How long does Family Promise take to set up?

You can set up Family Promise in as little as two hours. It's a little time well spent, because it can give you and your family peace of mind for life. And it can be updated if your family circumstances change.

Wills

What is a Will?

Your Will sets out your wishes for providing for your loved ones, and how your affairs are to be managed after you are gone. You can specify...

• who you'd like to provide for, including any gifts
• guardians for children under 18
• plans for your funeral
• an executor and trustee to carry out your wishes.

Why do I need one?

Every adult should have an up-to-date Will - it's one of the most valuable legal documents you'll have. A Will can help ensure the people and things that matter to you most are taken care of after you're gone.

Unfortunately, if you pass away without a Will, it can take time and money to sort things out. If you don't have a Will, the law determines how your estate is divided, and what happens to the people who depend on you, after you're gone.

Can I name guardians for my children in my Will?

Your children are the most precious things you leave behind. We recommend that you name a testamentary guardian for them in your Will, in case something happens to both parents.

A testamentary guardian helps make the 'big decisions' when the parents can't - for instance about the child's education and care. For day-to-day care of a child, the testamentary guardian may need to apply to the Court for a parenting order.

Enduring powers of attorney

What is an enduring power of attorney?

An enduring power of attorney (EPA) is a legal document which sets out who can take care of your personal or financial matters if you can't - this person is known as your attorney.

There are two types of EPA (and two attorneys) - one for your property, and one for your personal care and welfare. Both are essential. You choose when your EPA comes into effect, any special terms and conditions, and who your attorney must report to and consult with.

Why do I need one?

With an enduring power of attorney (EPA) you have better control over what happens later on, in the event that you lose the capacity to take care of your personal or financial matters due to accident or illness. It can save time and money, and unnecessary stress on your family.

Things are not so easy if you don't have an enduring power of attorney (EPA) - your family won't automatically be able to step in, and the Family Court may be left to decide about your property and personal matters.

Who can act as my attorney?

Your property attorney makes decisions about your money and property. They have a number of responsibilities by law, including arranging benefits, paying bills, buying and selling assets, and managing bank accounts.

By appointing Public Trust as your property attorney you can relax in knowing we'll always be here when you need us.

Your personal care and welfare attorney is an individual, such as your spouse or partner, who can make decisions about your health or personal matters, if you no longer can.

Before you appoint someone you should discuss it with them and consider if they have the time, skills and knowledge to do the job.

Life insurance

Why do I need life insurance?

With life insurance as part of your plans, you can relax knowing your family will be more financially secure if the unexpected happens.

What are the options?

Public Trust offers two options...

• Life Cover - provides a lump sum payment in the event of death or terminal illness.
• Life with linked Trauma Cover - provides the benefit of life cover, or a benefit in the even of a critical medical condition or trauma.

Terms and conditions apply to life insurance^#

Why come to us?

We've been helping New Zealanders grow and protect the important things in life, such as family and property, for over 135 years. In fact wherever you're at in your life, we have the experience and expertise to help you protect and manage your family interests and assets.

We're best known as New Zealand's largest provider of Wills and estate administration services, but you may be surprised at our range of products and services including legal, financial, investment, trusts, home loans, conveyancing, estate administration and estate protection.

We're located in the heart of communities around the country, or you can get in touch by calling 0800 371 471 or email info@publictrust.co.nz.