'Your system is great'
Just a note to say thanks for the work. All sent in courier this morning. Triple checked so hope it goes OK.
Your system is great …. Well done.
- Palmerston North client, April 2023
'Especially your patience...'
I have finally received the dated and stamped copy from the High Court Wellington.
I so appreciate your help, time and especially your patience in helping with my dad’s stuff.
Simply, with hand on heart, ‘Thank you.’
Maybe you could consider simplifying the process for Guardianship with those families with Disabilities and/or Special needs.
Take care and keep up the great work you do.
- Auckland client, June 2022
Really awesome...'
Thank you for all you did in helping me and my whanau with sorting my husband/father estate.
You and your colleagues were really awesome with helping and keeping the communication line open.
- Whangarei client, December 2022
'I was transformed into the bodyguard...'
I wanted to execute my father’s will myself to the best of my abilities, and this was the best way to achieve that.
The process was straightforward and clear, with great instructions.
My application went off today after witnessing by a JP. All very easy, but the instructions and warnings came in very useful.
For one brief moment I was transformed into the bodyguard ready to take a bullet for the president. Ready to throw my hand in front of the stamp about to be cast onto the original will. Fortunately words talked the assailant down!
Thanks for providing this great service at great value to the community.
- Kaiapoi client, April 2022
'Very clear instructions'
Thank you for your very clear instructions.
The JP said I was one of the most prepared people he had seen and I gave all the credit to you.
- Tauranga client, May 2022
'Very pleased with all your assistance'
Just wanted to touch base and thank you very much for all your assistance with my brother’s “letter of administration”.
I sent it to the High Court on the 21st May and received it back stamped and approved on 21st June.
Very pleased with all your assistance and I will certainly be recommending your services to anyone who wants to listen.
- Auckland client, July 2021
'An excellent alternative'
Just wanted to let you know that the letter of administration for mum’s estate was granted last week, super fast and all good so far.
Your service really does offer an excellent alternative to the expensive, protracted process that is the norm and taking ownership of the process has been a good experience for me.
- Christchurch client, June 2021
'Normally perfectly completed.'
‘Normally your clients’ documents come in perfectly completed.’
- High Court deputy registrar, June 2021
'Amazing service'
‘Confirming everything was approved and I now have in my hand letters of administration.
I will definitely be recommending your amazing service if anyone else I know goes through the same experience but I will highly recommend everyone does a will (so much easier & quicker).’
- Auckland client, June 2021
'It is as simple as follow-by-numbers.'
Thank you for your assistance in completing the Probate part of my father’s estate proceedings.
Your on-line and written materials plus your personal attention made all the difference, and I completed the paperwork process without any difficulty.
I have every confidence to recommend your services to anyone who wants an excellent means to complete the Probate process. It is as simple as follow by numbers….
Just for your information, the JP I used had a compulsion to stamp everything. Despite my instructions, he managed to evade my control and stamped his seal directly into the original Will. He was apologetic afterwards and I kept my emotions under control.
Despite the JP’s over-zealousness, the High Court has accepted and processed all the paperwork and I now hold the Probate documents.
- Auckland client, June 2021
'Made it that much easier'
Just letting you know I received the granted letters of administration yesterday….
Your services made this whole ordeal that much easier. I really can’t thank you enough.
- Waikato client, May 2021
'You save heaps... very easy to follow... very informative online process is highly recommended'
- Meralda Walters, FaceBook, 23 May 2021
'Empathetic and understanding'
I am emailing to let you know that I received the documents in the mail, and all seems to be going fine with the banks.
I also wanted to say thank you for providing the service that you offer. Your instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the process was incredibly smooth. You were also empathetic and understanding, and a pleasure to deal with.
Having been run around the mill by the lawyers in Canada (and still running!), this was a breath of fresh air. I feel as though dealing with a loved one’s estate is seldomly easy, however you proved that it can be straight forward which is incredibly helpful at such a challenging time.
