Protect Your Legacy with Expert Planning

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.

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
• Testamentary Trusts: Wills creating trusts for minor children or beneficiary protection
• Charitable Bequests: Including charitable donations and philanthropic legacy planning

Trust Formation & Administration

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

• Discretionary Trusts: Flexible distributions based on beneficiary needs
• Unit Trusts: Defined beneficial interests and proportional distributions
• Asset Protection: Protecting wealth from creditors and relationship property claims
• Special Needs Trusts: Supporting disabled beneficiaries while preserving assistance

Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Planning

Planning for incapacity is a critical component of comprehensive estate planning:

• Property Powers: Financial decision-making authority for banking, investments, and property
• Care & Welfare Powers: Personal and healthcare decision-making
• Advance Directives: Healthcare preferences and end-of-life decisions

Estate Administration & Probate

When someone dies, their estate must be properly administered according to law:

• 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
• Estate Disputes: Will challenges and family protection claims

Wills & Estates Costs & Fees

• 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
• Probate Applications: $3,000-8,000 depending on complexity

Related Legal Services

• Property Law - for property transfers and ownership
• Family Law - for relationship property matters
• Elder Law - for seniors and retirement planning
• Tax Law - for estate tax planning