If it's true, it's another estate-administration rip-off (Auckland lawyer)
I know I've said it before, and I repeat: PLEASE CHECK THE FEE BEFORE YOU USE A LAWYER FOR PROBATE or LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION.
I heard this week of an Auckland lawyer who allegedly quoted $5000 for letters of administration.
Possibly that included all the estate administration, not just getting the grant of administration from the High Court. The enquirer had, however, asked about 'just' letters of administration.
The lawyer allegedly told the enquirer that they (the family) legally could not do any of the work themselves once they had letters of administration, and that they had to use a lawyer. If that was actually said (and I emphasise 'if'), it was false.
The letters of administration should not cost more than $1500 even allowing for some language issues. The rest of the estate administration, for the small amount of property involved, should not be more than about $500, perhaps $1000 at the outside to allow for high office rents in Auckland (!).
I have also heard of some excessive figures quoted by South Island lawyers. (As well as a few who charge less than $1000 for probate or letters of administration.)
Please just check beforehand - whether it's for letters of administration (no will) or probate (a will, with at least one executor able and willing to act).
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.4% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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31.5% Yes!
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68.5% No thank you.
Those tips on how to manage your money
It annoys a lot. I just did a bank quiz on financial well-being. The main problem is with that is they don't account for being on a pension, which supposedly accounts for extra disability costs. What comes in never quite meets what goes out. That unpaid week until next payday is quite a stretch sometimes. My home is paid for, but those bills I must meet, rates, insurances, power, and internet costs keep going up. I just discovered my phone is an expensive rip-off, a clone or copy of an S24Ultra, with no comeback now, so I either put up with it or lash out $600 or more on another, sheheit! BTW, I got a pretty good score on that quiz. The only extra bit of money I make is a little interest, but the IRS taxes the hell out of that.
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