law
10 May 2021

Succession law under review - who can challenge a will?

From Nine To Noon, 9:40 am on 10 May 2021
Last will and testament

Last will and testament Photo: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/will

The Law Commission is reviewing the law around who should get a person's property when they die. Historically New Zealanders tend to leave their wealth to their family, in particular a surviving partner or children. 

But when they don't it can result in court challenges and traumatic family relations - and raises the question should parents be able to leave their children out of their will?

The Law Commission's Deputy President Helen McQueen says New Zealand succession law affects everyone, but it is old and out of date considering the very many different family make-ups in Aotearoa in 2021. She is the lead commissioner of the review which is seeking public consultation.