Estate & Asset Protection Planning

Your Estate & Asset Protection Plan — Which Plan Is Right for You?

A good estate plan does more than say who gets what. We help you choose and build the right plan for your family, your assets, and your goals — then make sure it actually works when it matters most.

What Is an Estate & Asset Protection Plan?

A coordinated set of legal documents that makes sure your assets go where you intend, your family is looked after, and your wishes are followed.

A good estate plan does more than say "who gets what". It protects your family home and assets, reduces stress and conflict for the people you leave behind, and makes sure your wishes are clear and legally enforceable. For most New Zealand families, the right plan is either a will-based estate plan or a trust-based estate and asset protection plan — or sometimes both.

Every plan we design includes coordinated documents that work together: your will, enduring powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, funeral directives, a list of digital assets, and a directory of important contacts. The difference is whether you also need a trust to hold your most important assets.

⚖️

Our Managing Director, Ross Holmes, writes the trust administration chapters of LexisNexis' Law of Trusts (New Zealand), used by lawyers and judges throughout the country. Every plan we design is tailored to your objectives — not a standard template.

Which Type of Plan Is Right for You?

The right approach depends on your family, relationships, assets and goals.

📝

Will-Based Estate Plan

For people whose assets and family situation are relatively straightforward. A well-structured will and supporting documents may be all you need.

Typical situations: First relationship, no trust needed yet, updating an old will, buying a first home, starting a family.

From $960 (1 person) / $1,760 (couple)

Learn About Will-Based Plans
🛡️

Trust-Based Estate & Asset Protection Plan

For people who want extra protection for the family home or business, have a blended family, or want to preserve assets across generations.

Typical situations: Business owners, second relationships, blended families, vulnerable beneficiaries, significant assets.

From $2,200 (1 person) / $2,750 (couple) + AML

Learn About Trust-Based Plans

Not sure? Take our free will-based assessment or free trust-based assessment to find out.

How It Works

From first conversation to signed documents — a clear, straightforward process.

Free Introduction

Book a free 15-minute meeting (in person or Zoom) so we can understand your situation and explain how we can help.

Our Fees, Quote & Terms

We explain your options in plain English, confirm what's included, and provide our fees or a clear written quote — no surprises.

Complete Questionnaire

After you accept, complete our guided online questionnaire at home. Your answers feed directly to our team.

Review & Sign

We prepare your documents, review them with you, and arrange signing — at our Auckland offices or via Zoom.

Free Tools to Help You Get Started

📊

Free Will-Based Assessment

Use DYOdocs to create a free report on the documents you need for a will-based estate plan.

Start Free Report

🛡️

Free Trust-Based Assessment

Use DYOdocs to create a free report on the documents you need for a trust-based estate plan.

Start Free Report

📖

Free Estate Planning Guide

Our plain-English guide explains how wills, trusts and EPAs work together to protect your legacy.

Download Guide (PDF)

Explore Our Estate Planning Services

Plans & Pricing

Will-Based Estate Plans

When a well-structured will is enough.

Types of Wills

Simple, Normal and Complex — compared.

Trust-Based Estate Plans

When you need a trust for extra protection.

Types of Trusts

Family, Parallel, Defined Interest and more.

Charitable Trusts

Structuring your giving for long-term impact.

Memorandum of Wishes

Guiding your trustees on how to use their powers.

Managing & Reviewing Your Trust

Reviewing Your Trust

Trusts Act 2019 compliance and updates.

Administering Your Trust

Practical guidance for trustees.

The Trusts Act 2019

What has changed and what it means for your trust.

Winding Up a Trust

When and how to wind up — and when not to.

Our Questionnaire Guide

Step-by-step help completing our questionnaire.

Estates

Administering estates and protecting your legacy.

Trust Risks & Challenges

Invalidity of Trusts

The three certainties and when a trust fails.

Sham Trusts

When a trust is just a facade.

Alter Ego Trusts

When the settlor retains too much control.

Trusts & Relationship Property

How separation can affect trust assets.

Trusts & Section 182

Nuptial settlements and post-separation claims.

Ready to Talk?

Request a personalised quote online, ask us anything, or if you’re a new client, book a free 15-minute meeting to meet our team and see if we’re the right fit.

The introductory meeting is a chance to meet our team — it is not for legal advice.