Taking Care of Your Estate

The Wills Act 2007 allows the will-maker to decide how their property will be handled once they pass. At Neilsons our team understands the stress and emotional burden of a family in grief, and are ready to assist in preparing your will.

When is the best time to make a will?

We often hear the question – when is the right time to make a will? The answer is now.

If you do not have a will, your possessions will be dealt with according to the Administration Act. The statute is rigid in how it distributes assets to surviving spouses, children etc. This may not line up with how you want your assets distributed.

If there is a specific heirloom that you wish to be passed to a friend or child, you can specify this in your will. Some further matters typically included in a will:

• Arrangements for your funeral

• Gifts to charity/organisations

• Preferred guardians for children.

How Neilsons can assist

Our experienced solicitors at Neilsons can walk you through this process. Neilsons can provide advice on all aspects of creating your will, including:

• Appointment of executors for your estate

• Advise how to fairly provide for your family members

• Prepare the will so that it has the legal effect to reflect your wishes

• Ensuring that executors and trustees understand their responsibilities and advise suitable appointments accordingly.