asset protection from creditors, personal relationships and a myriad of interested third parties. Our tailored Trust solution will ensure that you and your family’s assets are protected now and into the future.
WILLS & POWERS OF ATTORNEY
ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows you (the 'Donor') to appoint a trusted person (the 'Attorney') to act on your behalf. Here at Smith Terry Law we are experts at drafting EPA’s and can guide you through the whole process.
There are two types of EPAs:
EPA for Property – covers your assets which includes your finances. With an EPA for Property you can choose whether the EPA comes into effect straight away, or only when and if you should lose capacity. You may appoint more than one attorney to deal with your Property EPA.
EPA for Personal Care and Welfare - covers decisions about your health and associated care decisions. The Personal care and Welfare EPA only comes into effect if and when a person loses capacity. You can only appoint one person to deal with your Personal Care and Welfare EPA.
An EPA is a very powerful document as it allows somebody to basically step into your shoes and make decisions as if they were you. When considering who to appoint as your attorney you need to ensure you choose somebody that you trust.
WILLS
We would always advise our clients young and old to make a will. People may think that if they do not have a will that everything will automatically go to their current partner but this is not always the case. If a person dies intestate (without a will) then the estate will be administered according to the Administration Act 1969. It is then quite possible that your estate may go to someone that you did not wish it to go to.
To prevent these kinds of issues and to give your family and loved one’s guidance it is important for them that you have a will. Your will is your voice, your wishes from beyond the grave.
Your will can include your wishes regarding being buried or cremated. If you have young children you can appoint a testamentary guardian (a named person that will take care of any children you may have). You can also name whomever you wish to leave your precious hard-earned assets to.
Our experienced staff at Smith Terry Law can tailor your Will to suit your needs.
Need help with a law matter?
Phone us on 07 823 1030
Contact us:
We're only a phone call away if you need help (also for emergencies).
Phone 07 823 1030 during the hours of 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
Donna Smith LLB BCM
Phone: 021 460 508
Email: donna@stlaw.co.nz
Hamish Terry LLB BCom
Phone: 021 330 508
Email: hamish@stlaw.co.nz
Visit Us:
Situated at 71 Duke Street, Cambridge (next door to Ministry of Social Development), we're open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Book your appointment today.
Need our help?
Fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Christmas can be a tough time
Christmas and holidays can be a tough time for families.
If you need help with an emergency law matter over the festive season please call the Smith Terry Law team on 07 823 1030.
