$3000 for letters of administration? Not on my watch!
I recently heard of someone (North Island) who needed 'letters of administration' for someone's estate after the person died suddenly. He didn't leave much, just Kiwisaver, but over the $15,000 threshold where a grant of administration is necessary. His family asked three different lawyers what it would cost. They were told a 'minimum' of $3000. One said there would also be '$500 disbursements'.
That is obscene.
'Disbursements' would be $200 for High Court fee. Plus maybe $100 for a will enquiry (if placed in the most expensive part of New Zealand, otherwise $57.50). Plus $35.70 for a paternity search. Anything else was legal fees or office expenses.
In most cases, Kiwlaw will do the work for $400 plus disbursements. Add $100 for necessary advice to a spouse if they are the applicant. You can do your own will enquiry and paternity search, or use Kiwilaw's automated online 'bot' to do it, or pay a bit more for Kiwilaw to do it. We will send you the documents with full instructions for signing and sending to the High Court. It's not that hard. Don't let bereavement become a rip off.
www.kiwilaw.co.nz...
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
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Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.7% Nah - not for me
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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