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Individual rights & freedoms

Wills

Deciding what happens to your property after you die

What this chapter covers

  • Introduction
    What a will is, whether you have to make one, some key legal words (like “probate” and “intestate”) and what they mean
  • Making a will
    How to make a will, what instructions you can leave, and key people who will be involved with your estate including beneficiaries, executors, administrators, and trustees
  • Keeping your will up-to-date
    How to change your will if your situation has changed or you’ve changed your mind, what happens if your relationship status changes, and how your will might be challenged
  • Where to go for more support
    Other information and resources
Next Section | Introduction

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Wills

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres

New Zealand Law Society

The Law Society has helpful information on making a will and estate administration.

Website: www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues/making-a-will-and-estate-administration

Consumer NZ

The Consumer NZ website contains good information about wills, including the legal requirements for making a will, and what it’s likely to cost to administer after a person dies.

Website:  www.consumer.org.nz/articles/wills

Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice provides useful information on how to obtain a copy of a will when a relative has died.

Website: www.justice.govt.nz/courts/high-court/apply-for-probate-and-get-copy-of-will

Māori Land Succession

The Māori Land Court website provides information on how Māori land is dealt with, including how land is dealt with after an owner has passed away.

Website: www.maorilandcourt.govt.nz

Public Trust

The Public Trust is a provider of wills and estate administration services. Facilities are also available for making a will online. You can call them or visit their website to fill out an enquiry form.

Website: www.publictrust.co.nz/products-and-services/making-a-will
Phone: 0800 371 471

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