Expertise
When someone passes away, their estate needs to be managed and distributed in line with their Will or, if there’s no Will, according to the law. We support executors and families through this process with empathy and practical expertise. Whether you’re managing a straightforward estate or navigating more complex matters like trusts, claims, or blended family dynamics, we’ll help you carry out your your responsibilities with confidence and care.
Guidance Through Executor Duties
We support Executors to understand and meet their legal responsibilities.
Risk Management and Protection
Our legal support helps minimise personal liability and administrative risk.
Authority to Administer an Estate
Probate or Letters of Administration provide the legal authority to deal with a deceased person’s assets and obligations.
Court Process and Compliance
Applications must meet court requirements and ensure the estate is administered lawfully.
Identifying and Valuing Assets
Estate assets are identified, valued, and prepared for distribution.
Lawful and Accurate Distribution
Assets are distributed in accordance with the will or intestacy rules.
Applying the Intestacy Rules
When there is no will, the estate must be administered and distributed according to statutory intestacy laws.
Administration and Family Claims
Legal guidance helps manage the appointment of administrators, resolve entitlement issues, and address potential family claims or disputes.
Managing Estate Disputes
We’ll address disputes involving wills, claims, or beneficiaries through negotiation or formal processes.
Efficient and Fair Outcomes
Resolution focuses on minimising delay, cost, and emotional impact while protecting the estate.
Protecting Assets While Providing Ongoing Support
Life interests and trusts allow a person to benefit from assets during their lifetime while preserving capital for future beneficiaries.
Control, Flexibility and Risk Management
Trust-based wills provide control over how and when assets are used, helping manage family.
Probate is a court process confirming the validity of the Will and it grants the executor the legal authority to act and administer the deceased’s estate. Not all estates need probate and we can advise on your situation.
The estate is distributed according to the law. We’ll help you identify whether Letters of Administration are required and guide you through the process.
Yes, this is common. We can help ensure any potential conflicts of interest are handled properly.
The executor or administrator of an Estate is responsible for gathering or “calling in” the deceased’s assets and settling their debts.
Most estates are completed within 6 to12 months, depending on complexity. We’ll keep you informed at every step.
It’s not mandatory, but our guidance ensures everything is done correctly, reducing the risk of delays or disputes.
Registered Legal Executive
Michelle Hoy
Estates
About Michelle Hoy
Michelle is our estates specialist, bringing a strong passion for law and extensive experience from the health sector. Her background in case management and clinical coding provides valuable insight that enhances the service she delivers to clients. Having completed her Legal Executive Diploma, Michelle remains focused on continuing to grow her expertise and providing practical, client-focused advice.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Hawke’s Bay’s walking trails, and has a genuine love for animals of all kinds.
Michelle Hoy works in the following areas: Estates
Senior Associate
Jane Howden
Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
About Jane Howden
Jane has been practising for a number of years and has a considerable experience in a wide variety of legal matters. Hailing from Taranaki she completed her legal studies at Victoria University before moving to Napier and eventually joining Bramwell Bate as a Senior Associate. When not at work Jane enjoys tramping, cycling, and time with friends and family.
Jane specialises in the following areas of practice:
Jane has a particular interest in:
Jane Howden works in the following areas: Property Law & Conveyancing | Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Estates
Director
Anna Bernie
Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Estate Administration
About Anna Bernie
Originally from Gisborne, Anna pursued her education at Victoria University, studying law alongside Japanese. After five years practising family law in Gisborne, Anna relocated to Wellington to continue her career. However, the draw of regional NZ proved strong, leading her to settle in Hastings in 2015, her husband’s hometown, where they now live with their two children. Anna joined Bramwell Grossman in 2015 and has been with the firm since. She was promoted to a Director of Bramwell Bate in 2024. Outside of work, Anna enjoys the Hawke’s Bay lifestyle with her family and friends.
Anna Bernie works in the following areas: Trusts, Wills & EPOAs | Property Law & Conveyancing | Corporate & Commercial Law | Estate Administration
Director
Damandeep Sadhra
Family Law | Relationship Property | Estate Claims | Alternative Dispute Resolution
About Damandeep Sadhra
Damandeep is a Senior Associate in our family law and relationship property team, bringing nearly 15 years’ experience to the firm. She has practised extensively in family law in both national and regional settings, including a number of years in South Auckland, and plays a key role in mentoring our family law team and developing the firm’s expertise in this area.
Damandeep holds an LLB from the University of Waikato and completed her Master of Laws with First Class Honours in 2011. She is fluent in English and Punjabi.
Damandeep Sadhra works in the following areas: Family Law | Relationship Property | Estate Claims | Alternative Dispute Resolution
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