Is Paying To Take Your Kids To The Library Going To Be The New Normal?
We’ve hit the end of Term One and into Easter; where did summer go?
I am looking forward to a bit of a recharge, though. As a family lawyer, I know how important it is to make time for yourself, especially as a parent. This holiday season, I will be making it a priority to take some time off and recharge.
I plan to spend quality time with my family, go on a few walks, spend time in the kitchen and indulge in my favourite books. It will be a much-needed break, and I will feel refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's essential.
As we all navigate the ups and downs of family life, let's make sure to take time for self-care and recharge our batteries.
Proposed Budget for Auckland City Council
With an election year upon us and the proposed Auckland City Council budget cuts, I feel we have to stand up for what we need in our community and country.
I am concerned about the potential changes to cutting libraries and Citizens Advice Bureau services. They provide such a valuable space for people in the community. I know I have had many happy hours with my children in libraries, not only picking books but the story time and activities that they provide. As we grow older as a family, we still use them regularly.
Citizens Advice Bureaus is also looking at having funding cuts. This also provides a range of essential services such as legal advice, funding and running group support meetings, not to forget the very important JP’s services.
I know that the elderly, the disadvantaged and isolated people often rely on those spaces for contact, connection and community. They come together for the events and warmth during winter. All of these are essential services to our community and go far beyond a simple cut to a line on a budget. Social isolation is one of the biggest predictors of poor health outcomes.
I’m happy to contribute to these services in my Rates. I wonder if the local Council asked its members about what they consider adds value to their community. Wouldn’t most people place value on these types of spaces and would be happy to continue contributing to the costs of them in their Rates? I’d love to know your views, pop me a return email to this one and let me know.
Potential Law Changes To Be Aware Of
It is important to know that Inheritance laws are currently being reviewed. The likely new inheritance act is going to make it much harder for adult children to claim that their parent has a ‘moral duty’ to provide for them in their Will. While the new Act has not yet been approved, that is one of the Law Commissions’ options for changes to the current statute (written in 1955, so clearly needing to be updated).
From 15 June 2023, the process for changing your sex or gender marker on a birth certificate will change. Previously a Family Court application needed to be made, supported by medical evidence, affidavits, and potential Court appearance. This process was intimidating, inaccessible, expensive and difficult for many claimants. The new ‘self-identification’ process will be through the Department of Internal Affairs without the need for a Family Court application.
If you feel either of these law changes might affect your situation, then please reach out to me and we can start the conversation.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Easter holiday!
Take care,
Jane
P.S. If you feel like you want to connect about either of these topics, or any other Family Law concern you have please call me during business hours on 022 345 7187 .
