Best Wills and Estate Lawyers in Tauranga: 5 Top-Rated Firms for Secure Estate Planning
Securing your legacy with the best wills and estate lawyers in Tauranga ensures your assets, family, and wishes are protected with precision and care. In Tauranga, where coastal lifestyles, rural properties, and thriving businesses converge, expert legal guidance is crucial for crafting wills, establishing trusts, or navigating estate disputes. These professionals provide tailored solutions for retirees, farmers, and business owners, ensuring peace of mind in the heart of the Bay of Plenty.
We’ve selected five outstanding wills and estate law firms in Tauranga renowned for their expertise, client-focused service, and deep community ties. Each offers comprehensive services, from simple will drafting to complex trust management, ensuring your estate plan aligns with your goals. Read on to explore their offerings, standout features, and why they’re the top choices for estate planning in Tauranga.
1. Holland Beckett Law
About the Business
Holland Beckett Law, with offices in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, and Taupō, is a leading firm known for its comprehensive succession and estates practice. Their experienced team, including dedicated estate planning specialists, serves Tauranga’s diverse community, offering personalized solutions for asset protection and legacy planning.
Key Services / What They Offer
Specializes in estate planning, including will drafting, trust establishment, and estate administration. They handle probate applications, enduring powers of attorney (EPAs), and estate disputes under the Family Protection Act and Testamentary Promises Act. The firm also offers succession planning for businesses and rural properties, ensuring seamless asset transfers.
Who It’s For
Ideal for business owners, farmers, and high-net-worth families in Tauranga needing robust estate plans, trust management, or dispute resolution, especially those with complex assets or business interests.
What to Expect
Expect a professional, client-centric service in their modern Tauranga office. The team provides thorough consultations to craft tailored estate plans, leveraging their expertise to navigate intricate family or financial situations. Their probate services are efficient, and they offer strategic support for resolving disputes, ensuring your wishes are upheld with clarity.
Standout Features
- Regional presence across Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatāne, and Taupō for accessibility.
- Specialized succession planning for businesses and rural estates.
- Expertise in estate litigation for contested wills and trusts.
Customer Feedback
Clients praise the firm’s professionalism, with one saying, “Holland Beckett crafted our business trust with precision—expert and approachable!” Another noted, “Their probate service was seamless, guiding us through a complex dispute with care.”
Why Choose Them?
Holland Beckett Law combines regional expertise with comprehensive estate planning, making them a top choice for protecting your legacy in Tauranga’s dynamic community.
Location & Contact Details
525 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3110
Phone: +64 7 578 2199
Website: www.hobec.co.nz
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday Closed
2. KM Law
About the Business
KM Law, a boutique firm in Tauranga, is known for its cost-effective and personalized approach to trusts, wills, and estates. Their experienced team serves Tauranga clients with a focus on clear communication, offering practical solutions to protect assets and ensure smooth estate transitions.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides will drafting, trust establishment, and estate administration. They handle probate, EPAs, and resolve disputes under the Family Protection Act. The firm offers fixed-fee services for simple wills and trusts, ensuring transparency, and advises on relationship property agreements to complement estate plans.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, retirees, and young professionals in Tauranga needing straightforward estate planning or executor support, particularly those seeking affordable, transparent pricing.
What to Expect
Expect a friendly, approachable service in their Tauranga office. The team provides clear consultations to craft estate plans that minimize disputes, using plain language to explain legal processes. Their fixed-fee structure ensures no surprises, and probate services are efficient, delivered with empathy for a stress-free experience.
Standout Features
- Fixed-fee services for simple wills and trusts for cost transparency.
- Personalized, boutique approach with clear communication.
- Expertise in relationship property integration with estate plans.
Customer Feedback
Clients appreciate the affordability, with one saying, “KM Law’s fixed-fee will was so easy and clear—fantastic service!” Another noted, “Their trust setup was straightforward, and they guided us with care.”
Why Choose Them?
