Wills

Protect your wishes.

Think you’re too young for a Will? Think again.

Life happens fast. Before you know it, you’ll be owning property, starting a family, starting a business, or building savings. It’s never too early to take control of what happens next.

We make the process simple, straightforward, and surprisingly stress-free. No legal jargon, no hurdles – just expert advice from a lawyer who gets it.

When Should I Get a Will and Why?

We always tell our clients to never think of their Will as being final, but rather as life happens and when things change. This could be things such as a new house, a baby, getting married, starting a business, or even getting a new pet. Your Will can be updated any time to accommodate these exciting life events.

So why is it so important?

Without a Will, New Zealand law decides who gets what. This can lead to outcomes you didn’t intend. For example:

Your partner may not inherit everything. If you have children, your assets are split between them and your partner.
Close friends, stepchildren, or charities you care about get nothing.
There can be delays, legal costs, and stress for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

With a Will, you choose:

Who inherits what;
Who takes care of your children or pets;
Who handles everything when you’re gone.

It’s not just for later in life – it’s for anyone who wants to protect the people and things they care about.

Enlist the services of one of our estate planning lawyers

If you don’t have a Will yet and would like to put one in place, or if you have a Will and would like to update it, please contact one of our friendly staff at one of our offices Northwood, Kaiapoi or New Brighton to see how we can help you with your specific needs.

Get in touch today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I change my Will once it is signed?

As long as you are still of sound mind, you are able to change your Will at any time.

What goes into a Will?

• Revoking or cancelling any previous Wills;
• Appointing executor/s – They have a duty to administer your estate and carry out your wishes as stated in your Will;
• Who will inherit what – This can be sums of money, property, special family heirlooms, cars, etc.;
• If you have young children, you can appoint their testamentary guardians – they will be able to make decisions around your children’s day to day care if you are not around;
• Giving directions around burial or cremation and any specific funeral wishes.

Do I really need a Will?

Yes - if you want control over what happens to your assets, who looks after your children, or how your estate is managed after you pass away. Without a Will, the court (under the Administration Act) decides who gets what, which may not reflect your wishes.

Can I write my own Will?

Technically, yes - but DIY Wills are often incomplete or invalid due to errors in signing or unclear wording. A professionally drafted Will ensures your instructions are legally binding, clearly understood, and difficult to challenge.

Who should I choose as an executor?

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes after you pass away. You should choose someone you trust, who is organised and capable of handling financial and legal matters. This could be a family member, friend, or your lawyer.

Can I leave one of my children out of my Will?

The short answer is no. Generally, you have a legal obligation to provide for certain family members, including your children, in your Will. If they feel inadequately provided for, they can challenge your Will under the Family Protection Act. There are limited circumstances where you can exclude children from your Will, and there are also certain strategies that can minimise the likelihood of a challenge succeeding – please talk to us so that we can provide you the appropriate advice and ensure your Will is drafted with maximum protection.