The cost of creating a Will in New Zealand will vary depending on how straightforward your family relationships are. For the sake of simplicity, let’s consider there are broadly two categories that people will fall into when it comes to creating a Will, and therefore understanding what a creating a will costs.
How much does a will cost?
Simple Will
Most often, people fall into the Simple Wills category. Simple Wills cater to a large percentage of the general public with straightforward family relationships and asset ownership structures. Maybe you are on the property ladder (you’ve already bought your first home or have an investment property), and you have started a family. Perhaps you have a share portfolio and are in a serious relationship with someone. These are some examples. Regardless of your current relationship status, the value of your assets or your family situation, you should strongly consider having a Will.
Simple Will Cost: We can offer a set fee for each Simple Will created. Please use the form below to enquire about our current rates.
Complex Will
Those with more elaborate affairs which need settling upon their death will require a Complex Will. For example, those with complicated family situations or existing asset ownership arrangements.
Complex Will Cost: We do not provide fixed fees for Complex Wills as the work varies depending on the time required to address the particular issues in each case. Please use the form below to contact us, or consider using our Will and Estate Planning Questionnaire to get a better understanding of your situation.
Simple or Complex?
Wynyard Wood have a large team that specialise in Wills and Estate Planning. Before we draft your Will, we first seek to identify whether you require a Will that is Simple or Complex. From there, we can advise an expected cost accordingly. When categorised as Complex, we can clarify the fee for the work involved in preparing the Will. You can then decide whether to proceed and on what basis.
The importance of having a will
In New Zealand, if you own assets over $15,000 at your death, there is a set process (called Probate/Letters of Administration) to be followed. This process requires a lawyer to act, and paperwork filed with the court. The lack of a Will on death significantly complicates the lives of the family left behind. And more importantly, it may result in the deceased’s wishes not being carried out.
Do you need a Simple Will or a Complex Will?
