Protect what matters.
Make your wishes clear.
If you’re over 18 and own property, savings, investments or personal belongings, you should have a will.
A properly drafted will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes — not just according to default legislation. It provides clarity, reduces uncertainty for your family, and protects what you’ve worked hard to build.
At Canterbury Legal, our Christchurch wills lawyers help individuals and families create legally sound wills tailored to their circumstances.
What does a Wills Lawyer do?
A wills lawyer helps you:
- Decide how your property and assets will be distributed
- Appoint executors to carry out your wishes
- Provide for children, dependants or blended families
- Structure assets through trusts where appropriate
- Ensure your will complies with New Zealand law
We also guide you through related estate planning matters, including enduring powers of attorney and probate administration.
Why every New Zealander should have a Will.
More than half of adult New Zealanders do not have a will.
But 100% should.
Without a valid will, your estate is distributed under the Administration Act. This is known as dying intestate. The law sets out fixed rules based on your family situation — which may not reflect your personal wishes.
A will gives you certainty.
It allows you to:
- Leave specific items to specific people
- Protect children and vulnerable beneficiaries
- Provide for stepchildren or blended families
- Make charitable gifts
- Minimise the risk of disputes
For more detail on what happens without a will, see our guide: What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
When should you make or update a Will?
You should make or review your will if:
- You are over 18 and don’t yet have one
- You get married or enter a civil union
- You separate or divorce
- You purchase property
- Your family circumstances change
- Your financial position changes significantly
Marriage generally revokes a previous will unless it was clearly made in contemplation of that marriage. That alone makes review essential.
What happens if you die without a Will?
If you die intestate, the law determines how your estate is distributed. This may result in:
- Assets going to people you did not intend
- Delays in administration
- Additional stress for your family
- Greater risk of disputes
While intestacy laws are designed to provide fair outcomes in typical scenarios, they cannot account for individual circumstances.
A will ensures your wishes — not assumptions — guide the outcome.
What should be included in a Will?
Most wills include:
- Distribution of money, property and personal belongings
- Specific gifts to named individuals
- Trust provisions (if applicable)
- Funeral instructions
- Appointment of executors
Choosing the right executor is critical. They are responsible for administering your estate and carrying out your instructions. We can advise on whether a family member or independent professional is most appropriate.
Do you need a Lawyer to make a Will?
Legally, no.
A will must:
- Be in writing
- Be signed by you
- Be witnessed by two people
However, professionally drafted wills reduce the risk of errors, ambiguity and legal challenge.
Homemade wills are more likely to:
- Be contested
- Fail to deal with complex assets properly
- Overlook trust or tax implications
- Create uncertainty during probate
If your estate includes property, business interests, trusts, or blended family arrangements, legal advice is strongly recommended.
Our approach to Estate Planning.
When we say we’re in your corner, we mean it.
We:
- Take the time to understand your circumstances
- Explain your options clearly — without legal jargon
- Draft documents tailored to your needs
- Ensure formal requirements are properly met
- Remain available as your life evolves
Many wills can be completed efficiently and cost-effectively, including fixed-fee options for straightforward matters.
Related services.
Your will is one part of broader estate planning. We also assist with:
- Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Probate and estate administration
- Trust establishment and restructuring
- Relationship property agreements
FAQs
Do I need a will if I don’t own much?
Yes. Even modest assets benefit from clear direction. A will reduces confusion and simplifies administration.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will whenever your circumstances change — marriage, separation, new children, or significant asset changes.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of validating a will through the High Court so the executor can administer the estate.
Can a will be challenged?
Yes. Wills can be contested under certain circumstances, particularly if dependants believe they have not been adequately provided for. Proper drafting reduces this risk.
Start your Will with Canterbury Legal.
A will is not just a legal document — it’s certainty for the people you care about.
If you’re ready to make or update your will, speak with our Christchurch wills lawyers today.
One conversation now can save your family uncertainty later.