Wills Making a will Choosing an executor What does an executor do? An executor is the person or company you choose to control and distribute your estate according to your will. Their job is to: identify and gather together your property, sell…
News & Media
Wills Making a will Administrators are appointed by the court When will the court appoint an administrator? The court will appoint an administrator if you die without a will, or if you have a will but don’t have an executor – for…
Wills Making a will What is a trustee (and when do I need to create a trust in my will?) What’s a testamentary trust? A trust is a way for someone to look after property for someone else. A testamentary trust basically…
Wills Keeping your will up-to-date Can I change my will? Wills Act 2007, ss 9, 15–17 Yes. You can cancel (“revoke”), change or add to your will at any time during your lifetime, as long as you are still of sound mind.…
Wills Challenges to your will How can my will be challenged? A will can be challenged if it is not legally correct. For example, if it was not made and witnessed correctly (see: “Is my will valid”). Even if your will is…
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…
Relationships and break-ups Getting together, splitting up and dividing your property What this chapter covers Marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships The different types of legally recognised relationships – marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships – and how they begin…
Marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships Marriage Who can get married Marriage Act 1955, s 2, 15, 17, 18 Family Proceedings Act 1980, s 31 Marriage is a legal relationship between two people. Two people can get married if: neither of you…
Marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships Civil unions Who can enter into a civil union? Civil Union Act 2004, ss 7–9 A civil union is a legal relationship similar to marriage. You can enter into a civil union if: neither of…
Marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships De facto relationships What legal status do de facto relationships have? Care of Children Act 2004, s 47 For most areas of the law, de facto partners now have the same status as people who…
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