Trusts, Estates and Wills
Whether you need to set up a trust, draft a Will, or manage a loved one’s estate, our Christchurch-based trusts, estates and Wills lawyers are here to guide you. We help individuals and families across Canterbury and throughout New Zealand to plan for the future, protect their assets, and ensure their wishes are respected.
Our trusts, estates and Wills services
From a simple Will through to multi-generational trust structures and contested estates, we provide clear, practical legal advice.
Trusts
Set up and manage trusts to protect and distribute your assets.
Estate administration
Distribute a deceased person’s assets according to their Will or intestacy laws.
Estate planning and elder law
Protect your assets and ensure they go where you intend.
Powers of attorney
Appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
Wills
Create a Will to outline how your assets are distributed.
Asset planning
Protect and preserve family wealth from risks.
Why choose our Christchurch trust and estate lawyers
One of the South Island's largest teams
With dedicated Wills, trust and estate lawyers at principal, senior associate, and associate level, our team has the capacity and specialist knowledge to manage matters of any complexity. You will always work with a lawyer who understands your area of need.
Over a century of trusted advice
Cavell Leitch has been providing legal services in Christchurch since 1923. Our trusts and estates practice draws on generations of experience in helping New Zealand families protect what matters most.
Nationally recognised expertise
Our principals are recognised experts in trust law, estate and succession law, elder law, and the law of attorneyship. They provide advice to clients throughout New Zealand and overseas, and to other professionals seeking independent guidance on complex trust and estate questions.
Practical, people-first approach
We know that trust and estate matters are often deeply personal. Our team takes the time to understand your situation and provides clear, jargon-free advice so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Meet our trusts, estates and Wills team
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Frequently asked questions
What should I expect at my first appointment?
We will take the time to understand your personal and financial circumstances, your family situation, and what you want to achieve. It helps to bring a summary of your assets (property, investments, bank accounts, business interests) and any existing documents such as a current Will or trust deed.
Do I need a trust, a Will, or both?
Everyone should have a Will. Whether you also need a trust depends on your circumstances, including the value and nature of your assets, your family situation, and your goals around asset protection and succession. Our team can assess your situation and recommend the right combination.
How do trusts, Wills, and estate planning work together?
These tools complement each other. A Will deals with assets you own personally at the time of your death. A trust can protect assets during your lifetime and provide for beneficiaries without going through the probate process. Estate planning brings everything together into a coordinated plan, including powers of attorney, so that your affairs are covered whether you lose capacity or pass away.
Why should I use a specialist trust and estate lawyer?
Trust and estate law intersects with property law, tax, family law, elder law, and succession planning. Mistakes or oversights can create costly disputes or unintended outcomes for your family. A specialist team ensures your arrangements are legally sound, fit for purpose, and coordinated across all relevant areas.
When should I seek legal advice about my trust or estate matters?
Key trigger points include purchasing property, entering or leaving a relationship, having children or grandchildren, receiving an inheritance, starting or selling a business, approaching retirement, or when a family member passes away. If you are unsure whether your current arrangements are still right for you, a review is a good starting point.
Get in touch with our trusts & estates team today for expert guidance on Wills, estate planning, powers of attorney, trusts, Wills and more.
