Henry Stokes
Henry Stokes is a legal expert and the general counsel at Perpetual Guardian, known for his insights into estate planning and trust law in New Zealand. His recent commentary on a Supreme Court case highlighted the complexities of fiduciary duty and testamentary freedom, emphasizing the importance of transparent discussions about inheritance within families. Stokes has contributed to the understanding of how asset distribution through trusts can affect beneficiaries and has stressed the need for families to engage in open conversations to prevent disputes over wills and trusts.
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Recent news mentions
Henry Stokes warns that it’s simpler when it’s an only child or all children can afford to contribute equally.
Family finance: How adult children can help parents in retirement - Nadine Higgins
New Zealand· 2025-11-09
As our group general counsel Henry Stokes noted in his review of the case, 'It has been a long-accepted legal premise in New Zealand that the best thing you can do to prevent any claims against your estate is to ensure that your estate holds no or minimal assets by the time of your death.'
Family trusts and wills: The case that confirms families must have open conversations about inheritancesNew Zealand· 2025-02-23