Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Description
Attend and earn 0.5 CPD hour
* This interactive online recording includes questions and quizzes requiring critical thinking about the topics, so you have no annual limits to the number of points/hours you can claim with this format of learning. Please verify with your CPD rules
Chair
Theresa Donnelly, Legal Services Manager, Perpetual Guardian
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the interplay between the Property (Relationships) Act and the Family Protection Act in estate distribution
- Explore recent case law and key considerations when advising or bringing a top-up claim under the Family Protection Act
Widows’ Family Protection Act and Top Up Claims
- Interrelationship between the Property (Relationships) Act and Family Protection Act
- Important considerations in bringing a Family Protection Act claim
- Case updates
Prepared by Ben Jefferson, Associate, Haigh Lyon Lawyers
Presenters
Ben Jefferson, Associate, Haigh Lyon Lawyers
Ben works predominantly in the areas of relationship property and care of children as part of Haigh Lyon’s dedicated family law team, where he has worked since 2020. Ben prides himself on being focused, efficient and compassionate, and using his expertise to guide clients through complex legal issues to achieve positive outcomes. With a master’s degree in journalism, he has a passion for great writing and a sharp eye for detail to complement his legal acumen.
Theresa Donnelly, Legal Services Manager, Perpetual Guardian
Theresa Donnelly has a wealth of experience in elder law and trust related matters. Theresa graduated from Auckland University in 1992 and has over 30 years’ experience in private practice, government and in-house Legal. Theresa is currently the Legal Services Manager at Perpetual Guardian, and formerly Public Trust (Team Leader) and the Ministry of Social Development, where she was (lead Senior Public Law Team). She is a regular presenter and speaker for professional groups such as Legalwise, NZLS/CLE, TLANZ, CCH and other professional organisations.
