Insights & Articles

A Will is one of the most important documents you can put in place to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to make things easier for your loved ones. While free Wills, online templates and DIY Will kits may reduce upfront costs, they can overlook important legal requirements, family circumstances and asset ownership issues. Mistakes such as incorrect signing, missing executors or incomplete provisions can lead to delays, increased costs and additional stress for family members. Professional legal advice helps ensure your Will is valid, comprehensive and able to achieve your intended outcomes. McVeagh Fleming's estate planning lawyers can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.

Most of us recognise the importance of certain life admin tasks: you need a valid passport to travel, house insurance for your mortgage, and a driver’s licence to get behind the wheel. In the same way, having a Will isn’t optional; it’s essential. Yet many people still put it off, thinking they’re too young, too busy, or that everything will “automatically” go to their loved ones anyway. Unfortunately, that isn’t always how things work.

Choosing the right executor is one of the most important decisions you will make when preparing your Will. The person you appoint can significantly influence how smoothly the estate administration process unfolds. Who you choose truly shapes the course of the administration and the experience for your loved ones.

It is easy to assume that if something happens to you or a loved one, your family will simply sort everything out. But if you die without a valid will in New Zealand, the law decides how your estate is dealt with. This is known as dying intestate. For many families, this can create added stress, delay, and uncertainty at an already difficult time. Instead of your wishes guiding what happens, legal rules determine who can manage your estate and who may receive your assets.

The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. For individuals, families, and businesses alike, clarity brings confidence. At McVeagh Fleming, our role is to provide that clarity through practical, considered legal advice that supports you at every stage of life and business.

Succession, once a straightforward process, is now akin to navigating a minefield. With children seeking to cash in on their beneficial interests or shareholdings to fuel their own ventures, the need for careful consideration and expert advice has never been greater.