Do I need a Will?

Briefly, the answer to this is YES.  Especially if you have assets or you wish to convey special instructions for the care of children or loved ones or wish to leave special gifts and meaningful things to people or organisations, after you die. A Will is essentially a set of instructions on what you want to happen after your death, especially regarding any property you own. You can write up a Will at any time. You don't have to wait for major life events such as marriage or the birth of children or grandchildren to do so (though you may need to update your Will at these times).

Wills can be prepared by a Trustee Company, a lawyer or you can buy a do-it-yourself Will kit from a book retailer. If you prepare the Will yourself, it is always advisable to have it checked by a lawyer, especially to ensure it is signed, witnessed and dated correctly. Wills don’t have to be expensive. It pays to ask around – some lawyers may even prepare your Will for free.

Our website (www.cab.org.nz) gives more detailed information about Wills or you can phone or drop in to a CAB branch for more information..

At the Citizens Advice Bureau, our trained volunteers receive questions and queries from a wide range of clients. Questions may relate to tenancy issues, consumer rights, employment, migrant information, budgeting, family and personal issues or simple things like where you can find a social event. Our advice is given free and is confidential. We empower our clients by giving them access to information, options and support which will meet their needs.

If you have any questions relating to any issues, give CAB a call or check out the vast amount of information on our website (www.cab.org.nz).

In CAB Browns Bay and Northcote we welcome New Migrants to book for our free Settlement Information service. We have Chinese and Korean speakers on duty every week. Clients are welcome to phone us with their questions or call in for a face-to-face discussion.

Our Justice of the Peace is present every week day; hours vary from day to day so please check our website or call to confirm JP attendance hours. You can also follow our  Facebook page for updates or more information.

Citizens Advice Bureau – Branches at Northcote, Takapuna, Birkenhead, Glenfield, Browns Bay. Hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm. Phone: 0800 367 222. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CABNorthshore

www.cab.org.nz