Trusts and Wills

Assisted dying can be requested by people who fit the eligibility criteria (as stated in the End of Life Choice Act). However, its scope is extremely narrow and specifies that only a limited range of people are eligible. If you need legal information on assisted dying, whether you’re a family member, or you’re a medical professional who may need to give advice, we are here to help you through this challenging time. Eligibility criteria stipulates the individual must:

• be 18 yearsor over
• be either a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident
• suffer from an illnessthat has been deemed as terminal, and is likely to end their life within six months
• be in an advanced state of irreversible declinein physical capability
• be experiencing sufferingthat is unbearable and that cannot be relieved in a tolerable manner; and
• have the capacity to make an informed decision about assisted dying.

It is important to note that not everyone who is suffering from a terminal illness will meet the very specific eligibility and high threshold for assisted dying. Also stated in the Act is that a person will not be eligible if the only reason that assisted dying is sought is because they:

• are suffering from a mental disorder or illness
• have any kind of disability; or
• are of advanced age.

If you’d like further information on the End of Life Choice Act and assisted dying, then please get into contact with us, and we can organise a time to have either an in-person or phone consultation.