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You know you should.
So why haven't you?
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.
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.
"A will isn't about death. It's about making sure the people you love are looked after."
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.
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.
Conversation
We discuss your situation, family, and wishes.
Decisions
Executor, beneficiaries, guardianship, specific bequests.
Drafting
We prepare your will in legally sound language.
Signing
We arrange proper signing and witnessing.
Storage
Secure storage so your executor can find it.
New Wills
From straightforward estates to complex family situations, blended families, business owners, and trust coordination.
Will Updates
Marriage, divorce, children, significant assets, relationship changes. Your will should reflect your current life.
Will + Trust Alignment
If you have a trust, your will and trust must work together. We ensure your estate planning is coordinated.
Complex Estates
Blended families, business succession, overseas assets, potential Family Protection Act claims. We handle the complexity.
Digital Assets
Ensuring your online accounts, cryptocurrency, and digital legacy are properly addressed in your will.
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.
Your will is part of a bigger picture
A will works alongside other planning documents to protect you and your family.
Trusts
If you have a trust, your will needs to align with the trust structure.
Learn about trusts →Enduring Powers of Attorney
EPAs complement your will for lifetime planning if you lose capacity.
Learn about EPAs →Estate Planning
Your will is part of your overall estate plan, including wealth transfer strategy.
Learn about estates →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.
What Our Clients Say
"Very easy, fast, and efficient process to change details in my Will. I was pleasantly surprised at the account!!"
"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."
"Tracey Truman and Frances Bryan are excellent to deal with, and I will keep returning when I need legal services. I totally trust Tracey and the advice she gives me. I have referred others to her also."
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Related Reading
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.
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.
Including Your Pets in Your Will: A New Zealand Guide
Your pets depend on you completely. Here's how New Zealand law lets you plan for their care after you are gone.
Related Case Studies
View all case studiesSettlor Powers and Trust Validity
How we helped a family restructure their trust to maintain control while ensuring legal validity under the Trusts Act 2019.
Read case studyUpdating Trust Beneficiaries
How we helped trustees update beneficiary records after family changes, so trust documents, distributions, and future planning stayed clear and consistent.
Read case study
Experienced guidance
for your wishes to be honoured
Erick Smith
Consultant
Richard Natusch
Senior Associate
Tracey Shadbolt
Senior Associate
Simon Lindroos
Solicitor
Michael McLean
Law Clerk
Ash-Leigh Wilson
Legal Executive
Lynette Jenks
Estates Executive
Swipe to see more team members
Creating Your Will
Create a will that protects your loved ones and reflects your wishes.
Read the GuideReady to discuss your needs? We're here to help.
