Will Template for New Zealand

Free will forms and comprehensive guidance for writing a valid will

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Important Legal Notice

While will templates can be valid, we strongly recommend professional legal advice for complex situations including business assets, trusts, or family complications.

New Zealand Will Requirements

Essential Requirements

  • ✓
    Written Document: Must be in writing (handwritten or typed)
  • ✓
    Testator Signature: Signed by the person making the will
  • ✓
    Two Witnesses: Signed by 2 independent witnesses over 18
  • ✓
    Mental Capacity: Made by someone of sound mind
  • ✓
    Free Will: No coercion or undue influence

Important Restrictions

  • ✗
    Witness Beneficiaries: Witnesses cannot inherit under the will
  • ✗
    Spouse of Witness: Spouses of witnesses cannot inherit
  • ✗
    Under 18 Witnesses: Witnesses must be adults
  • ✗
    Interested Parties: Executors can witness but beneficiaries cannot
  • ✗
    Alterations: Changes must be properly witnessed

What to Include in Your Will

Essential Clauses

  1. 1
    Declaration: "This is my last will and testament"
  2. 2
    Revocation: Cancel previous wills
  3. 3
    Executor: Appoint someone to manage your estate
  4. 4
    Guardian: Nominate guardian for minor children
  5. 5
    Bequests: Specific gifts to named people
  6. 6
    Residual Estate: What happens to remaining assets

Additional Considerations

  • â€ĸ
    Funeral Instructions: Your wishes for burial/cremation
  • â€ĸ
    Alternate Beneficiaries: What if primary beneficiary dies first
  • â€ĸ
    Trust Provisions: For minor children's inheritance
  • â€ĸ
    Digital Assets: Online accounts and digital property
  • â€ĸ
    Business Interests: Company shares and partnerships
  • â€ĸ
    Charitable Gifts: Donations to organizations

Simple Will Template

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT I, [FULL NAME], of [FULL ADDRESS], being of sound mind and memory, hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills and Codicils by me made. 1. EXECUTOR I appoint [EXECUTOR NAME] of [EXECUTOR ADDRESS] to be the Executor of this my Will. If [EXECUTOR NAME] is unable or unwilling to act, I appoint [ALTERNATE EXECUTOR NAME] as alternate Executor. 2. GUARDIANSHIP (if applicable) If I have minor children, I appoint [GUARDIAN NAME] of [GUARDIAN ADDRESS] to be the Guardian of my minor children. 3. SPECIFIC BEQUESTS I give the following specific bequests: - To [BENEFICIARY NAME]: [SPECIFIC GIFT/AMOUNT] - To [BENEFICIARY NAME]: [SPECIFIC GIFT/AMOUNT] 4. RESIDUAL ESTATE I give all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to [RESIDUAL BENEFICIARY NAME/S] in [equal shares/specified proportions]. 5. POWERS I give my Executor full power to sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise deal with my estate as they see fit. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this Will on the _____ day of _________, 2024. _____________________ [YOUR SIGNATURE] [PRINT YOUR NAME] SIGNED by the above-named Testator in our presence and attested by us in the presence of the Testator and of each other: WITNESS 1: Signature: _____________________ Full Name: _____________________ Address: ______________________ ______________________ Occupation: ___________________ Date: ________________________ WITNESS 2: Signature: _____________________ Full Name: _____________________ Address: ______________________ ______________________ Occupation: ___________________ Date: ________________________

When You Need Professional Will Writing

Complex Situations

  • â€ĸ Significant assets (over $500k)
  • â€ĸ Business ownership
  • â€ĸ Multiple properties
  • â€ĸ Blended families
  • â€ĸ Disabled beneficiaries
  • â€ĸ Tax planning needs
  • â€ĸ Family disputes expected

Professional Benefits

  • â€ĸ Legally sound drafting
  • â€ĸ Tax optimization
  • â€ĸ Trust establishment
  • â€ĸ Dispute prevention
  • â€ĸ Regular updates
  • â€ĸ Storage and retrieval
  • â€ĸ Executor guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DIY will legally valid in New Zealand?

Yes, DIY wills are legally valid if they meet requirements: written, signed by testator, witnessed by 2 independent people over 18. However, professional drafting is recommended for complex situations.

What should be included in a New Zealand will?

A NZ will should include: executor appointment, guardian nomination (if children), asset distribution, specific bequests, residual estate clause, witness signatures, and date.

How much does a lawyer-drafted will cost?

Lawyer-drafted wills cost $300-800 for simple wills, $500-1,500 for complex wills with trusts. Many lawyers offer fixed-fee will packages.

Do I need witnesses for my will?

Yes, all wills in NZ must be witnessed by 2 independent people over 18 years old. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.

Related Resources

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