What is a will?

A will is a legal document (that has to comply with certain legal formalities) and contains your wishes crystallized as to what should happen to your assets after your death.

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Why do I need it?

Simply, with a will you can speak after death and make your wishes known as to your estate. Without a will you are silent and certain presumptions apply as to what should happen to your estate and with some of the presumptions you may well strongly disagree.

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Should everyone have one?

Every adult with any type of assets should have one.

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Are they expensive?

Generally no, most are relatively simple and so are not expensive at all. The complexity of a will-maker’s affairs will usually determine the expense or costs involved. You can find the              here.

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I already have a will but made in another country, is that not good enough?

No. New Zealand in particular has very specific property and relationship laws that may substantially impact on your assets (particularly those in New Zealand but even in the other country) and for which your existing foreign will is not suited.

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I already have a will made in New Zealand but it is a few years old, will it not be good enough?

Maybe. However, if you have obtained any new assets, changed relationships or fallen out of favour with previous beneficiaries then of course not.