Three pillars of complete planning.

"Fair" and "equal" are not the same thing. The farming child who has worked on the farm for years, often at below-market wages, has contributed value that non-farming children have not.

Common approaches include family-value transfers below market rate, life insurance policies to balance inheritances, and structured payments over time. We help you find the approach that feels right for your family.

Start with a conversation about your situation and goals. We will discuss your family circumstances, your assets, and what you want to achieve. From there, we recommend the appropriate combination of will, trust, and powers of attorney.

You do not need to come with documents or detailed plans. We guide you through the process step by step.

Not necessarily. A will handles the distribution of your personal assets after death. A trust is a separate structure that can provide asset protection, control over distribution timing, and tax planning benefits during your lifetime and after.

Many people only need a will and powers of attorney. We help you decide whether a trust would add value in your situation.

A will takes effect only after you die. It directs how your personal assets are distributed and who will manage your estate.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) operates while you are alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. It allows someone you trust to manage your finances or make welfare decisions on your behalf.

You need both to have a complete estate plan.

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, or whenever a significant life event occurs. This includes marriage, divorce, birth of children or grandchildren, significant changes in assets, or receiving an inheritance.

Laws also change. Documents prepared years ago may not reflect current legislation like the Trusts Act 2019.

Yes, with proper planning. Assets left directly to a child become their property and potentially relationship property. However, a properly structured trust, combined with appropriate will provisions, can protect assets from relationship property claims.

The protection is not automatic. It requires careful structuring and ongoing management. We can explain the options that suit your situation.

Not automatically. The Ministry of Social Development can look through trusts when assessing eligibility for the residential care subsidy. This is particularly true if you transferred assets to the trust within the last five years, if you continue to benefit from the trust, or if the trust was set up primarily to qualify for the subsidy.

Planning can help in some situations, but we provide realistic advice about what is possible, not false promises.

Every adult should have at least a will and powers of attorney. Life is unpredictable, and having these documents in place protects you and your family regardless of age.

More comprehensive planning, including trusts and business succession, usually becomes relevant as you accumulate assets, start a business, or have children to consider.

Yes. If you own property in New Zealand, you should have New Zealand legal documents to deal with those assets. Your overseas will may not effectively cover New Zealand property.

We regularly assist clients who live overseas but have property or other assets in New Zealand. Documents can be signed overseas with appropriate witnessing.