If it's true, it's another estate-administration rip-off (Auckland lawyer)

Director / lawyer from Kiwilaw

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).