Wills and Estates

New Zealand’s estate administration rules have recently been updated, making it easier in some situations for families to wind up a loved one’s affairs without applying for probate. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary time and cost for smaller or straightforward estates, while keeping important safeguards in place for more complex matters. WHAT HAS CHANGED? […]

September was Will’s Month and Blackwood Montagna acknowledged this with a well-attended drinks and nibbles function at the Franklin Club on Tuesday 16th September. Lawyers George Nonu and Simon Bratley spoke to the group on Wills and Succession Planning matters, and Director Peter Montagna facilitated a Q and A session. The audience were very engaged

Planning ahead isn’t just about writing a will – it also involves ensuring that trusted people can make decisions for you if you are no longer able to do so. In New Zealand, this is done through Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), and every adult should consider having these in place. There are two types

We often hear a sigh of relief when a client signs their Will. The assumption of course is “Ok great – that’s over and done with”. No need to think about it again. Unfortunately, that is just not the case. A Will is not something to write and forget. It should be reviewed regularly, especially

The death of a partner or spouse is an emotionally challenging time, often compounded by the practical difficulties of managing finances and paying for expenses. Understanding how joint accounts work and the requirements of obtaining probate can help streamline financial matters during such times. In running a busy Estates practice, we often see things happening