What happens if your loved one loses mental capacity due to illness or accident? Who will make decisions about whether they need to go into care? Who can manage their finances to pay for their medical costs and living costs?
Hopefully your loved one has enduring powers of attorney in place appointing people to make decisions about their welfare and property. But what if there are no enduring powers of attorney?
In that case, you will need to apply to the Family Court for orders under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 (PPPR). There are various types of court orders that can be made appointing one or more people to manage someone else’s affairs. Deciding which court orders to apply for depends on the circumstances and needs of the person who has lost capacity.
Before applying to the court, you should be aware of the strict legal obligations and responsibilities you will have if appointed, and that the court will have ongoing oversight to ensure affairs are being managed appropriately.
While it may cost a few hundred dollars to get enduring powers of attorney while someone is healthy, it can cost a few thousand dollars to get court orders if they lose capacity there are no enduring powers of attorney in place. So, it is a good idea to encourage your loved ones to get enduring powers of attorney while they are still healthy.
Kerry Bowler
As the summer sun blazes, it’s a timely reminder to step up and meet our animal welfare responsibilities, whether you’re a dedicated farmer or a devoted pet owner. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Codes of Welfare provide the essential roadmap, setting minimum standards for animal care and offering best practices to help you go above and beyond.
Summer brings unique challenges for animals, and heat stress is a major concern. For pets, never leave them in cars, even for a short time—internal temperatures skyrocket, creating a life-threatening situation. Adequate ventilation and shade are equally crucial indoors to keep your furry friends comfortable.
For farmers, the stakes are high, especially for dairy cows. According to DairyNZ, cows thrive in temperatures between 4-20°C. Above this, they begin to experience heat stress, exacerbated by the energy-intensive process of digesting food and producing milk. As temperatures rise, they absorb more heat from their surroundings, making it harder to maintain their body weight and productivity.
Combatting heat stress means getting strategic. Ensure your grazing plan allows cows access to shade, such as tree cover, during the hottest parts of the day. Keep plenty of fresh, clean water available and adjust feeding practices to help them stay cool and maintain their condition.
This summer, let’s prioritise our animals’ comfort and well-being. To ensure you are on the right track, dive into the Codes of Welfare on MPI’s website. And if you are after expert advice tailored to your needs, our friendly team at Edmonds Judd is just a call away. Let’s make this summer safe and stress-free for all!
Fiona Jack
