Expertise
Wills and enduring powers of attorney
Protecting your wishes and supporting your loved ones
Ford Sumner can help you put in place a Will and enduring powers of attorney (“EPA”) that reflect your wishes and protect the people who matter to you. We can advise and help you make decisions on who to appoint, how your assets should be dealt with, and how to structure your documents so they work effectively when needed.
A valid Will is important because it records how you want your estate managed after your death, helps reduce uncertainty for your family, and can make the administration process more straightforward. An EPA is equally important because it allows someone you trust to make decisions about your property, finances, and personal care if you lose mental capacity. Without an EPA, your family may need to apply to the Family Court for authority to act on your behalf.
We can assist with preparing new wills, updating existing wills, putting both types of EPA in place, advising on executors and attorneys, and making sure your documents are properly completed and aligned with your wider estate planning. Our aim is to give you clarity, certainty, and peace of mind that your affairs are organised for the future.
Our Wills and EPA services
Will preparation
Ford Sumner can help you prepare a Will that clearly records your wishes, appoints the right executors, and provides for the people and causes important to you. We work with you to ensure your Will is legally valid, carefully drafted, and aligned with your wider personal and financial circumstances.
EPA for property
An enduring power of attorney for property allows a trusted person to manage your financial affairs and property matters if you lose capacity or, if you choose, while you still have capacity. Ford Sumner can help you put the right authority in place so your finances and assets can be managed smoothly and in accordance with your instructions.
EPA for personal care and welfare
An enduring power of attorney for personal care and welfare allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your health, living arrangements, and day-to-day care if you are unable to do so yourself. We can guide you through the appointment process and help ensure your wishes are clearly reflected in the document.
Meet the Wills and EPA team
Sarah Churstain
Jordan Todd
Fenella Smith
Daniel Fraser
Maggie Knowles
Mary Ward-Tyree
How to Get Started
Buying or selling a home is a significant step — we’re here to make the legal process clear and stress-free.
To get started, contact us for a no-obligation consultation. In this initial conversation, we’ll review your situation, explain the process, and outline the next steps. Our goal is to give you clarity and confidence from the outset, whether you’re a first-home buyer or an experienced property owner.
At Ford Sumner Lawyers, we focus on achieving the best possible outcomes efficiently and effectively. Get in touch today.
News and insights
Wills and EPA: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
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