When you are juggling the emotions of a separation and negotiating your parenting and financial matters with an ex, it can be tempting to put off looking at your will to “another day”.  But attending to your will, powers of attorney and how the ownership of your home is recorded are important aspects of comprehensively getting things sorted in order to avoid future problems for you and those you care about most. Here’s why -

There’s a folder in my hall cupboard that I will probably never personally use — but one day, it will be incredibly useful for someone else. I recommend every adult has one of these. It’s my “Death Folder” — or, as I sometimes call it, my “In Case Of” Folder. Inside is all the important, practical information my loved ones will need if I die or if I ever become unable to manage my finances or make decisions for myself.

Bypassing legal advice can ultimately end up costing you more when you separate or divorce. Here’s why.

Will my ex get half my Kiwisaver or superannuation? As this blog points out, not necessarily.

Think of a Contracting Out Agreement as a way of insuring your property from relationship property claims in the event of a separation.

Contemplating your death is not something anyone relishes which is possibly why so many people put off completing their will or updating it.