What’s stopping you from making a will?

So to help our Members understand more about how to make a will and what's involved we will regularly feature articles from The Public Trust team and in this article they delve into what's stopping you from making a will.

Over half of all New Zealanders don’t have a will in place, stemming from the mistaken belief that they don’t need one and that their assets will go straight to their family members, to being too costly and taking up too much time. In this article we’re addressing some myths around wills to demonstrate why every Kiwi adult over 18 should have a will and how, with the option of doing yours online, it’s never been quicker and easier.

Myth #1 - Creating a will is time consuming and expensive.

- FALSE

Getting your will doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank and can be completed in less time than it takes to watch your favourite Netflix show. It can be done in as little as 15 minutes, giving you loads of choice and flexibility including:

• 24/7 access to complete your will when it suits you
• Free online live chat, phone and email support: 9am-9pm weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends.
• Virtual witnessing and signing
• Expert reviews can be conducted online for any custom clauses you might have
• A free account means you can get comfortable with the terms of your will and take your time before committing.

Getting your will done online means you’ll sidestep the time and cost of creating a will through an in-person consultation – which on average costs $400-$500.

Our online wills start from just $79 and provide all the support and guidance you need to do it yourself.  And remember as a HealthCarePlus Member you can get a further discount too. 

Myth #2 - An affordable will won’t be able to cover all the complexities in my life.

- FALSE

“Nearly all cases, even very complex ones can be handled by the platform. It's handled every test complex case that our legal team have thrown at it"

- Ginette Chubb, Solicitor at Public Trust

 

Everyone’s situation is different and the thought of summing up your life into one document can seem an impossible task. After all, a valid will is the only way you can count on your wishes becoming a reality after you’re gone, so you’ll want to be sure that you cover all bases.

Our online wills can cover even the most complicated scenarios - catering for all the intricacies of our multi-faceted lives, including:

• Blended family needs
• Overseas assets
• Business ownership and management instructions
• Distribution of special items and cover for your pets
• Choosing guardians for your children

Myth #3 - I don’t have enough assets to create a will and anything I have when the time comes will go to my next of kin.

- FALSE

Having a plan for when you pass away isn’t just for older people or the very rich. Anyone with assets of $15,000 or more should have a will. Why? Because having a will in place, means that your estate will go to those you want it to.

Not having a will in place when you die is called ‘intestate’ and your assets will be divided up according to intestacy. Your assets include your savings, Kiwisaver, real estate, property and anything you own at the time of your death. Without a will your family might find themselves spending more time, money and emotional energy to settle your affairs once you’re gone, like having to prove their relation to you in order to be beneficiaries.

The importance of having a will hasn’t changed but the reasons for not having one are diminishing. Creating your will might feel like an uncomfortable and overwhelming task but doing yours online is easy, quick and affordable.
So, what’s stopping you from making yours?