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Trusts, Wills & Estates

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.

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.

"A will isn't about death. It's about making sure the people you love are looked after."

Tracey Shadbolt, Senior Associate at Carlile Dowling
Tracey Shadbolt, Senior Associate

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

What a will gives your family.

Start your will today

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.

01

Conversation

We discuss your situation, family, and wishes.

02

Decisions

Executor, beneficiaries, guardianship, specific bequests.

03

Drafting

We prepare your will in legally sound language.

04

Signing

We arrange proper signing and witnessing.

05

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 Us

Marriage

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!!"

Wills client

"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."

Wills & Trusts client

"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."

Repeat client

To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.

Protect your family's future

Making a will is simpler than you think. Two meetings is all it takes.

Ready to put this off your mind?

You've been meaning to do this. We can help you get it sorted.

One less thing to worry about

Your will could be done this month. Let's start with a conversation.

Let's get your will sorted

Most people find the conversation easier than they expected.

Is your will up to date?

Life changes. Make sure your will reflects your wishes.

Ready to get started?

We're here to help. Get in touch for clear, practical advice.

Let's talk about your situation

Every situation is unique. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.

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