Quick answer
We estimate wills lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $300 – $600 per hour. Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely.
Typical wills & estates fees
| Service | Estimated NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $300 – $600/hr estimate |
| Simple will (single) | $300 – $700estimate |
| Simple mirror wills (couple) | $500 – $1,200estimate |
| Enduring Power of Attorney (each) | $400 – $800estimate |
| Family trust setup | $1,500 – $3,500estimate |
| Estate administration (uncontested) often charged as % of estate value | $2,500 – $10,000estimate |
Where these figures come from
Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.
What drives the cost
- • Complexity of family structure (blended families, dependants)
- • Whether a trust is being set up or distributed
- • Probate or letters of administration required
- • Estate value (some firms bill % of estate)
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost in NZ? ▾
A simple will runs $300 – $700. Mirror wills for a couple typically $500 – $1,200. Enduring Powers of Attorney are commonly $400 – $800 each.
Is a DIY will valid in NZ? ▾
Yes if signed and witnessed per the Wills Act 2007 (s11), but DIY wills frequently fail challenges under the Family Protection Act 1955 or contain ambiguities that trigger costly estate litigation. The fee savings rarely outweigh the risk.
How much does probate cost? ▾
The High Court fee for probate or letters of administration is $275 (Ministry of Justice, checked 14 October 2026). Lawyer fees for uncontested probate and estate administration typically run $2,500 – $10,000, often calculated as a percentage of estate value.
Sources
- Wills Act 2007
- Family Protection Act 1955
- Administration Act 1969
- Ministry of Justice — Probate information and guidance
Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.
Related
- Wills & Estates overview
- All practice areas
- All legal cost guides
- Find a lawyer
- Legal cost calculator
What other legal work costs
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.