The 5 Best Trust Lawyers in Wellington You Can Actually Depend On
David Harris
| Last Updated: September 2025 A few years back, when my parents hinted that it was time to “get our family affairs in order,” I thought they simply meant sorting out old photo albums or clearing out the garage. Turns out, they meant setting up a family trust.
The thing is, trust law isn’t something you want to Google your way through. When it comes to protecting assets, you need someone who knows the ins and outs – and one who will actually listen to your concerns instead of just rattling off legal jargon.
So when it was time for the fam to select our long-term trust partner, we looked for firms that were approachable and genuinely invested in welfare (not just our money!).
Here are the trust lawyers in Wellington that stood out during our search.
How much does it cost to hire a trust lawyer in Wellington?
1. Gibson Sheat
Location: Level 2/50 Customhouse Quay, Wellington Central
Contact: +6444969990
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Gibson Sheat won our trust with their expertise. Their services span a wide range of areas, including family trust, navigating relationship property issues, and law and asset protection.
For clients who want personalized services, the accessibility and responsiveness of their lawyers are a major factor. Clients often highlight that they’re assisted with their needs, even in urgent situations.
In particular, their lawyers are calm, strategic, and solution-driven. This makes them a solid choice for cases like house settlements or disputes with tight deadlines. Complex legal issues are broken down into clear steps, which clients appreciate.
Their approach is client-focused, with flexible fee arrangements that make payments manageable for most. Beyond the competitive rates, their lawyers are also empathetic, making them approachable for most clients.
The only limitation is that there is considerable demand for their top lawyers, which can mean longer wait times for consultations. We also wished that there were free consultations or discovery calls that could help clients assess fitness.
Friendly and professional
“I have been dealing with Gibson Sheat for around 20 years now, with instructions ranging from conveyancing to employment, to company and trust formation, to acquisitions. I have always been impressed by their friendliness and professionalism.”
Naire Mansfield | Google Review
Specialized lawyer in every field
“Gibson Sheat, have been our commercial lawyers for over 15 years. They have specialist lawyers in every field that we have required, and I trust their advice. Would highly recommend.”
Matt Worthington | Google Review
2. The Law Connection
Location: 19 Raumati Road, Raumati Beach 5032
Contact: +6442993192
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Law Connection is highly regarded for its trusts and asset protection services, particularly for wills, estates, and family planning. According to clients, they emphasize a strong personal approach in cases.
We particularly liked their expertise in family trusts as a core service. For this, they guide clients through setting up trusts, children’s education funds, and even future inheritance. The practical guidance is what clients consider most helpful.
Their lawyers are consistently praised for being professional and warm. We interviewed many clients who all agree that communication is clear and approachable. These attitudes alone made the process smooth and stress-free.
Another solid aspect is accessibility. Clients mentioned quick responses across all channels. For those short on time, this makes them a convenient option, especially for complex and urgent legal matters.
The only drawback is the fees – we heard complaints that their services are priced relatively higher than most firms in the area. However, the final costs still depend on the services and level of legal advice, so we recommend requesting a cost breakdown.
Inclusive and great communication
“I have been dealing with the firm for a couple of years through family trust , wills & family estate. Would recommend this firm and Tracey in particular to anyone requiring professional assistance. Inclusive great communication, right down to Jody on reception.”
Karen Green | Google Review
Puts people first
“Tracey and the team at The Law Connection are the best; putting people first, and are experts in their field. Also love their problem solving abilities, and love for what they do – highly recommend Tracey and the team!”
Stu Dunn | Google Reviews
3. Morrison Kent Lawyers
Location: Level 3/1118 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010
Contact: +6473482030
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Morrison Kent Lawyers excels in structuring family and charitable trusts. We like that their lawyers carefully assess trust arrangements for each client, personalizing the experience to maintain long-term flexibility.
They also assist with enduring powers of attorney, estate administration, and the variation or termination of trusts. Clients told us that their legal and personal objectives were fully considered, which is crucial for successful outcomes.
The approach to asset protection is also solid. Beyond trust setup, their services extend to managing trustee and beneficiary rights, dispute resolutions, and special purpose trusts. This allows clients to consolidate multiple legal needs with one team.
