Trust-based and will-based estate plans

Clear, practical advice on will-based and trust-based estate and asset protection plans, so your family, home and business are protected.

A good estate plan does more than say “who gets what”. It can:

  • Protect your family home and other assets

  • Reduce stress and conflict for the people you leave behind

  • Help make sure your wishes are actually followed

For many New Zealand families and small business owners, the right plan will be either:

  • a will-based estate plan, or

  • a trust-based estate and asset protection plan, or sometimes a combination of both.

We help you understand the differences and choose the approach that fits your life, your family and your goals.

A shield giving you confidence that your legacy will be secure.

Not sure which type of plan you need?

To help you get started, we offer a free online tool through DYOdocs.

You can use DYOdocs to create a free report outlining:

  • The key legal documents you are likely to need for a will-based estate plan, and

  • The key legal documents you are likely to need for a trust-based estate and asset protection plan

  • the main advantages, limitations and risks of each approach

  • Why is it essential to have legal expertise you can trust when you are putting these documents in place?

Click the following links to use DYOdocs to create a free report on the legal documents you need as part of

your will-based estate plan or your trust-based estate and asset protection plan and why it’s essential to have legal expertise you can trust.

You can bring these reports to your first meeting with us, or simply use them to help you think through your options.

Your free guide to estate and asset protection planning

We have also created a plain-English guide:

“Your guide to creating your estate and asset protection plan”

This guide explains:

  • The difference between will-based and trust-based estate and asset protection plans

  • How wills, trusts and enduring powers of attorney work together

  • common mistakes we see families and business owners make – and how to avoid them

  • How to start crafting a personalised plan to protect your legacy.

How we help

Online tools and guides are useful starting points, but they do not replace personalised legal advice.

When you work with us, we:

  • listen carefully to your family, business and financial situation

  • explain, in plain English, whether a will-based plan, a trust-based plan (or both) is likely to suit you best

  • design and draft the right documents for your situation

  • make sure your plan is set up properly and can be managed in real life, not just on paper

  • help keep your plan up to date as your life and assets change.


This meeting is to understand your situation and explain how we can help. It is not for legal advice.

Book your free 15-minute introduction (for new clients)
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Disclaimer: This article should not be relied upon for legal advice. Always seek professional legal advice before making any decisions regarding your business.