A very warm and grateful thank you.
- North Island client, May 2021
'Personal approach'
Apparently all straight forward with our application for Probate as we received the Probate document on Friday.
Thank you so much for the service and support in getting the whole application into the High Court. Brilliant.
Your personal approach is so much appreciated and the prompt replies meant we felt secure with the application.
- Hawkes Bay client, May 2021
'Māori whānau...would benefit'
There are so many Māori whānau that would benefit from your
approach to what could otherwise be a very confronting, impersonal
and difficult experience.
- Waikato client, Feb 2021
'A very reasonable cost'
After my husband passed away in November 2020, I found out that I needed Probate in order to claim his insurance policy and sell his shares.
I contacted the law firm we had dealt with to get our E.P.O.A.’s and was quoted $4000-5000 in order to get it done.
I felt that this was a bit excessive so decided to check online what other lawyers were charging to do this service.
I found Kiwilaw’s website and decided to give them a try.
I filled out the questions asked, paid my $490, and received in the post a complete set of instructions on what to do with the various bits of paperwork involved.
I did this, included proof of the $200 payment to the High Court in Wellington, and sent it away by courier.
I posted it 5th Jan’21 and received it back, all signed, 22nd Jan’21.
I feel that this is an excellent service and would recommend it to anyone who is willing to do the secretarial work themselves at what I think is a very reasonable cost.
- Liz (Auckland), January 2021
'An easy step-by-step solution'
Just letting you know that we have now received the grant of probate for [our loved one’s] estate, from the High Court Wellington.
… we thank you for your services, which (apart from the one minor hiccup) we found provided us with an easy step by step solution to ensure [our loved one’s] wishes were honoured.
- Gisborne client, December 2020
'It was a blessing'
I do not have Facebook but would love to leave n anonymous review please.
With absolutely no knowledge about legal matters it was a blessing to find a service that was so easy to use, understand and came at such an affordable price. I would highly recommend Kiwi Law to all.
- Hamilton client, March 2021
'Very accessible'
I have downloaded your “Self help” manual and actually understood most of it without having to translate “legalese”. Your approach is very accessible.
Once, many years ago I’d had the opportunity to experience wonderful legal advice minus the legal gladwrap which previously always seemed more about justifying fees than having any functional purpose.
Since then I’ve always sought legal advice “in English” from people who call “a spade a f…….g shovel”.
I feel Kiwilaw/Cheryl Simes follows the same tradition.
- Wanaka client, February 2021
'Only took 10 days...'
I just wanted to let you know the letter of administration arrived in the post today. It only took 10 days from the court receiving it to arriving today.
Thank you very much for your guidance which made it easier for me to go through this process.
- Auckland client, December 2020
'Very cost effective'
Just to let you know that the probate was granted.
Many thanks for your guidance. Your process was easy to follow, and very cost effective.
- Robert (Christchurch), July 2020
'Fraction of the cost'
Thank you so much Cheryl for your services during a difficult period for myself. You made the process easier to
understand at a fraction of the cost of other legal services.
I sent my application in on 22.10.20 it was granted 30.10.20.
- Auckland client, November 2020
'Successful'
Morena Cheryl, just to let you know that when I returned from a week down in Dunedin last Thursday I found my successful request for probate in the mail so now all is ready to send to the insurance people tomorrow.
Hurrah and thank you so much for your help. I am singing your praises to interested people.
- Wellington client, November 2020
'All worked out just fine'
This is to let you know I received confirmation of Probate from the High Court yesterday.
So it all worked out just fine following the detailed instructions you sent.
- North Shore client, November 2020
'Superb service'
First and foremost I would like to thank you most sincerely for your incredibly prompt dispatch of all legal documents required for Probate.
I had no problem in completing the white documents given the superbly clear instructions on the green copies. As a result I dispatched them per courier to the Department of Justice in Wellington for their confirmation and approval.