Clients also repeatedly highlight how professional and welcoming their team is. The majority agrees that they’re attentive and clear with their communication – even the reception and support staff were praised for a seamless client experience.
The only downside is that while their services are high quality, they can come at a premium compared to other firms. Most clients consider the value, professionalism, and the depth of experience they get for the value of their investment.
Satisfactory experience
“Great people very happy with my treatment”
Jesse Crowther | Google Review
Responsive and professional
“Te Kapu O Waitaha is the mandated PSGE for Waitaha iwi. Today I am sharing with Trusts and others alike that we sought advice in respect of the Privacy Act 2020 changes. While we had completed a draft, it was really valuable to have feedback on that from Morrison Kent. Their legal guidance highlighted for us the importance of what sits behind the dialogue and how that is transformed through our mahi. Even with the most peculiar sets of data where we don’t consciously think about why we as a PSGE retain beneficiary records in perpetuity, we just do that naturally because we know 100 years from now, someone will ask “ko wai au?”. They say “leadership starts with a conversation”. Try it…he mama noaiho! Thank you Tess and Helen from Morrison Kent! (Quality, Value, Responsive, Professional; 5 stars from us!)”
Vivienne Robinson | Google Review
4. Bell Gully
Location: Bell Gully Building Level 4/40 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington Central
Contact: +6449156800
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Bell Gully is a trusted law firm in the city, particularly for family trusts and private client services. They provide tailored advice, ensuring that both trustees and beneficiaries fully understand their rights.
We noted that they excel in setting up family trusts for a range of scenarios. They assess each client’s financial and family circumstances to craft arrangements that maximize benefits and protect assets.
Beyond this, we liked that they also incorporate tax considerations. According to most of their high-income clients, this helped them with significant savings.
We also liked how practical their approach is, often offering comprehensive trustee toolkits and guidance on record-keeping obligations to comply with laws. In line with this, clients also emphasized their attention to detail and clear communication.
They’re proactive as well, keeping clients informed about new laws that may affect trustees and beneficiaries.
Unfortunately, we did hear complaints from some clients that some of the firm’s lawyers have poor attitudes – arrogant and self-entitled. Changes in this area will make them more approachable to clients with complex needs.
A skilled team
“Great service, great skilled team”
Al Man | Google Review
Nice people
“Nice people Big highrise Building Office. Me just Repairing Glass Swing doors.”
Rawson Tipene | Google Review
5. Thomas Dewar Sziranyi Letts
Location: 45 Knights Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 6011
Contact: +6445700442
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:15 AM – 5:15 PM
TDSL is a client-focused law firm specialising in trusts, estates, and succession planning. Their Wellington and Lower Hutt offices provide easy access to clients, making them a convenient choice for those with urgent cases.
The firm stands out for establishing family and protective trusts tailored to each client’s circumstances. Lawyers guide clients through all the stages, including trust creation, administration, and interpretation.
The firm also offers comprehensive estate planning services, including wills, estate administration, and applications for probate or letters of administration. This makes them capable of handling challenging executorship and probate situations.
Communication and client care are also solid. The majority of the clients said that their lawyers are approachable, respectful, and friendly. They also noted how calm and composed they are during cross-examinations.
The biggest drawback, however, is with the billing. A few clients experienced higher-than-expected fees for certain services. On the good side, this isn’t a widespread issue and happens very rarely.
Genuine attitudes of friendliness
“Great Team , Dedicated , knowledgeable & experienced , These guys go above & beyond , so skilled not only with the legal aspects of their profession but also with their ability to calm their clients , putting them at ease with their genuine attitudes of friendliness & caring . Hearty thanks go to GERARD & HANNAH who explained complex legal issues in a way that I could understand . Top Team”
Blake Grant | Google Review
Informative and very helpful
“I contacted TDSL when my daughter passed away as I was having trouble with the ANZ, they wouldn’t give me any information. I dealt with Georgia and she couldn’t have been more helpful. All I needed was some forms and the contacted the bank fore. I highly recommend them and if I need a lawyer in the future, this is where I’m going”
Gail Styles | Google Review
