5 life events that should trigger a will review
Certain life changes should prompt you to review your will. Marriage revokes your will automatically. Other events may mean your existing will no longer reflects your wishes.
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Trusts, Wills & Estates
Making or updating
your will
A will is a gift to your family. It makes a difficult time easier by ensuring your wishes are clear and your loved ones are provided for.
The Reality
Without a will, the law decides.
Many people assume their assets will automatically go to their spouse or children. The reality is more complicated. Without a valid will, New Zealand's intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate.
No Control
Without a will, you have no say in who inherits. A legal formula divides your estate, which may not match your wishes at all. Your partner might not receive what you'd want them to have.
Court-Appointed Administrator
Instead of someone you trust, the court appoints an administrator. This adds delays, costs, and bureaucracy at a time when your family is grieving.
Who Raises Your Children?
If both parents pass away without naming guardians, the court decides who raises your minor children.
The Gift
Start your will today
What a will gives your family.
Control
You decide who inherits what, in what proportions.
Your Executor
You appoint someone you trust to administer your estate and carry out your wishes.
Protect Children
The Most Important
You name guardians for minor children if both parents pass away.
Simplicity
A clear will reduces administration, costs, and potential disputes for your family.
How it works
Most wills are completed in two meetings. The process is simpler than you expect.
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Conversation
We discuss your situation, family, and wishes.
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Decisions
Executor, beneficiaries, guardianship, specific bequests.
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Drafting
We prepare your will in legally sound language.
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Signing
We arrange proper signing and witnessing.
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Storage
Secure storage so your executor can find it.
Our Services
New Wills
Simple to Complex
From straightforward estates to complex family situations, blended families, business owners, and trust coordination.
Will Updates
Life Changes
Marriage, divorce, children, significant assets, relationship changes. Your will should reflect your current life.
Will + Trust Alignment
Integrated Planning
If you have a trust, your will and trust must work together. We ensure your estate planning is coordinated.
Complex Estates
Special Situations
Blended families, business succession, overseas assets, potential Family Protection Act claims. We handle the complexity.
Digital Assets
Modern Planning
Ensuring your online accounts, cryptocurrency, and digital legacy are properly addressed in your will.
Trigger Events
When to update your will
A will made years ago may no longer reflect your current wishes or circumstances. Certain life events should prompt a review.
Contact UsMarriage
KEY POINT: Getting married revokes an existing will in New Zealand.
Divorce or Separation
Divorce affects gifts to your former spouse. Update your will to reflect changed circumstances.
Birth or Adoption
The arrival of children often prompts the first will, or an update to include provisions for them.
Significant Assets
Major purchases, inheritances, or asset restructuring warrant a will review.
Digital Assets
Modern wills should address digital assets—online accounts, cryptocurrencies, and digital legacy.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Will or Trust? Maybe both.
The right choice depends on your circumstances. Our comparison guide helps you understand the key differences and decide which is right for you.
Client Observations
What Our Clients Say
"Very easy, fast, and efficient process to change details in my Will. I was pleasantly surprised at the account!!"
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Resources
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Related Reading
Marriage, Separation and Your Will
Marriage can revoke your will. Separation and later relationship changes may not update it automatically. Review your will to protect your estate plan.
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Our Wills Team
Experienced guidance
for your wishes to be honoured
Creating Your Will
Create a will that protects your loved ones and reflects your wishes.
Read the Guide