Law Society advises Minister of cordon access problems

The New Zealand Law Society has written to the Minister for Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee about a problem related to access to wills and other legal documents in central Christchurch law offices.

The Law Society says that one issue is causing significant distress to a number of particularly vulnerable Christchurch people. These people urgently need access to wills or deeds held by their lawyers. The lawyers’ offices (and their deed safes) are in the CBD and are cordoned off.

The Law Society says that, as matters stand, the Police (understandably) are refusing to allow the lawyers concerned inside the cordon to access their offices.

The letter to Mr Brownlee asks whether there is any leeway, or any comfort, that can be given to these people about when and how their lawyers may be able to access the information that they need. 

© New Zealand Law Society 2008