When preparing for the expected, or the unexpected, protecting the legacy you’ve worked hard to build, is one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself and those around you. We all know that things change. Our financial situations change. We move house. Loved ones leave us and new family members join us. You may have already made all the big decisions when writing your Will before, but if these types of circumstances change for you, so should your Will.

We‘ve listed some important life events below that should trigger a review of your Will:

1. Significant changes to your assets or liabilities. This could be your finances, debts or perhaps you’ve sold or bought property.

2. Changes to your personal circumstances such as getting married, entering into a civil union or a defacto relationship. The same may apply if someone else in your family has a change in their circumstances which may in turn have an effect on your Will.

3. Separating, or legally ending a marriage or civil union Again, the same may apply if someone else in your family has a change in their personal circumstances.

4. Any new additions to the family like a child or grandchild join your family.

5. Are you starting a business?

6. Are you forming a family trust?

7. Someone you’ve named in your Will has passed away.

A good rule of thumb is reviewing your Will every 5 years. Not only will you be able to make any necessary tweaks, but it’s a good reminder to check if any external factors might affect your Will, like changes to relevant legislation such as the Property (Relationships) Act or the Family Protection Act. Keeping your Will up-to-date not only means your legacy is more likely to thrive in the way you want it to, but it will mean greater peace of mind for those you leave behind including who you nominate as your executor.

You can update your Will in a few simple steps:

Creating your Will online makes updating it easy. You’ll have 24/7 access and a NZ based support team available 7 days a week. It’s as simple as creating an account and following our easy step-by-step process to choose all your options including the executor of your Will, the guardian for your minor children and any beneficiaries of your estate. You’ll also be able to make Enduring Powers of Attorney and Statement of Wishes online, too.

It can be done in 4 simple steps:

1. Create an account

2. Create your Will

3. Print and sign in the presence of 2 independent witnesses

4. Scan and upload, store somewhere safe or contact the team for further assistance if you prefer us to hang onto it.