FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Listed below are answers to questions clients ask us frequently. If you can’t find the answer to a question you have or you would like to know more details, please feel free to contact us.


DO YOU HAVE ACCREDITED SPECIALIST LAWYERS AT TAITS LEGAL? 

Taits Legal has an Accredited Specialist lawyer and we pride ourselves in being able to provide specialist advice in the following areas:

WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR TAITS LEGAL SERVICES?

Our fees for matters vary and it is important to speak with your solicitor in the first interview about the fees, expenses and costs. Our solicitors will explain the likely costs and in most cases provide you with an estimated range of costs for you to consider.

 

IS EMPLOYING A LAWYER EXPENSIVE? 

Employing a lawyer can be expensive, but entering into some situations without legal assistance can be more costly. That's why it’s important to find the right lawyer for the situation. To discuss the merits of your legal issue with an experienced lawyer contact us.

 

WHAT CAN TAITS LEGAL OFFER ME OVER OTHER FIRMS?

Aside from having highly-skilled lawyers with experience in a wide range of law, Taits Legal offers the individual client contact and value for money that can only be obtained from an experienced firm.

 

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST CONSULTATION?

It depends on how we can help you in your situation, normally we will ask you for information about your legal issue, take you through the relevant law and then advise you of the practical and commercial considerations. We will try and give you a few options for you to consider and see how we can best guide you through your problem and tell you of the costs. We will also check whether or not we have a conflict so that we may act on your behalf.

 

LEGAL DOCUMENTS SEEM CONFUSING AND CAN BE DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND. I WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE DOCUMENTS THAT I AM SIGNING OR REVIEWING, CAN YOU HELP ME?

Taits Legal will make every effort is made to explain the contents of the documents so that you have a clear understanding of the correspondence and documents you receive. For example we often meet with clients to explain business structures and or estate planning. We provide clear diagrams of arrangements and structures to set out clearly their operation and effect. It is important to us that our clients leave our office with a full understanding of the legal issue they have sought advice on.

 

WHAT IS PROBATE? 

This is the actual process of dealing with a Deceased's estate; specifically, identifying assets and arranging their collection, paying outstanding expenses, compliance with all legal requirements and taxation responsibilities, ascertaining beneficiaries, and distributing the deceased's assets in accordance with the last Will.

 

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE A WILL?

It is a personal choice when you make your Will but any person over 18 years of age should consider making a Will.  It is important that you make provisions for how you would like any assets distributed on your death. Many people consider making Wills when:

  • They travel overseas;

  • They begin a family and want to ensure that the child is provided for;

  • They begin acquiring assets such as homes and cars.

Your Will should be drafted in a manner that will ensure your wishes will be carried out, the potential for litigation is diminished and your estate will be administered in the most efficient and tax effective manner.

 

DO I NEED TO HAVE GROUNDS FOR WANTING A DIVORCE?

No. Separation and a belief that the marriage has irretrievably broken down are the only requirements. The cause of the breakdown has no bearing on the outcome of disputes concerning children, spouse maintenance and property. 

 

AFTER I SEPARATE HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I CAN APPLY FOR A DIVORCE?

12 months

 

WHAT IS AN ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY (FINANCIAL)? 

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document that appoints one person or more to act on behalf of another in relation to property, assets and financial affairs. There are also Enduring Power of Attorney documents specific to medical treatment. Everyone should have both a financial and medical Enduring Power of Attorney.  Once you lose the capacity to appoint an attorney it is too late to appoint one yourself.

 

WHAT IS AN ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY?

An enduring Power of Attorney is one that continues to operate even if you lose your mental capacity.  
The Attorney can only make those decisions which you specify in the document. For instance, you may only want your Attorney to pay your water and electricity bills.