COVID-19 Response & Our Hours

Ussher Lawyers is a boutique law firm servicing the entire Thames Coromandel, Waikato and Bay of Plenty region and beyond. We service a diverse clientele based locally, nationally and internationally.

We specialise in personal and real property law. This includes residential,commercial and rural conveyancing, business sales and acquisitions, subdivisions and cross-lease matters, easements, financing, wills, estates, relationship property, enduring powers of attorney and more.

Formed in 2007 (originally as Coromandel Law but in March, 2014 rebranding as Ussher Lawyers) by Michael Ussher, Ussher Lawyers Limited has undergone rapid growth with offices now located in both Whangamata and Whitianga.

The team at both Ussher Lawyers offices are professional and personable, and will be sure to handle your work with utmost care, confidence and competence.

MICHAEL USSHER, Director

Michael has been practicing law since 2002 and has considerable experience working on a wide range of legal matters. Michael has experience as a senior solicitor within one of New Zealand’s top 5 law firms in Auckland, as well as at a medium-sized law firm in Tauranga. Michael also has practical experience in owning and operating a successful small business in Whangamata.

Our General Terms of Engagement

In compliance with recent Government restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 “Lockdown”, Ussher Lawyers are working remotely until further notice.

Please rest assured we are still able to carry out certain legal services on your behalf via digital means such as Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts or other video-conferencing applications.

Property purchases, sales, and refinancing

We can complete property purchases, sales and re-financing for you. LINZ (Land Information New Zealand) is still operating. You should download Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts or any other video-conferencing application. Ideally you should have access to a printer so that you can print and sign the necessary documents in front of us and then scan them back to us. We will witness your signature via one of these applications. If you don’t have a printer and scanner get in contact and we can arrange alternatives. There are plenty available.

Wills, Estates, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Affidavits and Statutory Declarations

There are ways that we can achieve all of these lawfully  within the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 “Lockdown”. However, the methods are all more cumbersome and onerous than usual. If you need any of these completed please get in touch.

Existing contracts

• All unconditional agreements are legally binding and cannot commonly be cancelled, without consent or relevant force majeure clauses, because of COVID-19.
• Banks are still operating and so are insurance companies.
• Real estate agents are non-essential services.
• Many settlements are proceeding but we are required to assess each transaction on it’s merits. If you cannot move out on settlement or cannot move in on settlement we are generally arranging for a deferred settlement. However, settlements can be achieved without a breach of COVID-19 Alert Level 4 “Lockdown” Government Guidelines where both parties work together.

Contacting us

Should you need to contact us you can reach us on 07 865 8824. You will be diverted to our cell-phones by selecting the extension number of the person you need to talk to.

This is an unsettling and uncertain time for all New Zealanders but it is reassuring to know that we are all taking the best measures possible in order to contain the COVID-19 virus.  Take extra care of yourselves, your friends and families and we look forward to resuming normal practice and meeting with you face to face once again soon.

Kia kaha,

The team at Ussher Lawyers

 

PROPERTY

• Conveyancing:
  Buying real estate, whether residential, commercial or rural, is often one of the most significant and life changing events we experience in our lives. For most of us, it will be the greatest financial obligation you will ever commit to. It pays to get the job done properly. Ussher Lawyers want to see you succeed in making all the right decisions. Ussher Lawyers provides a comprehensive conveyancing service that considers all aspects of development or investment, from initial scoping, contracting, conveyancing, financing structure, dispute resolution, negotiation, tax efficiencies, resource management issues and more.Please ring us before you sign any contract. The considerations to make when purchasing property are exhaustive and you are better off using our skill and expertise before you sign to avoid any unwanted complications in the future.
• Leases:
  Ussher Lawyers can provide you with ongoing lease advice, including preparation of leases, leasing structure, current trends, renewals, right of first refusals, rent reviews, variations, assignments and change of control, advising landlord and tenant on make good and default provisions, rent review mechanisms, additions, alterations and termination procedures.
• Subdivisions:
  We make the process easy. We liaise with your surveyors, you, your neighbours, your Bank and LINZ to ensure title issues in a timely manner. We’re experts in drafting easements, covenants and other interests.
• Easements:
  Easements are often overlooked and contain hidden issues. Disputes between neighbours are common and we have the expertise to assist you to interpret the fine print and resolve any disputes.

FINANCING

Ussher Lawyers can advise and assist you on borrowing and security structures. We make it easy to change from Bank to Bank.

WILLS & ESTATES

Estate planning and personal wealth protection involves making informed decisions,with careful planning to protect your hard earned assets by minimising exposure to creditors, relationship property claims, and challenges against your estate. Will drafting is becoming more and more complex and we don’t believe you should draft them without seeing your lawyer.

Ussher Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of estate planning and administration including drafting wills and appointing powers of attorney, as well as establishing and managing family trusts.

 COMMERCIAL LAW

Ussher Lawyers can assist in ensuring the internal governance of your company is maximising the limited liability advantages offered by the Companies Act 1993. Ussher Lawyers can also assist you with company incorporation and administration, shareholders agreements, sale and purchase of businesses including drafting agreements and conducting due diligence investigations, ongoing internal governance issues and procedures and protecting the relationship between shareholders and directors.

Our General Terms of Engagement