When There Is No Will – Who Really Gets Your Stuff?

Imagine this: You’ve spent a lifetime working hard, building a home, nurturing relationships, and collecting meaningful possessions. But then, unexpectedly, you’re gone, and you haven’t left a Will.

What happens next?

In New Zealand, dying without a Will is known as dying intestate. When this happens, your estate isn’t distributed according to your wishes, because they were never legally recorded. Instead, the Administration Act 1969 steps in with a predetermined formula to divide your assets. And spoiler alert: the outcome may not reflect what you would have wanted.

Why a Will Matters Now More Than Ever

Let’s be honest: letting the government decide who gets your hard-earned assets doesn’t sit right. A Will gives you control. Whether you want your estate to go to your partner, children, a charity, or even a beloved friend, you get to make that choice.

Creating a Will is one of the most important legal steps you can take to:

• Protect your loved ones

• Avoid unnecessary stress and legal disputes

• Help make sure your wishes are honoured

Don’t Leave It to Chance

If you don’t yet have a Will, now is the time. It’s not just a legal document, it’s a final gift to those you care about.

Your legacy deserves a voice. Let that voice be yours.

You can do your Will online, within an average 15 minutes with Footprint. Contact us if you have any questions.