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.)
Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story
A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.
But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.2% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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