KM Law offers cost-effective, personalized estate planning with transparent pricing, ensuring your legacy is protected with ease in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
257 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Phone: +64 7 575 3179
Website: www.kmlaw.co.nz
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday Closed
3. Cooney Lees Morgan
About the Business
Cooney Lees Morgan, a full-service law firm with over 100 years of history in Tauranga, is renowned for its robust wills and estates practice. Their experienced team serves families, businesses, and rural clients, offering comprehensive legal solutions to protect assets and ensure smooth estate transitions.
Key Services / What They Offer
Offers estate administration, will drafting, and trust management. They handle probate, EPAs, and estate disputes under the Testamentary Promises Act. The firm also provides succession planning for businesses and rural properties, ensuring long-term asset protection and seamless transfers.
Who It’s For
Perfect for high-net-worth individuals, farmers, and business owners in Tauranga needing complex estate plans or litigation support, especially those with significant assets or family businesses.
What to Expect
Expect a professional, well-established service in their Tauranga office. The team provides detailed consultations to craft robust estate plans, with expertise in business and rural succession. Their probate services are thorough, and they offer strategic support for resolving disputes, ensuring your estate is managed with precision.
Standout Features
- Over 100 years of service in Tauranga’s community.
- Specialized succession planning for businesses and farms.
- Comprehensive litigation support for estate disputes.
Customer Feedback
Clients commend the expertise, with one saying, “Cooney Lees Morgan’s trust setup protected our business perfectly—highly professional!” Another noted, “Their probate service was efficient, guiding us through a complex estate with ease.”
Why Choose Them?
Cooney Lees Morgan delivers a century of expertise with comprehensive estate solutions, making them a trusted choice for complex planning needs in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
247 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3110
Phone: +64 7 578 2099
Website: www.cooneyleesmorgan.co.nz
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday Closed
4. Harris Tate Lawyers
About the Business
Harris Tate Lawyers, one of Tauranga’s most trusted firms, offers experienced legal services with a strong focus on wills, trusts, and estates. Their dedicated team serves Tauranga’s families and businesses, providing concise, practical advice to protect assets and ensure smooth estate transitions.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides trust establishment, will drafting, and estate administration. They handle probate, EPAs, and resolve disputes under the Family Protection Act. The firm also offers advice on asset protection through trusts and relationship property agreements, ensuring comprehensive estate planning.
Who It’s For
Suitable for families, retirees, and business owners in Tauranga needing clear estate planning or executor support, particularly those seeking practical, community-focused legal advice.
What to Expect
Expect a professional, approachable service in their Tauranga office. The team provides clear, tailored consultations to craft estate plans that prevent disputes, with a focus on practical outcomes. Their probate services are efficient, and they offer empathetic support for dispute resolution, ensuring a seamless experience.
Standout Features
- Trusted firm with strong Tauranga community ties.
- Practical, concise advice for estate and trust planning.
- Efficient support for probate and estate disputes.
Customer Feedback
Clients value the clarity, with one saying, “Harris Tate made our will and trust setup straightforward—excellent service!” Another noted, “Their probate assistance was compassionate and quick, easing a tough process.”
Why Choose Them?
Harris Tate Lawyers offers practical, community-focused estate planning with a trusted reputation, ensuring your legacy is secure in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
29 Brown Street, Tauranga 3110
Phone: +64 7 578 0059
Website: www.harristate.co.nz
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday Closed
5. The Firm Lawyers
About the Business
The Firm Lawyers, a boutique firm in Tauranga, brings a modern, client-centric approach to wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. Their experienced team serves Tauranga’s families and individuals with affordable, transparent legal solutions, focusing on protecting assets and ensuring client wishes are honored.
Key Services / What They Offer
Offers will drafting, probate and estate administration, and EPAs. They handle applications for probate, assist executors, and resolve estate disputes under the Family Protection Act. The firm also provides advice on trusts for asset protection, ensuring cost-effective estate planning.
Who It’s For
Great for young professionals, families, and retirees in Tauranga needing affordable estate planning or executor support, especially those seeking a modern, approachable firm.
