What every New Zealander should consider - from your20sto retirement and beyond.
Legal needs aren’t something most people think about everyday - until they really need to. But having the right documents,protections, and plans in place can make a huge difference, no matter your age or stage of life.
Here’s a practical legal checklist to help you stay one step ahead, no matter where you are in life.
In Your 20s: Getting Started
You may be studying, starting a career, or just finding your feet - but there are still a few legal basics to have sorted:
- Understand flatting and tenancy agreements - if you're renting, make sure you know your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Protect your online life - consider what would happen to your digital accounts if something happened to you, and whether you'd want to leave instructions.
- Create a will - even if you don’t have many assets, a simple will helps ensure your belongings go to the right people and makes life easier for your whānau.
- Consider enduring powers of attorney (EPA) - these give someone you trust the ability to act on your behalf if you’re ever injured or unable to make decisions.
In Your 30s–40s: Building a Life
This is often when legal needs start to multiply - whether you’re settling down, buying property, or growing your family:
- Buying a home? Engage a lawyer early for help with sale and purchase agreements, LIM reports, and navigating property law.
- Relationship property agreements - if you're entering or leaving a relationship, consider whether a contracting out agreement is needed to clarify asset ownership.
- Estate planning - if you have children, think about guardianship, trusts, or how you'd want your assets managed on their behalf.
- Start a business? Talk to a lawyer about business structure, shareholder agreements, and compliance obligations.
- Review or update your will - especially if you've married, had children, or bought property.
- Set up (or review) your EPAs - essential if you have dependents or share assets.
In Your 50s–60s: Planning Ahead
At this stage, many people are thinking about retirement, asset protection, and succession planning.
- Start succession planning - if you own a business or farm, begin talking about who will take over and how that transition will work legally and financially.
- Review your retirement and investment plans - check who is listed as a beneficiary and make sure it aligns with your will.
- Funeral or care directives - consider writing a letter of wishes or advance care plan to guide your family in case you can't speak for yourself.
- Update your will and EPAs - especially if adult children or grandchildren are now part of the picture.
- Review any trusts - new trust law under the Trusts Act 2019 may mean your trust needs to be restructured or wound up.
In Retirement and Beyond: Securing Your Legacy
This is a time to make sure everything is clear, documented,and ready - so your family knows your wishes and can focus on what matters.
- Reconfirm or revise your will - your circumstances may have changed, and clarity is key to avoiding disputes.
- Ensure your EPAs are still valid - and that your chosen attorneys are still willing and able to act.
- Prepare for possible rest home care - know how means testing works under NZ law and whether your assets may affect eligibility for subsidies.
- Consider gifting or asset transfers - carefully, and with legal advice, especially if you're thinking of helping family financially.
- Talk to your whānau - the most effective legal plans are backed by good communication. Let loved ones know what you’ve put in place and why.
Good legal planning isn’t just about reacting to life - it’s about being ready for it. Whether you're just starting out or looking toward retirement,having the right legal tools in place brings peace of mind, protects your interests, and makes things easier for the people you care about.
If you're unsure where to begin, our team is here to help you check off what matters most - at every stage of life.
