Charlotte Abernethy

Charlotte Abernethy is a Senior Associate in our Property and Private Client Team, based in the firm’s Dunedin office. She specialises in trusts and estate planning, personal asset management and succession planning, relationship property, complex estate administration, and general property matters.

Charlotte advises private and institutional clients across all aspects of trust establishment, administration, and governance, as well as complex wills, enduring powers of attorney, and intergenerational wealth transfer. She is known for her practical, solutions‑focused approach, particularly in matters involving complex family dynamics, high net worth estates, and integrated asset planning structures. Charlotte has presented externally on a range of private client topics, including enduring powers of attorney and succession law, and is a contributor to the Lawlink Trusts and Succession Planning precedent database.

Publications

• The Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 – What does it mean for rural stakeholders?
• When Farm Succession Goes Wrong: Lessons from Sewell v Sewell [2026] NZHC 1440
• Overseas trustees, executors and beneficiaries – potential tax implications you need to be aware of
• Reform of New Zealand’s Succession Law – what has the Law Commission recommended and why should you be interested?