For other lawyers – how to get ready-made probate application documents for $390 (or sometimes a little more)

Hi – Cheryl Simes here (from Kiwilaw).

DO PROBATE INSTRUCTIONS MAKE YOU NERVOUS?

I know that probate applications are a hassle – apparently the Probate Unit rejects about 1/3 of new applications, every day. (Source: letter from S Spiers, 7 Nov 2019; in a webinar Dec 2020, Registrar John Earles said 40%.)

Kiwilaw’s applications are seldom rejected, despite being filed by our clients as self-represented applicants who have collated the documents themselves and had the documents witnessed by a JP.  (We provide full instructions and support, and it works.)

This is because of Kiwilaw’s semi-automated system that reduces human error and speeds up the preparation of application documents for probate and letters of administration. It is also because of our experience – we prepare hundreds of such applications every year – how many does your firm do?

Kiwilaw’s system uses Firmsy’s Autom.io document-automation software, which not only asks you the necessary questions but also prepares draft Word documents automatically. (Yes, I spent months writing the ‘bots’ to do this. No code! Just conditional logic and time.)

For probate, I am making this service available to law firms for $390 (incl GST) – not for clients as self-represented applicants, but for documents prepared in your firm’s name and submitted by your firm.

Steps:

1. Initial screening – you complete the form below, which includes an upload of the will.
2. Kiwilaw will send you the link to the full online interview and let you know of anything else needed.
3. You complete the full online interview. It takes 15-20 minutes, and can be done by a legal executive or junior lawyer while on the phone to the client.
4. Kiwlaw will prepare the documents – please allow 2 working days for this although we try to do it within 24 hours.
5. We invoice you.
6. When paid, Kiwilaw will email the documents to you (PDF), plus the wording for exhibit notes which you can paste into your own labels.
7. If you cannot print your own labels, we can courier hard-copy printed exhibit-note stickers for an extra fee of $30 (incl GST).

I personally check the information you have provided, against the copy of the will/codicil you send me. I also ensure compliance with the Probate Unit’s pedantic requirements as to wording.

However, you are responsible for checking the factual accuracy of the documents we send you.

You are also responsible for ensuring they are collated, signed and witnessed correctly; and you send them to the High Court in your firm’s name.

Letters of administration?

For letters of administration (on intestacy, or with will annexed), my systems are less streamlined than for probate.

At this stage, I can do it for you by special prior arrangement, again using online interviews.

For an initial enquiry for letters of administration, please use my main screening form for grants of administration, and add a note at the end to explain you want to use the ‘Probate for Lawyers’ service but for letters of administration.  Using the screening information you have provided. I shall respond with a fee estimate and a link to the relevant automated interview which you will then be asked to use.

My fees for letters of administration will vary depending on whether supplementary documents are needed, and issues such as domicile, but will usually be $490-$790 (incl GST). Please allow 4 working days instead of 48 hours after you submit the full automated interview.