Protecting what you've built — during your lifetime, not just in your will

Polina advises individuals, families, and business owners on how to structure assets for protection, control, and long-term security — starting now.

WHY IT MATTERS

A family trust can protect assets from creditors, relationship property claims, and unintended outcomes — but only if it is properly established and properly run. The structure you set up today determines the protection you actually have.


A trust that was funded incorrectly, or has not been administered properly since it was set up, may offer far less protection than you think. This is one of the most common problems Polina encounters when reviewing existing trusts — the deed looks right, but the trust has been operated in a way that undermines it.


Polina advises on the full picture: what structure is right for your circumstances, how to establish it correctly, what needs to happen over time to maintain its effectiveness, and when an existing structure needs to be reviewed or restructured.

The $40,000 threshold: In New Zealand, once any single asset in the estate exceeds $40,000 — a bank account, KiwiSaver, or investment — formal estate administration is generally required. We advise on whether a grant is needed and, if so, which type.

"A trust that has not been properly administered may offer far less protection than you think."

The deed is only the beginning. How the trust has been run — and how it has been funded — determines whether the protection is real.

WHAT WE DO

Four areas of service

Advise on whether a grant is needed

Not every estate requires a formal application. We assess the assets, ownership structures, and threshold before advising on the right approach.

Advise executors and administrators on their obligations

Many executors have never done this before. We explain what the role involves, what the grant authorises, and what the executor is responsible for.

Prepare and file the application

We gather the required documents, prepare the application, and file with the High Court. We manage the process and keep you informed at each stage.

Navigate complications

Contested or missing wills, intestacy, overseas assets, missing beneficiaries, or complex ownership structures. We advise on the options and the likely process.

WHO IT'S FOR

You might need this if...

You've been named as executor

In a will, and need to understand what that means and what steps to take.

There is no will

Someone died intestate, requiring administration under intestacy rules.

The executor cannot act

Named executor has died, lacks capacity, or is unwilling — and letters of administration are required instead.

There are complications

Disputed will, overseas assets, missing beneficiaries, or complex ownership structures.

You're unsure whether a grant is needed

Assets may be jointly owned or below the threshold—you need advice first.

The estate has assets in another country

Cross-border estates often require ancillary grants in other jurisdictions.

HOW IT WORKS

Four stages

01

Initial consultation

We assess the estate — assets, ownership, threshold, and whether a grant is needed and what type. Fixed-fee advice from the first meeting.

02

Document gathering

We identify what documents are required (death certificate, original will, asset valuations) and guide you through the collection process.

03

Application preparation and filing

We prepare the application, swear affidavits where required, and file in the High Court. We manage the process and keep you informed.

04

Grant issued — what comes next

Once the grant is issued, we advise on what it authorises and what the executor's obligations are in dealing with the estate.

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

"Polina identified all the potential risks and engaged in extensive negotiations with my partner's lawyer for months until we reached an agreement that truly worked in my favour. Despite the other lawyer's focus on my partner's interests, Polina anticipated every detail and successfully secured key confirmations from the other side, which was no small feat. I have complete confidence in Polina for all legal matters related to property relations agreements and consider her an absolute weapon."


— Olga Safonova

Not sure what you need? Start with a conversation.

Every estate is different. Polina advises on what is needed for your specific situation — and what is not. Fixed fees, confirmed upfront.