Wills & Estates
Legal advice for life’s important decisions. Protect your assets & your wishes.
Whether you think your personal circumstances are basic or complicated, it is a good idea to get in touch with a lawyer to discuss the structure of your family, your assets, and any wishes you have. This becomes important if in future you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself, or if you die.
Our private client team are skilled at having these difficult conversations, and can make the process quick, easy, and understandable so you can carry on with your day to day, knowing that the ‘what ifs’ are taken care of.
Wills, Estates & Asset Protection
Assist you with drafting a Will, which is an important document ensuring your assets are divided and distributed according to your wishes after you die. It should be reviewed any time you experience a big life change such as marriage, children, or financial windfalls.
Estate Planning & Succession
Document your wishes and help you to confidently put in place enduring power of attorney documents, which enable someone else to make decisions for you, if you are no longer able to make those decisions yourself.
Book a free Wills & Estates Meeting
Whether you’re buying, selling or managing a development, our team is here to help you with clear, practical legal support. Your first meeting is free, and can be held in person or online.
Our Expertise
- Wills
- Advance Directives (specifying your preferences for medical treatment in case you’re unable to communicate)
- Guidance on Rest Homes and Retirement Village purchases
- Contracting Out Agreements (pre-nup agreements)
- Separation Agreements and Dividing Relationship Property
- Independent Advice on Separation or Contracting Out Agreements
- Powers of Attorney
- Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Seeking Orders for Property and Personal Care for individuals who have lost mental capacity
- Probate Application
- Estate Administration
- Estate Disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Will?
A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. It also allows you to appoint executors to manage your estate and guardians for your children. Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to New Zealand law, which may not reflect your intentions.
When should I update my Will?
You should review your Will whenever you experience a significant life change, such as marriage, separation, the birth of a child, acquiring substantial assets, or receiving an inheritance.
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)?
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for property (financial matters) and one for personal care and welfare (health and living arrangements).
What happens during probate and estate administration?
Probate is the legal process of confirming a Will and authorising the executor to manage and distribute the estate. Estate administration involves gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Can I protect my assets if my relationship changes?
Yes. Legal arrangements such as Contracting Out Agreements (commonly known as pre-nups) and separation agreements can help protect your assets and clarify how property will be divided if a relationship ends.
Get Your Free 8-Page Wills Guide
Thinking about writing or updating your Will? Our free 8-page booklet explains what you need, why it matters and how to get started. Download here and plan with confidence.
