Online Will platforms and artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools now promise fast, low‑cost solutions that can generate a Will in minutes. At first glance, the attraction is obvious. These tools are easy to access, relatively inexpensive, and avoid what many people see as the hassle of engaging a lawyer. Everyone thinks it is “very simple”. For …
Holland Beckett is pleased to announce the promotion of Rebecca Steens to Partner, effective 1 April 2026. Rebecca is a highly regarded succession and estate planning lawyer with more than 12 years’ experience advising clients on trusts, estates, succession planning and asset protection. With a background spanning both litigation and estate planning, Rebecca brings a unique and …
Holland Beckett appoints Rebecca Steens as Partner Read More »
A Will is perhaps the most important piece of paper you can leave behind to support your loved ones. Why do you need a Will, what happens if you pass without a Will, and how best should you prepare your Will for your circumstances? Download our Wills Month Information Pack. September is Wills Month. Holland …
Why Wills matter more than ever In today’s evolving financial and legal landscape, having a valid Will and appropriate estate planning arrangements in place has never been more critical for New Zealanders. The absence of a Will can lead to unnecessary delays, stress, and cost for families. KiwiSaver and your estate One of the most overlooked …
It is common for parents to help children financially – whether it is a deposit for a first home, help with debt, or business support. However, when that money changes hands, it is important to be clear: was it a gift or a loan? This simple distinction can have significant legal and financial consequences, especially …
Gift vs Loan – What’s the difference and why it matters in Estate Planning Read More »
Many people assume that writing a Will gives them absolute control over who receives their property when they die. While that’s largely true in principle, New Zealand law imposes limits on testamentary freedom – particularly when it comes to children and other close family members. If you are thinking about leaving a child out of …
As we have moved into a more digital age, consideration should be made as to what happens to your digital assets when you die. Increasingly, people are amassing both personal and business digital assets that have value – let’s not forget about James Howells who has spent a considerable fortune trying to dig through a …
Mirror Wills In a typical, nuclear family structure, it is common for a couple to leave their entire estate to each other, and for their Wills to provide that after they have both died the family estate will go to their children. This is commonly known as a mirror Will. In the modern age, however, …
Contracting Out Agreements (often referred to as prenuptial agreements) are often viewed quite negatively. They can be seen as having one foot out of the door in a relationship. However, Contracting Out Agreements can be powerful tools to help you and your partner cement your intentions for how your property is dealt with when you …
Contracting Out Agreements – A valuable estate planning tool Read More »
A testamentary guardian is appointed via a Will or Deed to “step into your shoes” as a parent when you die. A testamentary guardian is not appointed to care for the child. That is something quite different and cannot be provided for in a Will. You can read more about testamentary and court appointed guardians …
