How Much Does a Wills & Estate Lawyer Cost in New Zealand?

Will Writing Costs in NZ

The cost of having a will professionally written depends on complexity:

Will Type	Cost Range
Simple single will	$300-600
Mirror wills (couple)	$500-900
Complex will (trusts, business)	$800-2,000
Will with testamentary trust	$1,500-3,000

What Affects Will Writing Costs?

• Number of beneficiaries: More beneficiaries mean more clauses
• Asset complexity: Business interests, overseas property, trusts
• Special provisions: Testamentary trusts, life interests, conditions
• Blended families: Provisions for stepchildren and multiple families
• Lawyer experience: Senior practitioners charge more but provide expertise

Enduring Power of Attorney Costs

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) are essential documents that should be prepared alongside your will:

EPA Type	Cost
EPA for Property (single)	$150-250
EPA for Personal Care & Welfare	$150-250
Both EPAs together	$200-400
Will + both EPAs package	$500-900

Most lawyers offer discounted packages when you prepare your will and EPAs together. This is the recommended approach as these documents work together to protect you.

Probate Costs in New Zealand

When someone dies, their will typically needs to go through probate (officially called "applying for a grant of administration"). Costs include:

Estate Complexity	Legal Fees
Simple estate (single property, bank accounts)	$2,000-4,000
Moderate estate (multiple properties, investments)	$4,000-8,000
Complex estate (business interests, trusts)	$8,000-15,000
Contested or disputed estate	$15,000-50,000+

Additional Probate Costs

• High Court filing fee: Approximately $208
• Certified copies of grant: $52 each
• Newspaper advertisements: $200-400
• Property transfer (if required): $1,000-2,000
• Valuation fees: $300-1,000+ depending on assets

Estate Administration Costs

Full estate administration goes beyond just probate. If a lawyer administers the entire estate, expect:

Trust Setup Costs

Family trusts remain popular in New Zealand for asset protection and estate planning:

Service	Cost
Trust deed drafting	$2,000-5,000
Asset transfer to trust	$1,000-3,000
Annual compliance/accounting	$500-1,500/year
Trust variation/resettlement	$1,500-4,000
Trust wind-up	$1,000-3,000

Is a Family Trust Still Worth It?

Following the Trusts Act 2019, many NZers are reconsidering trusts. Consider a trust if:

• You operate a business and need asset protection
• You have a blended family with complex inheritance wishes
• You want to protect assets for vulnerable beneficiaries
• Your estate exceeds residential care subsidy thresholds

For many simple situations, a well-drafted will may be more cost-effective than maintaining a trust.

Public Trust vs Private Lawyer Comparison

Public Trust is a government-owned trustee company. Here's how their fees compare:

Service	Public Trust	Private Lawyer
Simple will	$350-500	$300-600
Mirror wills	$600-800	$500-900
EPA preparation	$200-350	$200-400
Estate administration	1-5% of estate	Hourly or fixed

DIY Will Kits: Pros and Cons

DIY will kits cost $30-80 but come with significant risks:

Our recommendation: DIY will kits are only suitable for very simple situations (single person, straightforward beneficiaries, no property). For anyone with property, children, or any complexity, professional legal advice is worth the investment.

When to Update Your Will

Your will should be reviewed and potentially updated when:

• Marriage or civil union: Marriage automatically revokes previous wills in NZ
• Separation or divorce: Provisions for ex-partners may no longer reflect your wishes
• Birth or adoption of children: New family members need to be considered
• Death of beneficiary or executor: Replacement appointments needed
• Significant asset changes: Property purchases, inheritances, business changes
• Moving to/from NZ: International assets may need special consideration
• Every 3-5 years: General review to ensure it still reflects your wishes

Will updates typically cost $150-400 for minor changes, or full redrafting fees for major changes.

Ways to Reduce Estate Planning Costs

Auckland vs Regional Pricing

Will and estate planning costs vary by location:

• Auckland: 10-20% above national average
• Wellington: 5-15% above average
• Christchurch: Around national average
• Regional centres: Often 10-20% below Auckland rates
• Small towns: Competitive rates but limited specialist options

Questions to Ask About Estate Planning Fees

Before engaging a wills and estate lawyer, ask:

1. What is the total fixed fee for my will (and EPAs)?
2. What's included vs charged extra?
3. Do you offer secure will storage, and what does it cost?
4. What are your probate/estate administration fees?
5. Do you charge percentage or fixed/hourly for estate work?
6. Can you act as executor, and what would you charge?
7. How often should I review my will?
8. Do I actually need a trust, or would a will suffice?