Choosing the best wills and estate lawyers in Invercargill helps individuals and families protect their assets and ensure their wishes are followed through expert drafting of wills, establishment of trusts, and management of estate administration under New Zealand law. These professionals assist with succession planning, enduring powers of attorney, and probate processes tailored to Southland clients. Firms such as AWS Legal and Eagles Eagles & Redpath deliver practical solutions for local families and rural property owners.
1AWS Legal
AWS Legal is a law firm based in Invercargill with a dedicated Succession, Trusts and Estates team that provides personalised advice on estate planning and administration. Their lawyers specialise in helping clients secure their legacies through tailored strategies that fit family needs and local circumstances. The firm supports individuals, families, and rural clients across Southland with comprehensive private client services.
Services
- Will drafting and updates
- Establishing and administering trusts
- Estate administration
- Drawing up and advising on enduring powers of attorney
- Rest home subsidy applications and retirement advice
Highlights
- Experienced estate planning lawyers and specialists
- Multiple Southland office locations for regional access
- Focus on personalised and sensitive client service
- Expertise in trust and estate dispute resolution
- Advice on mental capacity and protection of personal rights
Location & Contact
Name: AWS Legal
Address: 80 Don Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 441 0616
Website: www.awslegal.co.nz
2Eagles Eagles & Redpath
Eagles Eagles & Redpath is an Invercargill law firm offering approachable and professional legal services focused on wills, estates, and trusts. Their solicitors provide clear advice to help clients navigate estate planning and administration with confidence. The team serves individuals, families, and small business owners in the Southland community.
Services
- Will drafting
- Trust setup and management
- Estate administration and probate
- Enduring powers of attorney
- Succession planning
Highlights
- Team of experienced solicitors across multiple legal fields
- Emphasis on clear communication and personal attention
- Commitment to community-focused legal support
- Practical advice for residential, commercial, and rural matters
- Supportive environment for client understanding of legal positions
Location & Contact
Name: Eagles Eagles & Redpath
Address: 80 Kelvin Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 218 2182
Website: www.eagles-eagles.co.nz
3Mee & Henry Law
Mee & Henry Law is a small general practice law firm in Invercargill providing personalised legal services with a focus on wills, estates, and succession planning. Their team delivers cost-effective solutions for clients across New Zealand with a community-oriented approach. The firm assists seniors, families, and rural property owners with practical estate matters.
Services
- Wills and enduring powers of attorney
- Trusts and succession planning
- Estate administration
- Conveyancing and property law
- Commercial law
Highlights
- Small firm offering personalised and cost-effective solutions
- Expert knowledge in estate and succession matters
- Client-focused approach with friendly staff
- Services for clients throughout Southland and beyond
- Emphasis on quality legal services in an approachable manner
Location & Contact
Name: Mee & Henry Law
Address: 45 Gala Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 218 9855
Website: www.meehenrylaw.co.nz
4French Burt Partners
French Burt Partners is an Invercargill law firm providing comprehensive legal services with a focus on estate planning and administration. Their team offers tailored advice on wills, trusts, and deceased estates to help clients achieve peace of mind. The firm supports families, businesses, and rural clients with practical and cost-effective solutions.
Services
- Wills
- Enduring powers of attorney and trusts
- Deceased estates administration
- Conveyancing and property transactions
- Family law and relationship property
Highlights
- Broad range of legal services with a human touch
- Experienced team dedicated to client outcomes
- Focus on common-sense and cost-effective advice
- Support for clients throughout New Zealand
- Knowledgeable guidance on estate planning matters
Location & Contact
Name: French Burt Partners
Address: 110 Don Street, Invercargill 9810
Phone: 03 218 7346
Website: www.frenchburt.co.nz
5Cruickshank Pryde
Cruickshank Pryde is a law firm with an Invercargill office specialising in estate planning, wills, trusts, and elder law. Their team of lawyers combines experience with practical advice to protect clients’ assets and provide peace of mind. The firm assists families and individuals with succession, estate administration, and related matters across multiple locations.
Services
- Preparing wills
- Powers of attorney
- Estate dispute resolution
- Administering and managing estates and trusts
- Elder law including rest home subsidies
Highlights
- Team of lawyers with decades of combined experience
- Multiple office locations including Invercargill, Gore, and Queenstown
- Focus on client needs and practical outcomes
- Expertise in rural and agribusiness matters
- Support for elder law and retirement planning
Location & Contact
Name: Cruickshank Pryde
Address: 20 Don Street, Invercargill 9840
Phone: 03 214 4069
Website: www.cplaw.co.nz
Wills and Estate Lawyers in Invercargill at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| AWS Legal | Invercargill | Experienced estate planning lawyers and specialists |
| Eagles Eagles & Redpath | Invercargill | Team of experienced solicitors across multiple legal fields |
| Mee & Henry Law | Invercargill | Small firm offering personalised and cost-effective solutions |
| French Burt Partners | Invercargill | Broad range of legal services with a human touch |
| Cruickshank Pryde | Invercargill | Team of lawyers with decades of combined experience |
How to Choose the Right Wills and Estate Lawyers in Invercargill
- Look for lawyers with specific experience in New Zealand estate law, including the Wills Act 2007 and Administration Act 1969.
- Choose a firm known for clear communication and a client-focused approach that explains complex matters in plain language.
- Consider whether the lawyer offers additional services such as enduring powers of attorney, trust management, and elder law advice.
- Evaluate their approach to estate disputes, including options for mediation or litigation to resolve family protection claims efficiently.
- Select a conveniently located Invercargill firm that provides flexible consultation options and understands local rural and community needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invercargill Wills and Estate Lawyers
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Invercargill?
While it is possible to create a will without a lawyer, working with a qualified wills and estate lawyer in Invercargill ensures the document is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes. Professionals can also advise on asset protection and potential legal risks under New Zealand law.
How long does the estate administration process usually take?
For straightforward estates, administration in Invercargill typically takes between 6 to 12 months. More complex estates involving property, trusts, or disputes may take longer due to legal and tax obligations.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Invercargill?
If a person dies intestate without a will, New Zealand’s Administration Act 1969 determines how their assets are distributed. An Invercargill estate lawyer can assist the family with applying for letters of administration and navigating the distribution process. See the Administration Act 1969 on legislation.govt.nz.
Are wills and trusts the same thing?
No, a will directs how your assets are distributed after your death, while a trust can control how assets are managed and distributed either during your lifetime or after. Many people in Southland use both for comprehensive estate planning, especially those with farms or businesses.
How often should I update my will?
It is recommended to review and update your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of significant assets. Invercargill estate lawyers can help ensure updates comply with current laws and reflect your current situation.
What is an enduring power of attorney?
An enduring power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions about your property or personal care if you lose mental capacity. Wills and estate lawyers in Invercargill can draft these documents to provide protection and peace of mind.
What is probate and when is it needed?
Probate is the legal process of validating a will and authorising the executor to administer the estate. It is often required for estates with significant assets or property. Invercargill lawyers can guide executors through High Court applications and related steps. Learn more about the High Court process on justice.govt.nz.
How We Chose the Best Wills and Estate Lawyers in Invercargill
Every business in this guide was found by searching for wills and estate lawyers in Invercargill, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Invercargill, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.