Unbelievably I received the confirmed document of Probate in less than a week !!! [Note by Kiwilaw: Auckland was in lockdown, which may explain the short turnaround time – few applications filed by Auckland lawyers?]
Give yourself a huge “pat on the back ” for your superb service and I shall have no problem in thoroughly endorsing your services for anyone requiring Probate.
I can now finally move on without a single moment of stress and remember our dearest Mum with tons of love.
- Tauranga client, Aug 2020
'Beautifully set out'
‘Very many thanks for the work you have done with [my husband’s] Will and the speed with which it has been accomplished.
We were all very impressed with the beautifully set out advice for probate and it was commented on by the Court personnel….
I was happy to leave the courthouse and know that your work had been accomplished and the papers were on their way to Wellington to await probate.
All is now settled and I can begin to relax and make decisions for the future.’
- North Shore client, November 2020
‘Everything went smoothly’
‘Everything went smoothly thanks to your very detailed instructions.’
- Canterbury client, March 2020
‘The right professional fit’
‘Kiwilaw’s probate service was the right professional fit for this new widow. Appreciated.’
- Tauranga client, March 2020
‘So seamless and easy’
‘Many many thanks for the way you have so efficiently dealt with my property. It has been so seamless and easy.’
- Queensland client (Australia), March 2020
‘The ability to see any hindrances in advance’
‘I was troubled by the high cost quoted by 5 Solicitors, for a small estate, I found Cheryl by searching the web.
‘Very cautious by nature I was soon satisfied I was dealing with an extremely efficient person with the ability to see any hindrances in advance .
I have absolute no hesitation in recommending her service.’
- Karl B, March 2020.
‘A revolution in the legal profession’
‘From first contact to final result, Cheryl was a total professional – unbelievably quick, impeccably thorough, and a clear communicator, with plenty of patient and detailed guidance to make the whole process a breeze – and all this at a humane price.
‘It’s like a revolution in the legal profession.’
- Waiheke Island client, January 2020 (‘probate and a tricky land transmission’)
‘Worked really well’
‘Thanks for all your help it has worked really well and will recommend your services to anyone who we know.’
- Auckland client, January 2020 (probate, and transmission to executors)
‘Expertise’
‘I sincerely thank you for handling the resealing of the Probate and bringing the matter of my husband’s investment to a conclusion. Obviously we needed someone of your expertise to handle things!’
- NSW (Australia) client, January 2020
‘Great value for money!’
‘The system you have set up is amazing, clear, concise and obviously great value for money!’
- Auckland client, December 2019
For the DIYers out there
‘I was recently quoted between $1500 – $2500 plus $200 Court filing fee to obtain Probate through local legal practices.
‘Then I discovered Kiwilaw on the internet. Price – $490 plus the $200 Court filing fee.
‘Why the difference? Because it involves some DIY aspects that reduce the cost.
‘Kiwilaw provided me with the legal expertise and the necessary documentation to apply for Probate. My role was to do the ‘legwork’ such as taking the documents to a Justice of the Peace or a local Courthouse to have them witnessed, stamped or affirmed as per instructions supplied by Kiwilaw.
‘Those places will do this for free if you don’t mind waiting in a queue. A lawyer could also witness and stamp the documents but may charge a fee to do it.
‘Kiwilaw made the process simple by providing clear and precise instructions as to who needs to sign what and where. They even provided me with an addressed envelope and covering letter for me to send the completed documentation off to the High Court in Wellington.
‘Probate was granted without any problems. Kiwilaw offers a great service if you can follow written instructions and don’t mind a bit of DIY to reduce costs.’
- Wayne Reid (Auckland), December 2019
‘Simple as’
‘Thank you Cheryl. Today we received Probate from the High Court. Simple as.’
- Rotorua client, December 2019
‘Such a relief’
‘I have given your contact details to a few people already and have recommended you. I was dreading doing the probate and you really made the whole thing SO EASY… it was such a relief for which I will always be grateful…’
- Auckland client, December 2019
‘Mana wahine and amazing expertise’
‘You have done a great job of representing me and thank you for that….I admire your Mana Wahine and amazing expertise as a lawyer.’
