When someone passes away, their will is meant to provide clear instructions about how their estate should be managed and distributed. For most families, it offers a sense of direction during a time of grief. But sometimes, questions arise, and a will may be contested. Contesting a will isn’t common, but when it does happen, it can be emotionally and legally complex. At Willis Legal, we’re here to help you understand what’s involved, and to support you through the process with care, clarity, and professionalism. Why might a will be contested? A will can only be challenged on specific legal grounds. Examples include: Family Protection Act claims - where close family members feel they haven’t been properly provided for in the will. Property (Relationships) Act claims - where a surviving partner may be entitled to a share of relationship property. Concerns about validity - for example, if the will wasn’t signed or witnessed correctly, or if the person lacked mental capacity when they made it. Undue influence - where someone may have unfairly pressured the will-maker. It’s important to note that not everyone can contest a will. The law limits this right to certain people, usually spouses, children, or dependents. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to make a claim, seeking early legal advice is key. What does the process involve? If someone believes they have grounds to contest a will, the process typically includes: Obtaining a copy of the will and the assets and liabilities of the estate. Negotiation and mediation - many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation, without the need for a full court hearing. Filing a claim in court - this must be done within a set timeframe, usually within 6-12 months of probate being granted. Court involvement - the High Court or Family Court will consider the claim and review supporting evidence, which may include medical records, witness statements, or details of family circumstances. Court decision - if no agreement is reached, the Court will make a decision about whether the will should be changed or upheld. Every case is different, and the Court will look closely at the individual circumstances. The law aims to balance the wishes of the person who made the will with fairness to those left behind. Things to keep in mind Contesting a will can be stressful, and it may affect family relationships. Timeframes are strict, and the process can be emotionally charged. It is important to seek legal advice early - not just to understand your rights and the process involved, but to help you navigate the situation with clarity and confidence. At Willis Legal, we take a people-first approach. We understand that behind every legal issue is a family, a story, and a need for support. Whether you’re considering a claim or responding to one, we’ll walk alongside you: explaining your options, helping you weigh the risks, and working toward a resolution that respects both the law and the people involved. How we can help Our team has extensive experience in estate matters, including contested wills. We’ll listen carefully, explain things in plain language, and tailor our advice to your situation. We’re here to help you move forward constructively, with empathy, expertise, and a focus on what matters most. If you have questions about a will or estate, or you’re unsure where to start, get in touch with us. We’re here to help.
In the fast-moving and constantly evolving legal landscape, depth of legal knowledge and long-standing experience remain cornerstones of exceptional service. At Willis Legal, we believe that longevity - both within individual careers and across the life of a firm - is not just an advantage but a profound asset that distinguishes meaningful legal practice from mere process. With over 135 years of history, Willis Legal has grown from its roots in Napier to become a trusted legal partner across Hawke’s Bay. Founded in the late 1800s, the firm has continued to grow and evolve throughout its life, culminating in the multi-branch, modern law practice Willis Legal is today. This growth reflects not just strategic expansion, but a deep commitment to serving our community with integrity and care. That legacy is also personal. Lawrie Willis , a longstanding partner, represents the third generation of his family to practise law at the firm. Mark Goodson , another senior (but extremely young-looking) partner, continues the legacy of his late father, a former partner, Brian. Other family ties, including Kevin Callinicos , previously a partner but now a consultant, and his daughter, Vicky and son, John (both solicitors) have helped shape the firm’s culture of continuity and trust. Over the years, Willis Legal has also produced three High Court Judges (Justice Woodhouse, Justice Gallen, and Justice Chisholm) and a District Court Judge (Judge Neal), underscoring the calibre of legal minds nurtured within our walls. Legal knowledge gained through years of practice is more than just technical proficiency. It’s the accumulated wisdom of navigating ambiguity, resolving complex disputes, and anticipating challenges before they arise. Experienced lawyers bring insight that no textbook or single case can teach. They’ve seen the ripple effects of legislative changes, the ways precedent shifts, and how context shapes outcomes. This insight allows them to offer strategic clarity in moments when the stakes are