A carelessly drafted a family trust deed resulted in a charge of unsatisfactory conduct
Whangarei lawyer Elizabeth Ann Gardner has been ordered to pay the Law Society $25,655 after a charge of unsatisfactory conduct was proven by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal.
She negligently made errors in drafting a family trust deed, the Law Society said. The errors resulted in the failure to create a life interest in assets for the donors of a property to the trust. The donors were also not included as discretionary beneficiaries.
The lawyer also failed to keep clear records, give written advice, and report at the conclusion of the matter.
However, the tribunal did not find the unsatisfactory conduct required censure, the Law Society said.
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She negligently made errors in drafting a family trust deed, the Law Society said. The errors resulted in the failure to create a life interest in assets for the donors of a property to the trust. The donors were also not included as discretionary beneficiaries.
The lawyer also failed to keep clear records, give written advice, and report at the conclusion of the matter.
However, the tribunal did not find the unsatisfactory conduct required censure, the Law Society said.
Related stories:
Former lawyer’s vanishing acts lead to 18-month suspension
Lawyer struck off for misappropriating trust money
