Estate Planning and Wills
Providing trusted legal advice for more than 150 years.
Thorough estate planning is a critical part of protecting your interests, and those of the people you love. It eliminates ambiguity and provides a clear roadmap for what should happen when you die. It can also provide flexibility to meet unexpected contingencies. This provides family members, who are otherwise left to manage complex legal issues during an emotionally distressing time, with the support and certainty they need to avoid the confusion and conflict that often surrounds matters of inheritance.
Expert legal support is an invaluable resource when you write your Will, set up and manage a family trust, create powers of attorney, and when you die. Our knowledgeable, experienced team will expertly manage all your estate planning requirements.
Writing a Will
A well-written, up-to-date will and properly structured assets will allow you to ensure that your estate is managed in the manner you intend. In the absence of a will, the law determines where your assets go when you pass on. Contrary to common perception, your partner will not necessarily receive your entire estate if you die without a will. Unfortunately, while the default rules that apply if you leave no will are designed to be fair, they may not do justice to the wishes of the deceased perfectly. Peoples’ lives and relationships are increasingly complex, and modern wills tend to reflect that.
Wills allow you to protect your interests, and those of your family broadly, going beyond the distribution of your assets. For example, a will can be used to ensure that those who depend on you – pets or children – are cared for by the people, and in the manner of your choosing. Often, a will is used to appoint a new trustee of a family trust to replace the deceased.
We help with:
- Standard Wills
- Wills for complex situations
- Wills for overseas residents with NZ Real Estate
- Life-Interest or Occupation – Right Wills
- Wills where there is a Family Trust
- Wills to protect vulnerable people
Estate Administration
To lose a loved one is difficult. Sorting out their affairs at a time of grief can be challenging, confusing, and stressful. Our empathetic team of experienced experts take the burden away by simplifying the process as far as possible, advising you on the practical things you can do, attending to the legal aspects and navigating you carefully through any complex issues.
Although estate administration normally runs smoothly, it is not always simple. Claims challenging the Will can be brought under the Property (Relationship) Act, the Family Protection Act, and the Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act. Complexities can arise where there are businesses, companies and family trusts to deal with as part of the estate wind-up. Rest assured; we know what to do.
We help with:
- Advice
- Obtaining Probate of the Will
- Obtaining Letters of Administration where there is no Will
- Collecting, preserving, and selling estate assets
- Paying debts, administration expenses, and tax
- Keeping records and accounts
- Distributing estate assets to beneficiaries
Case Studies
See how we have helped our clients setup and review their estate planning & wills.
Contact our Property Law Solicitors today
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New client inquiries
For all new client inquiries, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to answer your questions and assist you in any way possible.