high, and the path unclear.Whether we’re advising on property transactions, family matters, or complex commercial negotiations, we draw on long-standing knowledge to craft solutions that are practical and enduring. Experience also builds trust. Clients often come to us in moments of vulnerability - seeking support through family breakdowns, financial uncertainty, or legal conflicts. Knowing that their lawyer has walked this path with many before them instils confidence. It reassures them that the advice they receive is grounded in more than theory; it’s been tested, refined, and proven. In a field where outcomes can profoundly affect lives, trust in your legal advisor is indispensable. As longstanding partner Lawrence Willis puts it: “Legal knowledge is important, but it’s the experience behind it that gives it weight. Clients don’t just want answers - they want assurance that those answers come from someone who’s seen the terrain before and knows how to guide them through it.” That ethos extends to our investment in the future. Willis Legal is proud to support young lawyers and legal executives, regularly hiring graduates and summer clerks, and fostering a culture of mentorship. Seasoned lawyers become anchors for younger colleagues, passing down knowledge that helps maintain high standards across generations. Even as we explore emerging technologies, and how we can best use them for our clients (including AI and digital tools), our core values of integrity, clarity, and client focus remain intact. In essence, the depth of legal knowledge and long-standing experience are what turn legal representation into legal guidance. At Willis Legal, we honour this legacy - drawing on years of practice not just to resolve issues, but to educate, empower, and protect our clients with precision and heart.
At Willis Legal, longevity isn’t just measured in years - it’s felt in relationships, remembered in shared milestones, and seen in the steady rhythm of daily practice. Few reflect that spirit more than Lawrence (Lawrie) Willis and Janine Blockley , whose decades of service are woven into the fabric of the firm itself. Lawrence Willis Known to many as Lawrie, he is a cornerstone of the Hawke’s Bay legal community - and part of a three-generation legacy at Willis Legal. His family’s long-standing connection to the firm runs deep, reinforcing a personal commitment to its values, evolution, and enduring presence in the region. Lawrie obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Victoria University before joining the family firm then known as Willis Toomey Robinson in 1983. Since becoming a partner in 1989, he has guided the firm through structural and strategic change (the use of personal computers, online property registration and much more), leading Willis Toomey Robinson through mergers with local Hawke’s Bay firms, including Scannell Hardy & Co, Donkin Lloyd (Napier Law), and Taradale Law, and now serving as both partner and owner at Willis Legal. Over the years, he’s seen the pace of legal practice shift dramatically, especially in how we communicate. From fax machines to email, mobile phones, and digital platforms, each advancement has brought greater speed, and with it, greater pressure. Despite all that change, Lawrie says the highlight of his time at Willis Legal has always been the people, both the team and the clients. It’s the relationships, the shared history, and the trust built over time that continue to make the work meaningful. “Legal knowledge gets you to the issue - but it’s experience that guides you through it. Clients want more than technical answers; they want assurance those answers come from someone who’s seen the terrain, understands its patterns, and knows how to lead with confidence and care. We learn from our experiences, good and bad and bring them to play in every decision we make.” Lawrie’s breadth of legal knowledge from his years of practice sees him mentoring younger lawyers on how to navigate practice and the changing legal world, or offering seasoned guidance, and often a shared history, to clients. Janine Blockley Janine joined the firm in 1981 at just sixteen, beginning as an office junior in the accounts department - back when receipts were handwritten in carbon books and the phones lit up like a switchboard. Over the next 44 years, she held roles across departments, from search and registration to reception, and eventually settled into secretarial support. Her story tracks not just the firm’s history - Robinson Toomey & Partners > Willis Toomey Robinson > Willis Legal - but the pace of legal practice itself: from mini cassette tapes to modern cloud-based systems. Through it all, Janine remained constant, supporting teams, remembering clients and family histories, and quietly keeping the engine of the firm humming. “The thing that keeps me here is the staff - they’ve always felt like family. I’m now the longest-standing member and going for the record… if AI doesn’t take my job first!” Together, Lawrie and Janine represent two facets of enduring excellence: one leads with legal depth and strategic foresight, the other sustains culture, continuity, and client connection. In an industry where change is constant, they prove that relevance doesn’t just come from reinvention - it grows from reliability, care, and long-held trust. At Willis Legal, we’re proud to honour their legacy - and the values it continues to inspire.