Lawyers' fees - the Angel Award and the IMBM Award
Last year I said 'most' NZ lawyers charged $1500 or more for probate or letters of administration.
That was probably an over-statement.
I've been making further enquiries.
Most seem to charge between $1000 and $1500, plus GST and plus disbursements (the $200 High Court filing fee).
I don't know what local firms (Rangiora/Kaiapoi) charge. So please don't take these comments personally. (Feel free to add a comment to tell us what you charge.)
Checketts McKay in Wanaka get the Angel Award so far - estimated $400-600 plus disbursements.
The IMBM [I Must Be Mistaken] Award goes to the 5 firms identified so far (out of the 22 firms surveyed to date) whose estimates were between $2000-$3500 - they were all North Island firms and I am not going to be more specific than that.
The 4 firms (so far) who were less than $1000 were all South Island: in Wanaka (as above), Timaru, Dunedin, and Oamaru.
There may well be others. I don't have time or money to do a comprehensive survey.
In my opinion, anything over $1500 requires a special explanation, if it is only for getting the grant of administration and not for the rest of the estate administration.
So ask first, and remember you have the option of using Kiwilaw's highly competitive online service for $460. (You knew that! Yes! Please tell your friends and family.)
(I have renamed the IMBM Award - previously it was called something else but I realised that might be considered discourteous towards lawyers.)
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What has a head but no brain?
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Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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87.8% Yes
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12.2% No
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.6% Yes
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34.2% Maybe?
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25.2% No
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