Step 0 of 13 • ~15-20 minutes to complete

Important Legal Disclaimer

⚠️ Please Read Carefully

This tool provides a basic will template only and does NOT constitute legal advice.

  • We strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer before finalizing your will
  • This template follows NZ Wills Act 2007 but may not cover all situations
  • The creators accept no liability for any issues arising from use of this template
  • Your will must be properly witnessed by 2 witnesses (18+) who are NOT beneficiaries

Step 1: Your Personal Details

This helps identify you in the will document

Step 2: Executors

What is an Executor?

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. They will manage your estate, pay any debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Choose someone you trust who is organized and willing to take on this responsibility.

It's standard practice to revoke old wills
Primary Executor *
Alternate Executor (Optional but Recommended)
If your primary executor cannot or will not act, the alternate executor will take over

Step 3: Guardians for Children

Appointing Guardians

If you have children under 18, you can appoint guardians to care for them if you pass away. This person(s) will have legal responsibility for your children's welfare.

Step 4: Specific Gifts

Specific Bequests (Gifts)

You can leave specific items or amounts of money to specific people. For example: "I leave my wedding ring to my daughter Sarah" or "I leave $5,000 to my friend John Smith".

Leave blank if you don't have any specific gifts to make

Step 5: Pets & Animal Care (Optional)

Pet Care Provisions

If you have pets, you can appoint someone to care for them and leave money for their care. This ensures your beloved companions are looked after.

Step 6: Charitable Giving (Optional)

Leave a Legacy

You can leave gifts to charitable organizations or causes you care about. This can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific item.

Step 7: Digital Assets (Optional)

Digital Estate

Digital assets include social media accounts, email, online banking, cryptocurrencies, digital photos, websites, domains, and online businesses. You can provide instructions for handling these.

Step 8: Residuary Estate (Remainder)

What is the Residuary Estate?

This is everything that's left after specific gifts, debts, and expenses are paid. This typically includes your house, car, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings not specifically mentioned.

Beneficiary Details

Step 9: Funeral Wishes (Optional)

Funeral Arrangements

You can express your preferences for your funeral. Note: These wishes are not strictly binding on your executor, but they would normally be followed.

Optional - Any specific requests for your funeral or memorial service

Step 10: Family Trusts (Optional)

Family Trusts

If you have assets held in a family trust, you can specify trust details here. Note: Assets in a trust are not part of your estate and cannot be distributed through your will.

Step 11: Additional Wishes & Instructions (Optional)

Other Wishes

You can include any additional wishes, instructions, or messages to your loved ones here.

Step 12: Rights to Use Property (Optional)

Life Estates & Rights of Occupation

You can give someone the right to live in or use a property for their lifetime (or a specified period) before it passes to other beneficiaries.

Step 10: Review Your Will

⚠️ Please Review Carefully

Check all details below. Make sure names and addresses are spelled correctly. Once you generate the PDF, you'll need to print it and have it witnessed properly to make it legally valid.

Step 14: Signing and Witnessing Your Will

⚠️ CRITICAL: Your Will Must Be Properly Witnessed

An unwitnessed will is NOT valid under New Zealand law!

Legal Requirements for Witnesses (NZ Wills Act 2007)
  1. You need TWO witnesses who must both be present when you sign
  2. Each witness must be 18 years or older
  3. Witnesses CANNOT be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries
  4. All parties must sign in each other's presence
  5. Witnesses must see you sign (or acknowledge your signature)
✓ Step-by-Step Signing Process
  1. Print your will - Use good quality paper
  2. Gather your 2 witnesses - All 3 people must be together
  3. You sign first - Sign at the end of the will in the presence of both witnesses
  4. Both witnesses watch you sign - They must see you sign or acknowledge your signature
  5. Each witness signs - They sign below your signature, in your presence and in each other's presence
  6. Witnesses print their details - Full name, address, and occupation
  7. Date the will - Ensure the date is recorded
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • ❌ Don't let a beneficiary or their spouse be a witness
  • ❌ Don't sign without both witnesses present
  • ❌ Don't let witnesses sign before you do
  • ❌ Don't staple additional pages or attachments
  • ❌ Don't make any changes after signing (this invalidates the will)
📁 Safe Storage

After signing:

  • Store the original in a safe, fireproof place
  • Tell your executor where to find it
  • Consider giving a copy to your lawyer or executor
  • Keep copies of all supporting documents
💡 Need Legal Advice?

We strongly recommend having a lawyer review your will, especially if your situation is complex (significant assets, blended family, business interests, etc.)

Once you've read these instructions, you can go back to generate your PDF.