The will-making process is simpler than most people expect. For most people, it involves two meetings over a week or two.
Before your appointment
Before meeting with us, it helps to think through the decisions we covered in the previous step. You don't need to have everything sorted, but having a general idea will make our conversation more productive.
Bring with you:
- A list of your assets (property, savings, investments, KiwiSaver)
- Any existing will or trust deeds
- Full names and contact details of your chosen executor(s)
- Guardian details if you have children under 18
- Ideas about how you want to distribute your estate
Your first meeting
We'll sit down together and talk through your situation. This isn't a one-way conversation where we just take instructions. We'll ask questions, explore options, and make sure we understand what matters to you.
This meeting usually takes about an hour. For couples, we recommend coming together so we can ensure your wills work well alongside each other.
"Don't worry if you haven't figured everything out. Our job is to help you work through the options and make decisions that are right for your family."
Drafting your will
After our meeting, we'll prepare a draft will for your review. This usually takes about a week. We'll send it to you for review.
Take time to read it carefully. This is your chance to spot anything we've misunderstood or to change your mind about anything. It's much easier to change things now than after signing.
Signing your will
Once you are happy with the draft, you'll come back to our office to sign. This is a formal process with specific requirements:
- 1 You must sign in the presence of two independent witnesses
- 2 Witnesses should be adults and should not be beneficiaries (or partners of beneficiaries)—if they are, their gift under the will may be void
- 3 Both witnesses must be present when you sign, and each witness must sign in your presence
We can provide witnesses
We're happy to provide witnesses at our office.
What we do at this stage
At this stage, we draft your will, translating your wishes into clear legal language that covers the situations that matter.