With longer life expectancy, larger business risk and blended families becoming increasingly common, protecting your assets requires careful planning and consideration.  You will want to know about the options available to you and what impact they will have on the way you and your family protect, use and enjoy your assets in the future.  We can talk to you about the best way to meet your family’s needs and to achieve the outcomes you desire.

Trusts

Trusts are a popular way for New Zealanders to safeguard their family’s wealth and protect their assets from business risk, relationship breakups and other risks.  Trusts also can also allow family assets to pass to the next generation without exposing inheritances to relationship property and other claims and preventing claims against your estate. To find out more about whether a Trust is right for you, download our booklet To Trust or Not to Trust

Wills

Everyone needs a Will to set out how their property should be dealt with after their death.  If you don’t have a Will, your loved ones may suffer unnecessary cost and stress.  We provide advice on drafting Wills and duties of trustees and executors.

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Enduring powers of attorney (EPA) give someone the power to act on your behalf if you become mentally incapable of making decisions for yourself.  There are two types of EPA – one in respect of your property, and one for your personal care and welfare.  If you don’t have EPAs, your loved ones may suffer the unnecessary stress and cost of applying for a Court Order.  We can assist with the preparation and execution of these documents.

Relationship Property Agreements

The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 equal-sharing regime applies automatically to all married and civil union couples and those who have been living together in a de facto situation for a minimum of three years.  Couples have the option of making their own agreement (referred to as a ‘contracting out agreement’ or a ‘pre-nuptial agreement’) which can specify how their property will be divided in the event of separation or the death of one partner.  We can assist with the drafting of these agreements and the correct certification to make it valid.  Contact our Relationship Property experts.