Service

Trusts and Private Clients

Summary

Our clients entrust us with their wealth preservation and asset protection needs, knowing that we can advise them on a wide range of issues from trusts to estates. We offer a tailored and bespoke service that considers the unique circumstances and goals of each client. We help our clients navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise in relation to life and death, such as divorce, relationships, family complexities, philanthropy, succession and inheritance planning, business and asset structuring, relationship strains, and risk minimisation.

We have a team of specialists who are recognised for their expertise and reputation in their respective fields. They combine their knowledge and skills across trusts, estates, family, commercial and property law to provide holistic and integrated solutions for our clients. We approach each case with practicality, commerciality and sensitivity, ensuring that our clients achieve their objectives in an efficient manner that gives them peace of mind.

Key services

Trust and estate planning

Trusts are legal arrangements that allow you to transfer assets to trustees who manage them for you and other beneficiaries. We assist clients to form and administer different types of trusts, including family trusts, business trusts, inheritance trusts and charitable trusts as well as assisting with international trust planning, trust resettlements and restructuring, and advising trustees on their obligations. We provide practical and tailored advice that meets your needs and objectives.

Wills, estates and powers of attorney

Helping clients plan for the future and protect their assets by preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, and other estate planning documents. This includes advising on asset protection, charitable giving, succession planning and potential tax implications. We also assist clients with administering estates, obtaining probate, and dealing with any claims or disputes that may arise.

Relationship property

Assisting clients with planning and protection of their interests under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 in a contracting out agreement and dividing property when a client separates or one of them dies. This includes negotiating, drafting and reviewing contracting out agreements (also known as prenuptial agreements) before or during a relationship, and separation agreements at the end of a relationship.

Relationship property, trust and estate disputes

Helping clients resolve complex and sensitive disputes arising from relationship property, trust and estate matters, such as claims for division of relationship property, breaches of trust, challenges to wills, or family provision applications. This includes providing strategic advice, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution processes.

Key people

Work Highlights

Acting for international Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) in respect of NZ Foreign Trusts and related international matters including responses to international tax audit and restructuring arrangements accordingly.
Assisting philanthropist client on international and domestic charitable trust issues relating to asset nearing completion of development of highly confidential product that will have significant worldwide health impact.
Assisted with the establishment of Te Toi Mahana, a charitable trust set up to lease and manage the entire social housing portfolio owned by Wellington City Council. The portfolio comprises 1,900 social housing units and supports over 3,000 tenants throughout Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Acting for high net worth clients to review, advise and restructure their trust and personal asset planning structures, including appointing corporate trustees, transfer and resettlement of assets between trusts and attending to the wind up a number of trusts.
Negotiating division of relationship property for a client with interests in multiple trusts and businesses at the end of a long-term relationship, and attending to settlement.
Acting for private clients and individuals in relationship property disputes, filing proceedings in the Family Court, seeking court orders to divide the relationship property between parties, and representing them in mediation.

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