Wills and estates lawyer fees in New Zealand

How fees usually work

• Wills and enduring powers of attorney are often charged as a fixed fee.
• Applying for probate in the High Court and administering an estate may be a fixed fee for simple estates, or charged on time for complex ones.
• Disputes about a will or estate are usually charged by the hour, so ask early about likely total costs.

Alternatives to compare

Public Trust also prepares wills and administers estates, so it's worth comparing its fees with a lawyer's.

Your right to know the costs up front

New Zealand lawyers must give you written information before they start work, including the basis on which their fees will be charged and when payment is due. Fees must be fair and reasonable. If you're unhappy with a bill, raise it with the lawyer first; you can then contact the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in New Zealand

• Community Law Centres give free legal help throughout New Zealand.
• You may be eligible for legal aid through the Ministry of Justice.

More cost guides

Property and conveyancing · Family · Employment · Immigration · Criminal · All cost guides