Having a will is really important, but it can seem overwhelming and hard to start the process of creating it.
Like having life insurance, health insurance and trauma insurance, the benefits of a will are easy to appreciate. It is all about looking after the people we care about should something happen to us. It also makes things easier by ensuring both your assets and any taonga are allocated as you wish, and without any unnecessary delay.
How to write a will
If you don’t have a will we strongly recommend getting one in place as soon as you can. There are a number of ways you can go about this.
- Visit a lawyer
Most lawyers create wills for their clients but, as they are charging by the hour, this can be an expensive process.
- Trusts
Many trusts, like Public Trust, will offer to help you write your will for free. This can be a great service, as they do they really know their stuff. But, be aware that they can come with a heavy administration fee – so make sure you know all the details first.
- Do-it-yourself
There are a number of DIY options, from booklet style kits to online templates. If your will is likely to be straightforward, one easy and legally sound option is the online tool My Bucket List, developed by New Zealand lawyer Mai Chen.