Wills and Trusts in New Zealand: How They Work Together
Wills and trusts are often talked about as if they’re interchangeable, or as if you need to choose one over the other. In reality, they do different jobs, and for many people in New Zealand, a properly coordinated estate plan uses both. Here’s how each one works, and where they fit together. What a Will […]
Family Office Management: Governance and Decision-Making in NZ
A family office can have the right legal structure in place and still run into trouble if governance is unclear — if nobody agrees who actually has authority to make a decision, or how disagreements get resolved. Good family office management is less about the structure itself and more about the governance built around it. […]
Trust Disputes in New Zealand: Common Issues and Next Steps
A trust dispute usually starts the same way: a beneficiary feels they aren’t getting clear answers, or a trustee feels their decisions are being unfairly second-guessed. Left unaddressed, these disagreements can escalate quickly. Here’s a practical look at the most common types of trust disputes in New Zealand, and what to do if you’re in […]
Can You Change a Will Without a Lawyer?
Technically, yes — New Zealand law doesn’t require a lawyer to change or write a will. But ‘legally possible’ and ‘a good idea’ aren’t the same thing, and DIY will changes are one of the most common sources of the disputes we see after someone passes away. Here’s what’s actually involved, and where the real […]
Public Trust vs Private Trust Lawyers in NZ
If you’re setting up a trust, drafting a will, or need an executor for an estate, one of the first decisions is who handles it: Public Trust, or a private trust lawyer. Both are legitimate options, but they work quite differently — here’s how to think about the choice. What Is Public Trust? Public Trust […]
Can You Contest a New Zealand Will If You Live Overseas?
Quick Answer: Yes. Living overseas does not prevent you from challenging a New Zealand will. NZ courts have jurisdiction to hear claims from overseas parties who have an interest in a NZ estate. However, time limits apply regardless of where you live, evidence must be obtained under NZ legal standards, and the practicalities of instructing […]
What Happens to a New Zealand Trust When the Settlor Dies Overseas?
Quick Answer: When the settlor of a New Zealand family trust dies while living overseas, the trust itself does not automatically end — it continues under the control of the trustees. However, several immediate steps are required: the trustees must formally acknowledge the settlor’s death, review the trust deed for any death-activated provisions, and consider […]
Will Disputes in Blended Families: Step-Children, Second Marriages, and NZ Law
Quick Answer: Will disputes in blended families are among the most common and most contested estate conflicts in New Zealand. They arise most often when a surviving second spouse inherits the bulk of the estate, leaving children from the first marriage with little or nothing — or when step-children discover they have fewer legal rights […]
Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ: What Changed in 2025 and What It Means for You
Quick Answer: The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) underwent significant reform in 2025. The most notable changes: the median wage requirement was removed from March 2025, work experience requirements were reduced from three years to two years post-qualification, and job check requirements were simplified. These changes affect both current AEWV holders and new applicants planning […]
When Should You Hire a Lawyer in New Zealand?
Many people only consider legal advice after a problem becomes urgent. However, choosing to hire lawyer New Zealand support early can help prevent disputes, protect rights, and improve decision-making in complex situations. Understanding when legal advice may be helpful allows individuals and families to act confidently before issues become more difficult to resolve. When Should You Hire […]