Trusts, Wills & Estates

We provide advice relating to wills and powers of attorney, family and charitable trusts, and estate administration.

Need Peace of Mind?

We’ll give you peace of mind by helping you prepare a will that’s right for you, and make provision for circumstances in which you become incapacitated. We can help you protect your assets during your life, ensure that your loved ones are provided for after you die, and assist in the administration of your estate. We also advise on the establishment of charitable trusts.

Meet our team

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Making a will

For your and your family’s sake, it’s important that you have a will. We’ll help you make (or update) a will to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die, that people you trust are appointed as executors of your estate, and that your children and grandchildren are provided for.

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Enduring powers of attorney

We can execute an enduring power of attorney that will legally authorise us to act on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make decisions about your affairs. Without an EPA, your next of kin will have to go to court to obtain welfare and property orders.

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Family trusts

We’ll help you consider the benefits of establishing a family trust, for example to protect your assets or relationship property. If you decide to form a trust, we’ll draft and prepare the necessary documentation.

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Estate administration

We assist executors and trustees in the administration of estates, including matters such as settling any debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries of the will. We also represent clients making claims against estates.

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Charitable trusts

We establish and administer local, national, and international charitable trusts for arts services, educational institutions, sports organisations, and many more. We draft constitutions and membership rules for incorporated societies, foundations, and charitable trusts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about trusts, wills, and estates, and their answers.

Why is it important for every adult to have a will?

A well-drafted will can avoid family disagreements and claims against your estate when you die. If you die without a will (intestate), then the Administration Act decides who administers your estate and how your assets will be distributed.

What is an enduring power of attorney and why is it needed?

Enduring powers of attorney enable someone to make decisions about your property and welfare should you lose the mental capacity to deal with your own affairs. If you don’t prepare EPAs, then you will lose the ability to select who acts on your behalf.

What are the advantages of setting up a family trust?

A family trust can protect assets for family members, including from creditors or against relationship property claims, and provide taxation advantages. It can ensure that a key property or business is transferred intact to the next generation.

What are the grounds for challenging a will?

There are three separate New Zealand laws allowing for claims to be made against an estate. Grounds for contesting a will through the court include a spouse or partner of the deceased not being provided for. Challenging a will can be a difficult process.

What things should I include in my will?

Your will should cover the distribution of your assets such as property, chattels, funds, and shares. It should appoint guardians for your children, specify gifts or legacies, and include instructions for your funeral arrangements.

When should I consider updating my will?

We recommend reviewing your will every few years to make sure it’s up to date. If there’s a significant change in your circumstances such as purchasing a property, getting married or divorced, or having your first child, then you should update your will.

We are available

We're here for you, and committed to what you need.

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Wellington office:
Wakefield House
90 The Terrace

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Porirua City office:
Level 7, BNZ Tower
14 Hartham Place North