Legal Help for Elder Care.

Why Elder Care Planning Matters for You and Your Family

When care needs change, there are often legal steps to take, sometimes at short notice. These may involve setting up powers of attorney, managing assets, or making decisions on someone else’s behalf.

Planning ahead makes the process smoother and provides clarity during emotional or uncertain times. It ensures that wishes are respected and that the right people are legally able to act when needed.

What We Help With

We assist with:

• Preparing enduring powers of attorney

• Estate planning and asset management

• Family arrangements around care or property

• Residential care decisions and eligibility considerations

• Advising on mental capacity and decision-making issues

• Supporting families through disagreements or uncertainty

Support for Your Situation

Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or helping a parent or loved one, we explain your options clearly and tailor our advice to your circumstances.

Our goal is to reduce stress and give you confidence about the decisions ahead. We provide guidance that balances legal protection with what matters most to your family.

Where We Work

Our life planning, estates and senior law team are based in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton. We support individuals and families across New Zealand with advice on elder care planning, enduring powers of attorney, and related matters.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Elder Care and Legal Planning

What legal steps should I take when a parent needs more care?

If a parent’s care needs are changing, it may be time to review powers of attorney, check whether key documents are in place, and consider how property and financial matters will be managed. We guide you through the decisions and explain what is legally required.

Do I need to wait until something happens before getting legal advice?

No. Planning ahead gives you more choices, more control, and often prevents family stress. Whether you are helping a loved one or planning for yourself, early advice helps avoid rushed decisions later.

What happens if there is disagreement about care or money?

Disputes can arise over care decisions, property use, or who has the right to act. We help families understand their legal roles, check whether documents are in place, and work toward a resolution that protects relationships and respects the person at the centre.

Can the family make decisions without formal documents?

Only to a point. Without the right legal authority, you may not be able to act on someone’s behalf, especially with banks, care providers, or government agencies. We check what is already in place and help you put proper authority in writing.

How can we protect a parent’s wishes if their health changes?

We help document preferences while the person is still able to decide, including advance directives, powers of attorney, and care arrangements. These steps give clarity, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that the person’s voice remains central.