On Wednesday, 7th of Occtober, forty of you joined us at Blackwood Montagna in Pukekohe for an evening on Succession Planning, with Violeta Mills speaking on behalf of the firm.
Three questions came up more than any others:
- Who needs a will?
Anyone who has something they care about passing on. That’s not just people who own property. If you have a partner, children, savings, KiwiSaver, a business interest or personal belongings that matter to you, a will lets you decide what happens to them. Without one, the law decides, and the result may not match what you’d have chosen.
- What makes a will binding?
In New Zealand, a will needs to be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people. Handwritten notes, unsigned drafts and templates filled in without advice can leave your family with uncertainty at the worst possible time.
- Can an ex-partner make a claim if nothing is signed?
Potentially, yes. A former partner may still have rights, particularly if you were never legally separated or if the relationship was long-term. If you have no will, the rules that apply automatically may not reflect your wishes. Your circumstances matter here, so get advice specific to you.
A will is one of the simplest and most important things you can do for the people you care about and it’s much easier to put in place now than to leave unfinished.
Ready to get yours sorted? Get in touch with our team on 09 283 8432 or complete our online form at https://bmlegal.co.nz/online-forms/wills/.
Thank you to everyone who came along and to Violeta for sharing her expertise.
This post is general information only and not legal advice. Please contact us about your own situation.
