Amanda Bedford · Executive Director · Hamilton
Level 6, 586 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3204
Executive director working in asset planning — wills, trusts, estates and enduring powers of attorney — and relationship property.
Wills & Estates lawyers in New Zealand
Wills, trusts, enduring powers of attorney, probate and estate disputes. Probate is granted by the High Court; it isn't always needed, depending on the assets and what the organisations holding them require.
- Lawyers
- 8 listed lawyers' firms cover wills and estates
- Cities
- in 6 cities
Find a wills and estates lawyer near you
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Wills & Estates law in New Zealand: what to know
- Probate is a High Court order confirming a will is valid and that the executor can manage the estate.
- It isn't always needed — that depends on the type and value of the assets and what the organisations holding them require.
- Applications are handled by the Probate Unit at the Wellington High Court; the fee is $275.
- Where there is no will, an application for letters of administration may be needed instead.
Lawyers focusing on wills and estates work
Lawyers whose own published profile focuses on wills and estates work. Each lawyer was checked on the New Zealand Law Society's register before being listed — check again before you hire, as people move firms.
Devon Miller · Partner · Dunedin
123 Vogel Street, Dunedin 9054
Partner who leads the firm's private clients team, working with trusts, succession planning, wills and estates, and contracting-out (relationship property) agreements.
Samantha Stowell · Senior Associate · Tauranga
Level 4, 152 Devonport Road, Tauranga 3110
Senior associate in the firm's trust team, working on family and charitable trusts, wills, enduring powers of attorney and estate administration. She also advises on residential and commercial conveyancing and leases.
Common questions about wills and estates lawyers in New Zealand
Do I always need probate?
No. It depends on the type and value of the assets and what the organisations holding them require. Smaller estates may be dealt with without the High Court.
Where do probate applications go?
To the High Court — they're handled by the Probate Unit at the Wellington High Court, 2 Molesworth Street. The fee is $275.
Are the lawyers listed licensed?
Every lawyer listed was checked on the New Zealand Law Society's register of lawyers before being added, and each held a current practising certificate. Complaints about a lawyer go to the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service (0800 261 801).