- Taranaki client, December 2019
‘I felt very helpless until I found you’
‘Hearty thanks to you for your time, patience and professional advice. I felt very helpless until I found you on line. For this reason I would like to thank god and buddha as well.’
- overseas client, November 2019
‘Supportive, and simple to follow’
‘I thought I’d let you know my probate in common [form] was processed and returned from the high court. …Thank you for such a supportive, and simple to follow process. With such an affordable and reasonable fee.’
- Hawkes Bay client, August 2019
‘Thorough instructions and guidance’
‘My Mum passed away in May of this year and I needed help to prepare for Probate. The various quote from lawyers ranged from $1000 to $2500 which I find excessive. I find Kiwilaw on line and contacted Cheryl Simes. Cheryl thorough instructions and guidance made the experience in this difficult time easier to cope with. I would highly recommend Kiwilaw to anybody.’
- Wellington client, August 2019
‘Thank you’
‘I’m just phoning to say thank you very much for all your help and support at that time. I won’t forget that. Thank you very very very much, Cheryl.’
- Waikato client, July 2019
‘I would recommend Cheryl to anyone in need of setting a New Zealand estate’
‘I live in the USA and settled my mom’s estate by working with Cheryl Simes of Kiwilaw. Cheryl was very thorough, explained the probate process well, and always kept me appraised of the information flow between my mother’s USA attorney, the investment company that held the estate and the New Zealand High Court. Her professionalism and knowledge of the law made what could have been a very difficult process much easier for me to negotiate. I would recommend Cheryl to anyone in need of settling a New Zealand estate.’
- NM (Florida, USA), July 2019
‘Clients should not be paying in excess of $2500 for this service’
‘Just a side note, the Insurance Company I am dealing with has asked if i can keep in touch regarding your service, as they may end up passing your name onto their clients in future. They agree that their clients should not be paying in excess of $2500 (that was my estimate) for this service.’ – North Island client, May 2019
‘Super happy’
‘I’m happy to advise I received probate last week. I’m super happy with your service, it saved our family several thousand dollars in lawyers fees for administering an extremely modest estate and straightforward will. My grandmother would be very pleased about the situation I think.’
- South Island client, May 2019
‘Speedy, prompt and professional’
‘Many, many thanks for your speedy, prompt and professional attention to this matter. I was dreading it but you made it very straightforward and not daunting at all!’
- UK client (reseal grant of letters of administration), April 2019
‘Efficient and prompt…clear, precise…’
‘I just wanted to let you know that Probate has now been received (in 5 weeks which is exactly within your estimation). Thank you for supplying the necessary documentation and instructions which I managed to follow with a little order and time. I appreciate your efficient and prompt attention, with clear, precise and detailed folder of work which could be understood and implemented to achieve the desired result. Thanks for offering this nimble Probate service to New Zealanders.’
- Steven (Auckland), April 2019
‘Wonderful service’
‘Just wanted to let you know that I just received our approved probate from the high court in the mail two months after submission. I am very happy as we were not required to clarify anything or make any amendments which is a testament to your wonderful service.’
- Probate client (Auckland), March 2019
‘A stressful situation made easy’
‘This email is to let you know I received the documentation from the High Court today so I can administer dad’s estate.
‘Thank you very much, a stressful situation made easy.’
- Probate client (Lower Hutt), March 2019
‘Definitely recommend you’
‘Thank you for your services, the process was straightforward and we would definitely recommend you to others.’
- Probate client, March 2019
‘System must be very efficient’
‘Cheryl charged for what seemed amazingly little time to produce the large number of documents necessary for Probate of my deceased wife’s Will and Transmission by Survivorship of her share of our home. Clearly her system must be very efficient.
‘With very adequate covering notes, the documents were not difficult to complete and the witnessing by a friendly Justice of the Peace was even for free! Thank you Cheryl – should the occasion arise, I would suggest your services to somebody who might be in need of such.’
