Wills & Estates Law Services

Expert Wills & Estates Services in New Zealand

Our network of experienced wills and estates lawyers provides comprehensive legal services to help you protect your assets, minimize tax implications, and ensure your wishes are honored after your passing. Whether you need a straightforward will, complex trust structures, or assistance with estate administration, our lawyers understand the intricacies of New Zealand succession law and provide practical solutions that protect your legacy while providing for your loved ones. From simple asset distribution to sophisticated multi-generational planning, we deliver strategic estate planning that gives you peace of mind and protects your family's future.

Estate planning is not just about preparing for death – it's about creating a comprehensive strategy that protects your assets during your lifetime while ensuring efficient transfer to your chosen beneficiaries. Our lawyers work closely with families to develop tailored solutions that reflect your values, circumstances, and objectives.

Comprehensive Will Writing & Estate Planning

Professional Will Drafting

A well-drafted will is the cornerstone of effective estate planning. Our lawyers ensure your will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with all legal requirements:

• Simple Wills: Basic will preparation for straightforward asset distribution
• Complex Wills: Detailed wills addressing business interests, multiple properties, and complex family situations
• Mirror Wills: Coordinated will planning for married couples and civil union partners
• Mutual Wills: Binding arrangements between spouses ensuring agreed distribution
• Testamentary Trusts: Wills creating trusts for minor children or beneficiary protection
• Charitable Bequests: Including charitable donations and philanthropic legacy planning
• Will Updates: Regular reviews and amendments to reflect changing circumstances

Asset Distribution & Beneficiary Planning

• Specific Gifts: Individual items, sentimental assets, and personal property
• Percentage Distributions: Proportional allocation of estate assets
• Residual Estates: Distribution of remaining assets after specific gifts
• Contingent Beneficiaries: Alternative recipients if primary beneficiaries predecease
• Class Gifts: Provisions for groups like "grandchildren" or "surviving children"
• Blended Family Planning: Complex arrangements for step-families and multiple relationships

Trust Formation & Administration

Trusts provide powerful tools for asset protection, tax planning, and beneficiary support. Our lawyers create and manage various trust structures:

Family Trusts

• Discretionary Trusts: Flexible distributions based on beneficiary needs and circumstances
• Unit Trusts: Defined beneficial interests and proportional distributions
• Asset Protection: Protecting family wealth from creditors and relationship property claims
• Tax Planning: Income distribution strategies and trustee tax obligations
• Trust Governance: Trustee appointments, succession planning, and decision-making structures
• Trust Variations: Modifying trust terms to adapt to changing circumstances

Specialized Trust Structures

• Charitable Trusts: Philanthropic giving and community benefit structures
• Special Needs Trusts: Supporting disabled beneficiaries while preserving government assistance
• Generation Skipping Trusts: Multi-generational wealth transfer and dynasty planning
• Insurance Trusts: Life insurance ownership and premium payment structures
• Retirement Plan Trusts: KiwiSaver and superannuation beneficiary trusts

Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Planning

Planning for incapacity is a critical component of comprehensive estate planning. Our lawyers prepare essential documents for decision-making authority:

Enduring Powers of Attorney

• Property Powers: Financial decision-making authority for banking, investments, and property
• Care & Welfare Powers: Personal and healthcare decision-making when you can't decide for yourself
• Attorney Selection: Choosing appropriate attorneys and successor appointments
• Restrictions & Conditions: Limiting attorney powers and specifying conditions of use
• Safeguards: Monitoring mechanisms and protective measures
• Revocation Planning: Procedures for canceling or changing attorney appointments

Advance Directives & Healthcare Planning

• Living Wills: Healthcare preferences and end-of-life decision documentation
• Medical Treatment Preferences: Specific instructions for medical care and treatment options
• Organ Donation: Formal organ and tissue donation arrangements
• Funeral Planning: Burial, cremation, and memorial service preferences
• Digital Assets: Social media, online accounts, and digital property management

Estate Administration & Probate Services

When someone dies, their estate must be properly administered according to law. Our lawyers provide comprehensive estate administration services:

Probate Applications

• Probate Grants: Court applications for authority to administer estates
• Letters of Administration: Intestacy situations where no valid will exists
• Executor Assistance: Supporting appointed executors with legal obligations
• Asset Identification: Locating and valuing all estate assets and liabilities
• Creditor Claims: Managing debts, taxes, and creditor notifications
• Distribution Planning: Ensuring proper distribution according to will or law

Estate Disputes & Litigation

• Will Challenges: Contesting validity, capacity, or undue influence claims
• Family Protection Claims: Inadequate provision and moral duty disputes
• Executor Disputes: Breach of duty, conflicts of interest, and removal applications
• Beneficiary Disputes: Distribution conflicts and interpretation issues
• Asset Recovery: Pursuing estate assets and challenging transfers
• Mediation Services: Alternative dispute resolution for family conflicts

Business Succession Planning

Business owners need specialized estate planning to ensure smooth succession and continuity. Our lawyers provide comprehensive business succession services:

• Succession Strategies: Family succession, management buyouts, and external sales
• Buy-Sell Agreements: Partnership and shareholder agreements for business transfers
• Valuation Planning: Business valuation methods and dispute resolution
• Tax Planning: Minimizing capital gains and maximizing rollover opportunities
• Key Person Insurance: Life insurance strategies for business protection
• Management Transition: Leadership development and operational continuity

Tax Planning & Asset Protection

Effective estate planning minimizes tax implications while protecting assets from various risks:

• Gift Planning: Lifetime giving strategies and gift duty implications
• Trust Taxation: Income distribution and trustee tax obligations
• Asset Protection: Protecting wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and relationship property
• International Planning: Cross-border estate planning and tax treaty benefits
• Superannuation Planning: KiwiSaver and superannuation beneficiary strategies
• Insurance Planning: Life insurance optimization and estate liquidity

Wills & Estates Costs & Fees

Understanding legal costs helps you budget for comprehensive estate planning:

• Simple Wills: $500-1,500 for straightforward single or mirror wills
• Complex Wills: $2,000-5,000 for detailed wills with trust provisions
• Family Trusts: $3,000-8,000 for trust establishment and documentation
• Powers of Attorney: $800-1,500 for comprehensive EPA documents
• Estate Administration: 4-6% of gross estate value for full administration services
• Probate Applications: $3,000-8,000 depending on estate complexity
• Estate Disputes: $15,000-50,000+ depending on case complexity and duration

Why Choose Our Wills & Estates Lawyers?

• Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of succession law, trusts, and estate planning
• Family Focus: Understanding complex family dynamics and sensitive situations
• Tax Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of estate and trust taxation
• Practical Experience: Extensive experience in estate administration and dispute resolution
• Compassionate Service: Sensitive handling of emotional and family circumstances
• Ongoing Support: Long-term relationships and continued estate planning guidance
• Professional Networks: Strong relationships with accountants, financial advisers, and valuers