Wills and Estates Lawyers in Canterbury
How many wills and estates lawyers are there in Canterbury?
We list 95 lawyers in Canterbury who name "Trusts and Estates" as an area of practice on the New Zealand Law Society register, read in September 2026. By register role, 36 are partners, directors or shareholders, 48 are employed lawyers, 6 are sole practitioners and 5 are barristers. 37 were admitted in 2006 or earlier.
How do I choose a wills and estates lawyer in Canterbury?
We do not rank lawyers. Each card below shows what the register records: role and practice, year of admission, and practising certificate. Seniority is not the same as experience with matters like yours, so ask how many similar matters a lawyer has handled, who will do the work, and for the basis of their fees in writing, which lawyers other than barristers sole must give you in advance (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4).
How do I check a wills and estates lawyer is registered?
Every practising lawyer in New Zealand must hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. Search the Law Society's Find a Lawyer page, or open a profile here: each links to the lawyer's register entry and shows the certificate type and expiry date as we last read them. The Law Society does not accredit specialisations.
Coverage: we hold 14,561 of about 19,126 register entries (roughly 76%), so these are our counts, not the size of the profession. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice.
95 wills and estates lawyers in Canterbury
Lawyers on the New Zealand Law Society register who list this area of practice, as read from the register in September 2026. Practice areas are self-selected by each lawyer and indicate the work they are willing to take on. The New Zealand Law Society does not accredit areas of practice. Confirm current standing on the register before engaging.
Showing 60 of 95. Browse the full directory →
Looking for a wills and estates lawyer in Canterbury?
Answer 5 quick questions to send an enquiry. Free to use, no obligation.
Pick a matter type to start:
Not sure which one? Pick the closest — we'll route it to a lawyer who handles your specific issue.
Common questions
How much does a wills and estates lawyer cost in Canterbury?
LawyerFinder estimates hourly rates of $300 to $600 for wills lawyers in New Zealand. That is our estimate, reviewed in October 2026, not a survey: the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Rates depend on seniority and the matter, and many matters can be done for a fixed fee, so ask for a written estimate before you engage.
Wills & Estates cost guide, with fixed-fee ranges and the government fees that apply →
Is the first meeting with a wills and estates lawyer free?
Some lawyers offer a short free first meeting; many charge for it. Ask what the first meeting will cost when you make contact, and ask for a written fee estimate before you agree to any work.
Can I get legal aid for a wills and estates matter?
Legal aid may be available for some matters, depending on your income and the type of case. The Ministry of Justice sets the eligibility rules; check them before you engage a lawyer.