Lawyers in Manukau – Some Of The Less Common Cases
Lawyers in Manukau work on many types of case, or matter, as they call them. The obvious ones include property transactions, separations, commercial work, and dispute resolutions. But there are many other, less common types of case they deal with.
Here are seven unconventional topics that lawyers in Manukau might work on for clients.
Family and Relationship Law with a Cultural Lens
The Manukau city area has a wide range of different cultures. Pasifika and Maori communities are long-established in the city and account for over 33% of the total population. Over 55% of the population of Manukau is born overseas, including Indian, Chinese, and other nationalities. The different cultural communities have diverse beliefs, and customs. These have an impact on how a lawyer in Manukau will respond to their clients. The challenge for lawyers is managing the intersection between the cultural traditions and New Zealand law.
An obvious example is in relation to marriages. Some cultures have arranged marriages, so the lawyers need to advise their clients on the legal recognition of customary marriages.
Cultural dispute resolution is another aspect that requires understanding. There are different practices for inheritance, and property ownership rights in some cultures yet they still have to adhere to NZ laws for those aspects.
Cross-cultural mediation can be a difficult issue respecting cultural norms but also following the national legal principles.
Dispute resolution in Pacific Island communities is a big topic. With Pasifika people accounting for over 20% of the population, it is important that any Manukau lawyers can appreciate the cultural issues.
For example, Talanoa is the traditional Pacific Island practice of open dialogue to resolve conflicts. However, as in all cases, the parties must abide by the prevailing laws of the country.
Land and property disputes are an ongoing set of problems for many people. Treaty settlements are a different issue but there are often disagreements between individuals, companies, and iwi about ownership of tracts of land. Sometimes ownership is assumed historically, but these days people or entities need to show proof of title.
Justice and community service is often viewed differently in various cultures. For example, some cultures prefer to handle minor infringements within their community. These can include volunteering for community programmes, restorative justice, and managing misdemeanours to meet both cultural and legal requirements.
Estate planning in the digital age is a cross-cultural issue. Issues such as cryptocurrencies, social media profiles, and even online businesses, are growing in frequency. Having an estate plan for these is a critical issue and can save thousands of dollars when the lawyers are handling the probate of the legacy.
Until recently, estate planning and writing a will was relatively simple. An estate was typically property, stocks, cash, vehicles, other savings, and possibly precious metals, and art. Now people need to be mindful of a range of digital assets.
Cryptocurrencies is the obvious asset class. For this, your Manukau lawyer needs to know where to access the cryptocurrencies. Are they stored in a cold wallet or an exchange? What are the access codes? How is 2 Factor Authentication (2FA) managed?
Besides currencies, people also have a digital legacy including social media accounts. Where are the passcodes stored?
While a person is alive, online privacy can be an issue. A lawyer can advise on the balance between your privacy and how you post in a social media world.
There is a lot of social enterprises in the south Auckland area. Despite being operated with a social direction’ they are still subject to commercial and corporate law for social enterprises. Manukau lawyers can give guidance on the type of organisation such as choosing the right legal structure (e.g., benefit or B corporations, charitable companies). These can help with the tax liabilities of the enterprise.
Another area for help is with impact investment so that the enterprise is investing in line with its social objectives.
Summing Up – Unusual Cases For A Lawyer in Manukau
Being a lawyer in Manukau can be rewarding, not just from personal financial compensation but also working with worthy causes and different cultures.
A lawyer gets to blend the laws of New Zealand with cultural nuances and making a positive contribution to the area. If you need a local lawyer, McVeagh Fleming has an office in Manukau city.