It’s a question people often ask. Can’t I just write my own will and sign it? And what about those DIY will kits? What about just getting AI to write me a will? What about the note grandma scribbled on her bedside table leaving everything to her neighbour?

For some people with very simple circumstances, these DIY will options might be enough.

But for others, the additional assurance, support and expertise of a professional service provides peace of mind. For many people, this is about confidence. They know their will is not only completed, but it’s done right for their family left behind. Our customers tell us this regularly.  

A will can seem like a straightforward document and something you might think you can write yourself easily. In reality, it’s legal instructions that should: 

• Accurately and clearly reflect your wishes for what you’d like to happen when you die.

• Meet legal requirements, including be signed and witnessed correctly to be valid.

• Take into account any legal obligations you might have, for example young children you financially supported before your death, rights your spouse or partner may have in relation to relationship property.

• Be as robust as possible to stand up to any legal claims that might arise.

A will may be one of the most important legal documents you'll ever write, and sometimes there’s a lot more to consider than meets the eye depending on your situation. Taking the time to get it right can give you confidence your wishes are clear.

• Unclear instructions. For example, describing an asset or beneficiary in a way that makes it difficult for someone administering the estate to work out exactly what was intended.

• Ambiguous language. For example, saying “I leave my estate to my family” without explaining who “family” includes. Or leaving a partner a life interest in a house without addressing practical matters such as who pays the rates, insurance and maintenance, whether the property can be sold, or what happens if a replacement property is needed.

• Misunderstanding who legally owns an asset. For example, trying to gift an asset owned by a company or trust, or an asset owned jointly with someone else, which may not form part of the will-maker’s estate.

• Not signing or witnessing the will correctly. For example, the will-maker signs the document but it is not witnessed as required.

• Not dealing with the whole estate. For example, the will might gift specific assets but not say what happens to everything else. This can result in a partial intestacy, meaning those remaining assets are distributed according to a set legal formula, which may not reflect the will-maker’s wishes.

• Delays and additional costs  

• Confusion and stress for loved ones trying to navigate administering your estate and do right by you while grieving.

Creating a will is only one part of the process. After someone dies, their executor may need to apply for probate and administer the estate. Public Trust has more than 150 years of experience not just helping people create wills, but also helping administer estates.

Your executor is responsible for administering your estate and carrying out the wishes in your will. You can appoint a trusted person, or a trustee organisation, such as Public Trust, to help ensure your estate is managed professionally, impartially and with care. And if your trusted person needs any help with estate administration, Public Trust can help support them.

For some people, knowing this provides reassurance. When you pay for a will with Public Trust, you get guided through the process of naming an executor to make the choice that’s right for you.  

• Is my family situation straightforward?

• Do I understand what assets will actually form part of my estate?

• Are my wishes simple, and does the will cover what happens if my circumstances change?

• Do I want to create any trusts, life interests or other ongoing arrangements?

• Is anyone likely to question or challenge my wishes?

• Is support available? What happens if you get stuck?

• Who stands behind the product?

• Am I confident I understand how to properly document, sign and witness my will?

If answering any of those questions gives you pause, getting expert help may save considerably more cost and complexity later.

• You might have legal obligations. In New Zealand, there are several laws that can affect what happens to your estate after you die. In some situations, a surviving partner, spouse or even an ex-partner may have rights under relationship property laws which means what forms part of your estate may be different than what you expect. In others, family members may be able to challenge a will, or someone may make a claim based on a promise made during your lifetime. Understanding the laws that can interact with a will can help you make more informed decisions, help reduce the risk of future disputes and help provide greater certainty for your loved ones when you die. 

• You have a blended family. Blended families are common and can bring unique challenges and sometimes added complexities when it comes to estate planning.

• You have a business, a family trust or overseas assets.

• You want to give various gifts to charity or set up a charitable trust to continue giving to causes after you’re gone.

Why do I need to pay for a will? you might be asking. A Public Trust will service gives you the opportunity to discuss your situation with experienced specialists if you wish to, and make sure you’re getting things right for your family. A Public Trust online will might be cheaper than you think too.

You still create the will yourself online in the privacy of your own home and at a time that suits, but you're doing so through a guided process built around Public Trust's legal expertise. You can have as much or as little support as you’d like during the process.

When you pay for a will through Public Trust, you’re not just paying for a document. 

You’re paying for: 

• Public Trust’s robust online platform aligned with New Zealand legal requirements, catering to wills for all types of personal situations, including complex family situations, life interests and overseas assets.

• Public Trust’s expert guidance. Helpful guidance walks you through each stage of the process. Know what your decisions mean and what areas you might need to think about further. The online process is designed to guide customers through situations you may not have considered.

• Expert support available to help if you’re stuck, use our online chat feature, call or email us. 

• The option for a full legal review. Have your finalised will reviewed by Public Trust specialists to help ensure it meets your needs. 

• Don’t feel rushed trying to get things right quickly. Once you've paid for your will, you’ll have a further 30 days to make edits and finalise it.

• Public Trust is a Crown entity and a trusted guide for life’s important moments. For generations, people have turned to Public Trust for support navigating some of life’s most important decisions. Whether it’s a will, enduring powers of attorney or probate, we’ll help you protect what matters most and move forward with confidence. 

Making an informed choice. The value of a will isn't measured by whether it’s free or not. It’s about the confidence that comes from knowing your wishes are outlined clearly, and you’ve done your best to write your will to help protect your loved ones from unnecessary complications. And that’s something many people consider worth investing in.