Wills and estate planning lawyers in Nelson Tasman
Pitt & Moore & your legacy
Protect what matters most, now and for the future.
Preparing a Will is one of the most important legal steps you can take. But effective estate planning is about far more than signing a document.
Whether you are preparing your first Will, reviewing arrangements after a life change, planning for retirement, or supporting ageing parents, thoughtful estate planning provides clarity, security and peace of mind.
At Pitt & Moore, our Nelson Tasman estate planning and senior law team advises individuals and families across all stages of life. We provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances and aligned with current New Zealand succession, trust and elder law.
We take the time to understand what matters most to you, your family, your assets, your independence, and help you put the right legal structures in place with confidence.
Speak with our estate planning team today
Estate planning is relevant at every stage of life, not just later years.
If you need advice on Wills, inheritance planning, enduring powers of attorney, retirement village contracts or estate administration in Nelson Tasman, we are here to help with steady, considered guidance.
Contact us today to discuss your next steps
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Clare North
Partner
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Emma Marshall
Consultant
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Kiri Williams
Associate
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Tessa North
Associate
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Martha Phillips
Registered Legal Executive
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Angeline Cousins
Registered Legal Executive (Fellow)
Estate planning and Wills
Your estate includes everything you own and everything you owe — your home, investments, KiwiSaver, business interests, life insurance, trusts and personal possessions.
Well-structured estate planning helps ensure:
Your assets pass to the people or organisations you choose
Minor children are properly provided for
Family members with special needs are protected
Vulnerable beneficiaries are safeguarded
Blended families and second marriages are treated fairly
Business succession is planned for retirement, disability or death
The risk of claims under the Family Protection Act 1955 is reduced
Estate planning is not only for retirees or high-net-worth individuals. In many cases, thoughtful planning matters most for families who cannot afford unnecessary conflict, delay or cost.
Your estate may include valuable digital assets such as online accounts, loyalty points, airline miles, digital photos, social media profiles and cryptocurrency. Including these in your estate plan can make it easier for your executors to manage your affairs and ensure nothing of value is overlooked. We can help you consider your digital assets as part of a comprehensive estate plan.
We assist with:
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Your arrangements should be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in your family, assets and the law. We help ensure your planning remains effective and aligned with your wishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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As a general rule, you should review your Will every three to five years, or whenever a significant life event occurs.
This may include:
Marriage, separation or divorce
The birth of children or grandchildren
Buying, selling or inheriting property
Starting, selling or restructuring a business
Retirement
The death of a beneficiary, executor or family member
Significant changes to your financial circumstances
Even if your wishes have not changed, laws and personal circumstances can. Regular reviews help ensure your Will remains valid, effective and aligned with your intentions.
If it has been several years since you last reviewed your estate planning documents, our team can help assess whether any updates are needed.
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Yes. A Will does more than distribute assets. It can appoint guardians for minor children, specify who will administer your estate, and ensure your wishes are followed. Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to New Zealand law.
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If you die without a valid Will, your estate is distributed under the Administration Act 1969. This may not reflect your wishes and can create additional stress, delay and expense for your family.
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An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the ability to do so yourself. There are separate EPAs for property matters and personal care and welfare decisions.
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Yes. If your circumstances or wishes have changed, your Will can usually be updated. In some cases, a simple amendment is appropriate, while in others it is better to prepare a new Will.
Enduring powers of attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
There are two types:
Personal care and welfare EPOA
Property EPOA
Without valid EPOAs, families may need to apply to the Family Court under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 — a process that can be stressful and time-consuming.
Putting EPOAs in place early avoids uncertainty and protects your independence, particularly before entering aged residential care.
If you need advice on enduring powers of attorney in Nelson Tasman, we guide you clearly through your options and responsibilities.
Retirement villages and aged care advice
Moving into a retirement village or aged care facility involves legal arrangements very different from traditional property ownership.
Occupation Right Agreements and village contracts can significantly affect your capital repayment, ongoing fees and your estate’s entitlement.
Before signing, it is essential to understand your long-term financial position and legal rights. We ensure you can make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
We provide you with independent advice on:
PPPR applications
If an Enduring Power of Attorney was not prepared and someone loses mental capacity, an urgent application may be required under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.
These situations are often emotionally difficult and time-sensitive.
Our senior law team assists Nelson Tasman families with PPPR applications efficiently and sensitively, helping reduce uncertainty at an already challenging time.
Estate administration and probate
Administering an estate can feel overwhelming, particularly while grieving.
Probate is the High Court process authorising executors to carry out the terms of a Will. Careful administration ensures compliance and reduces the risk of future disputes.
Where appropriate, we can act as professional executors.
We assist executors and families with:
Will disputes and estate claims
Claims against an estate generally must be brought within 12 months of probate being granted. Disputes may include:
Estate disputes can be deeply personal and emotionally charged. We provide calm, pragmatic advice and aim to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation wherever possible.
Taking the first step
Estate planning is not simply about preparing for death. It is about protecting your independence, preserving what you have built, and making things easier for those you care about.
Whether you are updating your Will, planning for incapacity, navigating retirement village arrangements, or supporting a loved one through estate administration, our Nelson-based estate planning lawyers provide clear, considered guidance at every stage.
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