Trusts, Asset Protection & Estate Planning

Many New Zealanders now have assets, family members, or business interests overseas making estate planning and succession planning increasingly complex. You may own a holiday home in Australia, have investments in the United States, be entitled to an inheritance from the United Kingdom, or have children living in different countries. While these international connections are …

Cross-jurisdictional estate planning: is one Will enough for overseas assets? Read More »

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 …

The rise of AI and online Wills Read More »

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 …

Why you need a Will now more than ever Read More »

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 »

As we have moved into a more digital age, consideration should be given to what happens to your digital assets as part of your estate planning arrangements. 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 …

Succession planning for your digital assets Read More »

In traditional estate planning, couples often use mirror wills. However, blended families may require more sophisticated estate-planning solutions such as a life interest Will. 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 …

Life Interest Wills Read More »