What to Expect
Expect a friendly, transparent service in their Tauranga office. The team provides straightforward consultations to craft clear, legally sound estate plans, ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Their probate services are efficient, and they offer empathetic support for dispute resolution, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Standout Features
- Modern, client-centric approach with affordable pricing.
- Expertise in cost-effective wills and EPAs.
- Transparent, approachable service for all clients.
Customer Feedback
Clients appreciate the affordability, with one saying, “The Firm Lawyers made our will affordable and clear—fantastic team!” Another noted, “Their probate support was quick and caring, simplifying a complex process.”
Why Choose Them?
The Firm Lawyers offers modern, affordable estate planning with a focus on transparency, ensuring your legacy is protected with care in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
2/130 Willow Street, Tauranga 3110
Phone: +64 7 571 0037
Website: www.thefirmlawyers.co.nz
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday Closed
Conclusion: Secure Your Legacy with Tauranga’s Best Wills and Estate Lawyers
Tauranga’s wills and estate lawyers provide the expertise needed to safeguard your assets and honor your wishes, from Holland Beckett’s succession planning to The Firm Lawyers’ affordable, modern approach. These five firms offer tailored solutions for the Bay of Plenty’s families, farmers, and businesses, addressing everything from simple wills to complex trusts. With their deep community ties and professional care, they make estate planning straightforward and secure.
Ready to plan your future? Contact one of these top wills and estate lawyers in Tauranga today to start your will, trust, or estate administration. With their expert guidance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your legacy is in trusted hands. Book a consultation now!
Helpful Information About Tauranga Wills and Estate Lawyers
Tauranga, located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, is home to a growing community of retirees, investors, and families seeking trusted legal guidance for securing their futures. Wills and estate lawyers in Tauranga are essential partners in ensuring your wishes are legally protected, your assets are distributed as intended, and your loved ones are cared for after your passing. Whether you live in the suburb of Bethlehem, Papamoa Beach, or closer to the CBD, having a clear estate plan can prevent future disputes and reduce stress for your family.
From simple wills to complex trust structures and succession planning for farms and businesses, Tauranga’s legal professionals offer tailored estate solutions for every lifestyle. With the city’s mix of coastal homes, lifestyle blocks, and commercial ventures, estate law can quickly become intricate—making local, experienced legal support invaluable. Estate lawyers also help you update plans when life circumstances change, such as during a marriage, separation, or the purchase of significant property.
Choosing the Right Wills and Estate Lawyers in Tauranga
- Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in estate planning specific to the Bay of Plenty region, especially if you own property or businesses in areas like Mount Maunganui or Te Puke.
- Seek firms that offer transparent pricing, whether through fixed fees or clear hourly rates, so you understand the cost of services such as will drafting and trust creation.
- Ensure the lawyer is familiar with current New Zealand succession and trust laws, including the Family Protection Act and Testamentary Promises Act.
- Ask about their approach to handling complex estates, especially if you have blended families, rural land holdings, or business succession needs.
- Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and takes the time to understand your personal goals and family dynamics before preparing documents.
- Consider proximity and accessibility—having an office close to suburbs like Otūmoetai or Welcome Bay can make meetings more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tauranga Wills and Estate Lawyers
Do I need a lawyer to draft a will in Tauranga?
While it is possible to write your own will, using a qualified estate lawyer ensures all legal requirements are met and your wishes are carried out correctly. Lawyers can also help you create a robust plan that considers your assets, family dynamics, and any potential disputes.
How often should I update my will?
A will should be reviewed every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes. Tauranga estate lawyers can help you keep your documents current and legally sound.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after you pass away, while a trust can manage assets during your lifetime and beyond. Trusts are often used in Tauranga for asset protection, especially in farming families or blended households.
What is probate, and do I need it in Tauranga?
Probate is the legal process of validating a will after someone’s death. In most cases, if the estate includes significant assets or property in Tauranga, probate is required before those assets can be distributed.
Can a family member contest my will?
Yes, under New Zealand law, certain eligible family members can challenge a will if they feel they were unfairly excluded or inadequately provided for. A wills and estate lawyer can help you plan proactively to reduce the risk of disputes and uphold your wishes.