- EV11 – March 2019
‘I could not possibly go wrong’
‘We had to apply for Probate after our Mum passed away. We decided to go through Kiwilaw, as our lawyers quoted approximately $2000 plus costs for what seemed a very straightforward probate, not to mention the fact that some lawyers take their time processing this.
‘Cheryl was very helpful, and talked me through the process very well. The online questionnaire was easy to follow. All the documents that Cheryl sent were very well scripted to the letter. The instructions were very clear and precise – everything set out in a clearfile, I could not possibly go wrong.
I found Cheryl very open and I felt like I could ring her anytime if I needed. My emails were always replied to very promptly and the fee with High Court costs were very, very low.
‘Her motto to yield to principle not pressure is very clear. Why pay thousands when Kiwilaw can do as low as $600 total? [Note – the equivalent is now $690.]
‘The timeline from when I sent everything off to when probate was granted was approx 6 weeks – I was very impressed!
‘Thanks Cheryl and Kiwilaw. I will certainly be recommending your services to others.’
- Maria (Manawatu) – February 2019
‘Use Kiwilaw without fear’
‘Cheryl is worthy of a New Year’s honour for bringing simplicity and low cost to an arcane process that has previously served only to enrich the legal profession.
You can use Kiwilaw without fear. You start by answering a series of simple questions online. The documents then turn up with easy to follow instructions on what to sign and how to get them witnessed etc. It’s really straightforward.’
- Paul Barnes (Auckland) – February 2019
‘Recommend Kiwilaw’
‘Upon realising I needed to apply for probate after my father’s passing, Google lead me to Kiwilaw’s website and Cheryl.
Cheryl made the process so much easier than I thought it would be in an already difficult time. Her online questionnaire was simple and easy to follow and Cheryl completed the paperwork promptly and supplied easy to follow step by step instructions for me to finalise the application.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kiwilaw to anyone in need of these services.’
- Craig Douglas (Auckland) – February 2019
‘Thank goodness for the internet and innovative professionals like you!’
‘I just want to say that I can’t believe how straightforward the process with you has been so far, or how responsive you have been …. It is a complete contrast to my experience to date with the [other] legal firm … Thank goodness for the internet and innovative professionals like you!’
- South Island client, February 2019 (application for probate)
‘I want to commend you for your initiative’
‘Once again, I want to commend you for your initiative with this stuff.’
- Hamilton client, January 2019 (application for probate)
‘Your instructions…are exceptional’
‘Thanks very much for the documents which got delivered this morning.
I have read and re read them. It looks pretty straightforward. Your instructions for each document are exceptional, so thanks for this.’
- Palmerston North client, December 2018 (application for probate)
‘Very easy and intuitive’
‘I have completed the automated interview as requested. It seemed to work just fine and was actually very easy and intuitive.’
- Auckland client, November 2018 (application for probate)
‘Thanks again’
‘Thanks again, your service was and is very helpful.’
- Auckland client, July 2018 (application for probate – two executors)
‘Incredibly grateful’
‘Recently I used Cheryl’s services to apply for Letters Of Administration after my father passed away without a known will.
Cheryl made the process so easy and stress free after I became completely overwhelmed at the idea of having to deal with a large law firm and all the very large costs that came with them.
Not only did Cheryl explain everything in a way that I understood, but she also made sure I was comfortable with each part of the process before we moved onto the next one.
I absolutely loved the fact Cheryl gave me the option to complete each of the necessary research steps myself to keep costs down rather than just do it for me then send me a bill.
I would not hesitate to recommend Cheryl’s services to anyone in my position, I can’t speak highly enough of her and the work she did for me. I am incredibly grateful to her for making a difficult time so much easier.’
- 19 May 2018 (North Canterbury client)
Note – these are genuine comments, written by real clients. They came up with these words. (They also received no financial or other benefit for doing so.)