Ex Files with Jeremy Sutton: What happens if I sign a will overseas?

My father lived in New Zealand for about 25 years and had assets here, and he travelled overseas after he separated from his wife. He did not realise he needed to sign a will before leaving the country because he was meant to be away only temporarily. However, he did sign a will overseas to deal with his New Zealand assets.

He passed away overseas a few years after signing the will. Is the will he signed overseas valid to deal with his assets in New Zealand? The Wills Act 2007 covers New Zealand wills and has been interpreted to mean wills signed in New Zealand. But there is an exception under the act.



If the will is made outside New Zealand, you must prove it is a valid one and was made as required by:.