Estate Planning
Estate planning is not just about what happens when you die — it is about making sure your wishes are respected, your assets are protected, and the people who depend on you are looked after, whatever happens.
Estate Planning
Making sure your assets go to the right people at the right time
Without proper estate planning, your assets may not end up where you intend. The people you want to benefit may not benefit. The process may be slow, expensive, and stressful for those you leave behind. We help you avoid all of that.
Introduction
Who is left to deal with your financial wishes when you are no longer here? Do you have a valid will that reflects your current situation? Are the right powers of attorney in place in case you lose capacity? Are your investments and assets structured in a way that makes transfer straightforward?
These are the questions we help our clients work through. Estate planning touches law, finance, and tax simultaneously — and we coordinate with your solicitor and accountant to make sure everything is properly aligned.
What's Included
One of the most common situations we encounter is clients with significant assets whose wills and estate structures have not been reviewed in years — sometimes decades. Family situations change, assets grow, and legislation evolves. An outdated estate plan can be as problematic as having none at all.
We work alongside your solicitor to ensure your estate structure reflects your current wishes and family situation, that your assets are set up to transfer efficiently, and that nothing is left to chance or legal default.
Will review and estate structure assessment
We review your existing will and estate structure to identify gaps, outdated provisions, and potential inefficiencies — then work alongside your solicitor to bring everything up to date.
Trust structure review and implementation
We help you assess whether a trust is appropriate for your situation, and if so, work alongside your solicitor to ensure it is properly structured and integrated with your investment and financial plan.
Enduring powers of attorney review
We make sure your powers of attorney are in place and up to date, so that your financial and personal affairs can be managed on your behalf if needed without costly court proceedings.
Integration with your financial and investment plan
We ensure your investment portfolio, account ownership, and beneficiary designations are all consistent with your estate planning intentions — closing the gap between your financial plan and your will.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Estate planning that gives you peace of mind today
Years of experience helping New Zealanders structure their estates to protect assets and ensure their wishes are respected.
Estate planning is one of the most important — and most commonly delayed — parts of a comprehensive financial plan. We make it straightforward, coordinated, and completely aligned with your broader financial strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about estate planning or structuring your affairs? We’re happy to help — get in touch.
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging your financial affairs so that your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you die, and that your affairs can be managed effectively if you lose capacity during your lifetime. It typically involves wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Do I need a will if I already have a financial plan?
Yes. A financial plan and a will serve different purposes. Your financial plan manages and grows your wealth during your lifetime. Your will determines what happens to it afterwards. Without a valid will, your assets may not go to the people you intend.
What is a trust and do I need one?
A trust is a legal structure that holds assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts can be useful for asset protection, estate planning, and in some circumstances, tax efficiency. Whether a trust is appropriate for your situation depends on your assets, family structure, and goals — we can help you think this through.
What is a power of attorney and why does it matter?
An enduring power of attorney allows a person you trust to manage your financial and personal affairs if you lose the capacity to do so yourself. Without one, a court process is required to appoint someone — which is expensive, time-consuming, and may not reflect your wishes.
How does estate planning interact with my investment portfolio?
Your investment portfolio is one of the key assets that will be distributed through your estate. We make sure your portfolio structure, ownership, and documentation are all consistent with your estate planning intentions, and that there are no gaps between your financial plan and your will.
When should I review my estate plan?
Estate plans should be reviewed whenever your circumstances change significantly — marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, a significant change in assets, or the death of a beneficiary or trustee. We recommend a review at least every three to five years regardless.
What is the first step in estate planning?
A conversation to understand your situation, your family structure, and your wishes. We then work alongside your solicitor to ensure the legal documents reflect your intentions and integrate with your overall financial strategy.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
Legacy Planning
Broader legacy planning that considers how you build, protect, and ultimately transfer your wealth over your lifetime.
Retirement Income Strategy
Ensure your retirement income strategy and your estate plan work together so your assets flow efficiently to the right people.
Wealth Planning
A comprehensive financial plan that integrates your estate planning intentions with your investment strategy and retirement goals.