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Planning for life's certainties - and uncertainties.
Your trust, will, and powers of attorney should work together. One team, one file, complete coordination.
Complete estate planning.
From straightforward wills to complex trust structures, our team handles every aspect of estate planning.
"We work as a team to ensure comprehensive coverage for your estate plans."
Wills
Your will directs how your estate is distributed after you are gone. Work with us to create and update your will to reflect your circumstances and wishes.
"Very easy, fast, and efficient process to change details in my Will. I was pleasantly surprised at the account!!"
— Wills client
Trusts
Asset protection, trust reviews, and ongoing management. Whether you are considering a trust or reviewing an existing one, we help you make informed decisions.
"Thanks for making the trust wind up so smooth and painless."
— Trust client
Powers of Attorney
EPAs appoint someone you trust to make and implement decisions if you cannot. They are an essential protection that too many people delay implementing.
"Tracey was very approachable and explained the services very clearly to my 86-year-old mother. She made us both feel very comfortable."
— EPA client
Estate Planning
A comprehensive approach that brings trusts, wills, and powers of attorney together into a coordinated financial succession plan for your future.
"Thanks for making the trust wind up so smooth and painless."
— Trust client
Help for Executors
Guiding executors and administrators through probate, estate management, and distribution. We handle the legal complexity during a difficult time.
"Very happy with the friendly & professional team at your law firm. The way they handled my mother's estate during very difficult times for the whole family was amazing."
— Estate client
Mental Incapacity
Planning for situations where a loved one can no longer make their own decisions. Court applications and welfare guardianship matters.
"Tracey was very approachable and explained the services very clearly to my 86-year-old mother. She made us both feel very comfortable."
— EPA client
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Protecting your family from risks and uncertainty. Protecting your assets for the next generation. Protecting yourself if you can no longer make decisions.
"Your trust, will, and powers of attorney are not separate documents. They form an interconnected system."
One Team, One File
When we draft your will, we consider your trust. When we review your trust, we check your powers of attorney. Changes to one affect the others - we make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Over 150 Years of Trust
Since 1874, Carlile Dowling has helped Hawke's Bay families plan for the future. We understand both the technical legal requirements and the family dynamics that estate planning often involves.
- Dedicated estates team
- Trust specialists on staff
- Multi-generational client relationships
Clarity for Your Family
Estate planning is also about clarity: ensuring your wishes are known and can be carried out. We help you make decisions now that prevent conflict and uncertainty later.
The Integration Advantage
Your trust, will, and powers of attorney are not isolated documents. They should form an integrated system. Changes to one can affect the others.
A trust that does not align with your will creates confusion. Powers of attorney that do not reflect your circumstances leave gaps.
At Carlile Dowling, we see the complete picture. Our integrated approach prevents problems that arise when multiple lawyers handle documents without communicating.
Coordinated
Documents that work together, not against each other.
One File
Everything in one place; easy to update
One Team
Lawyers who already understand your situation
Efficient
Updates are faster because we know your history
Common Starting Points
Click your situation to see how we can help.
"I need to create a will"
A will is the foundation. It directs how your estate is distributed and by whom.
Learn about wills →"I have questions about my existing trust"
The trust landscape has changed significantly. A review ensures your trust still serves its purpose and complies with current law.
Get your trust reviewed →"I want to plan comprehensively"
Estate planning brings all the pieces together: trusts, wills, and powers of attorney working to implement your financial and succession plan.
Explore estate planning →"A family member has died"
We help executors navigate probate and estate administration. The legal process has clear steps, and we guide you through each one.
Help for executors →"I need to set up powers of attorney"
EPAs ensure someone you trust can act for you if you lose capacity. They are essential protection that too many people delay.
Set up EPAs →"I'm not sure if I need a will or a trust"
A will is essential for everyone. Depending on your circumstances, a trust may add value. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice.
Compare will vs trust →What Our Clients Say
"Thanks for making the trust wind up so smooth and painless."
"This was the first time I had met Tracey, and I was very impressed at the way she went through the details with regard to changes to my will and Trust documents. Everything was explained in a way that was nice and easy to understand."
"This was a new experience for me & I could not understand why so many documents were required. My mentor Tracey has guided me throughout the legal requirements."
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Related Reading
Farm Succession Planning in New Zealand
Passing on the family farm requires careful planning. Learn how to balance fairness between farming and non-farming children while protecting your retirement.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Learn how to provide for your spouse while protecting your children's inheritance.
How Marriage and Divorce Affect Your Will
Marriage automatically revokes your will. Divorce doesn't. Understanding these rules is essential for protecting your estate plan.
Decades of combined experience
across trusts, wills, and estate administration
Common Questions About Estate Planning
Most people start with a will, as it forms the foundation of any estate plan. From there, we discuss whether a trust, powers of attorney, or more planning would benefit your situation. Everyone's circumstances are different, and we tailor our advice accordingly.
A will directs distribution of your separately-owned assets after death. Trusts can provide asset protection during life, manage succession across generations, and address relationship property concerns. Whether you need a trust depends on your assets, family situation, and goals.
We help you weigh the options and make an informed decision.
A will takes effect after you die. An EPA (Enduring Power of Attorney) operates while you are alive. They serve different purposes and both are important.
Most estate plans include both.
Major life events should prompt a review: marriage, separation, birth of children, significant asset changes, moving to a retirement village, or changes in family relationships. We also recommend reviewing trust deeds written before the Trusts Act 2019, which changed trustee obligations.
Yes, and we recommend it. Your trust and will should work together. Having one lawyer handle both ensures coordination and prevents gaps or conflicts between your documents.
A straightforward will can usually be prepared within two weeks once we have the information we need. Trusts take longer, usually four to six weeks, depending on complexity. Comprehensive estate planning involving multiple documents may take a few months to complete properly.
Estate Planning Guides
Step-by-step guidance for trusts, wills, and estate planning. Work through at your own pace.
View All GuidesChoosing Your EPAs
Choose the right attorneys for your enduring powers of attorney.
Creating Your Will
Step-by-step guidance for creating a will that protects your family.
A Guide for Executors
Practical guidance for executors administering an estate.
Farm Succession Guide
Planning for the future of your family farm.
Trust Basics
Learn the fundamentals of trusts in New Zealand.
Understanding Your Trust
Review your existing trust to ensure it still serves its purpose.
Ready to discuss your needs? We're here to help.