PERSONAL LAW

Clear advice. Calm strategy. Long-term protection.

Life changes. Families change. Priorities change.

Canterbury Legal provides practical advice across wills and estates, family trusts and asset protection, enduring powers of attorney, relationship property and separation.

How can we help you?

Personal legal needs do not always fit neatly into one category. Start with what you are trying to achieve.

Plan for the future

Put the right arrangements in place for yourself and the people who matter.
Wills · Estate planning · Enduring Powers of Attorney

Explore planning ahead

Protect what you've built

Put appropriate structures around your assets, family interests and future plans.
Family trusts · Asset protection · Succession planning

Explore asset protection

Relationships & separation

Understand your rights, protect your position and make clear arrangements around relationship property.
Agreements · Relationship property · Separation

Explore relationship property

When someone dies

Get clear, practical guidance through the legal responsibilities that follow a death.
Probate · Estate administration · Wills · Trust issues

Explore estate administration
Planning, protection and support

Personal law services.

Wills

Make your wishes clear and ensure the people and things that matter are properly provided for.
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Estate planning & administration

Plan ahead with confidence or get practical guidance when administering an estate.
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Enduring Powers of Attorney

Choose who can make important personal and financial decisions if you are unable to.
Read More

Family trusts & asset protection

Establish, review and manage structures designed to protect family assets and support succession.
Read More

Relationship property & separation

Understand your rights and put clear arrangements around assets and property.
Read More

Relationship property disputes

Strategic advice when agreement cannot be reached and your interests need protecting.
Read More
Personal Law

People who can help

Talk directly with people who work across planning, wills, estates, trusts and private client matters.

Clive Cousins

Director

Olivia O’Brien

Legal Executive

Talk to us first.

Personal legal decisions are usually easier, safer and less expensive when advice comes early. Before you sign, restructure assets, separate, update a will or act for an estate, talk to us first.

Early advice can help avoid preventable problems later.

Early advice can help you…

 
  • choose the right structure before committing
  • understand consequences before signing or transferring assets
  • protect your position when family or relationships change
  • avoid preventable problems for the people who may need to act later

Useful insights for personal matters.

Practical guidance on wills, estates, trusts, asset protection and relationship property.

Property Watch: August 2026
A regular snapshot of the Canterbury property market, with context for buyers, sellers and property owners.
Buying property in Canterbury: Why legal due diligence should start before you sign
Buying property in Christchurch or Canterbury? Learn why getting legal advice before signing a sale and purchase agreement can reduce risk later.
When should you review your Will, family trust and Enduring Powers of Attorney?
Life changes, assets change and legal structures age. Learn when it may be time to review your Will, family trust and Enduring Powers of Attorney.
Self-service, AI and consumer rights: Who carries the risk when technology goes wrong?
Using self-service, automation or AI in your business? Understand why technology may change the transaction without removing your legal responsibilities.
AI and DIY legal documents in New Zealand: When does legal advice still matter?
AI can draft legal documents in seconds. But will they work when it matters? Learn where DIY legal documents can create risks under New Zealand…
Digital assets and your Will: Does your estate plan cover your online life?
What happens to cryptocurrency, online accounts, photos and other digital assets when you die? Learn what to consider when updating your Will and estate plan.
Property Watch: May 2026
Christchurch and Canterbury continued to outperform the national property market in May 2026, with stronger annual price and sales performance across the region.
Navigating NZ’s New Pay Disclosure Laws: What Employers Must Know in 2025
New Zealand’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill introduces major legal changes around pay transparency. Employers must now protect employees who discuss their own…
Property Watch: April 2026
Canterbury’s property market continued to show steady resilience in April 2026, with regional values outperforming the largely flat national market.
Building a Strong Foundation: Asset Protection Through Family Trusts
No matter what your financial worth it is important to have a plan in place to protect your assets. A lot of hard work has…
WHAT’S AHEAD: INSOLVENCY TRENDS FOR 2026
New Zealand’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill introduces major legal changes around pay transparency. Employers must now protect employees who discuss their own…
THE NUMBERS TELL THE STORY: INSOLVENCY IN 2025
New Zealand’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill introduces major legal changes around pay transparency. Employers must now protect employees who discuss their own…
MAJOR REFORMS: THE COMPANIES ACT OVERHAUL
New Zealand’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill introduces major legal changes around pay transparency. Employers must now protect employees who discuss their own…
Property Watch – November 2025
A fresh turn for Canterbury’s property Market The RBNZ has just cut its official cash rate (OCR) to 2.25%, down from 2.50%. That drop follows…
Christchurch First Home Buyer Update | Property Watch October 2025
Good news for first-home buyers: affordability is finally improving After a few tough years, the New Zealand housing market is looking a lot friendlier for…
Property Watch – September 2025
Christchurch Property Market Surges Forward: Rates Drop to Historic Lows, Canterbury Buyers Capitalise on Growing Momentum The Christchurch property market continues its strong upward…

Clear advice.

Calm strategy.

Long-term protection.

If you would like clarity around your position or planning, speak with our team.

 

Phone: +64 3 377 0792

Send enquiry.

Contact Form (#10)

Frequently asked questions.

Major life events such as marriage, separation, new children, business ownership changes or asset restructuring should trigger a review.

No. Trusts need to suit your circumstances. Poorly structured trusts can create complexity without meaningful protection.

Not automatically, but early decisions can influence negotiations and practical outcomes. Advice should be obtained before moving out.

Unexpected incapacity can occur at any age. Without valid documents, your family may face court applications to manage your affairs.

Christchurch-Based Lawyers Serving Canterbury & New Zealand Since 1991

CL LOGO WHITE LSCPE

Clear, strategic legal advice for property, business, personal planning and dispute resolution across Canterbury.

Christchurch Office

Canterbury Legal Building
Level 2, Durham Street South
Christchurch Central 8011, New Zealand

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm

Parking & Access

Client parking nearby. Wheelchair accessible building.

Contact

Phone: +64 3 377 0792

Personal

Enduring Powers of Attorney
Family Trusts & Asset Protection
Relationship Property & Separation
Estate Administration
View all Personal Law services →

Business & Organisations

Commercial Contracts
Business Sales & Purchases
Intellectual Property
Incorporated Societies
View all Business services →

Disputes & Litigation

Civil & Commercial Disputes
Employment Disputes
Insolvency & Creditor Matters
Insurance Disputes
View all Litigation services →

Property & Investments

First-Home Buyers
Residential Property Transactions
Commercial Property
Subdivisions & Developments
Insurance Claims
View all Property Law services →

Canterbury Legal is a Christchurch-based law firm providing legal services in property law, business and commercial law, personal legal planning, trusts, estates, incorporated societies, and dispute resolution throughout Canterbury and New Zealand.

Canterbury Legal © 2026. All Rights Reserved.