The Law Commission recently published a 247-page Issues Paper as part of its Review of Succession Law. The paper highlights which areas of the law of succession need reform and invites public consultation on the report.

Succession law is the system of rules that determines what happens to your property after you die. Your property will pass on to others through your will (if you have one) or the rules of intestacy (if you do not have a will). Most people assume this process is relatively straightforward, but there are several different ways it can become complicated. Frequently, the wishes of the deceased are challenged by family members.

The current succession law in New Zealand is fragmented across many different pieces of legislation. Most of these laws were created more than 50 years ago when society in New Zealand was different. The law needs to be updated to reflect our current values.

In this NZ Herald article, Jeremy discusses the reform proposals.