For other NZ lawyers – how to get ready-made probate application documents for $390 (or sometimes a little more)

Kia ora and hello – Cheryl Simes here (from Kiwilaw).

DO PROBATE INSTRUCTIONS MAKE YOU NERVOUS?

I know that probate applications are a hassle! – until it stopped rejecting non-compliant applications (instead of accepting them but requesting correction), the Probate Unit was rejecting about 1/3 of new applications, every day. (Source: letter from S Spiers, 7 Nov 2019; in a webinar Dec 2020, Registrar John Earles said 40%. Now, since they changed their processes a couple of years ago, I don’t know what proportion currently require correction.) 

Kiwilaw’s applications seldom need correction. 

This is because of Kiwilaw’s semi-automated system that reduces human error and speeds up the preparation of application documents for probate and letters of administration. It is also because of our experience – we prepare hundreds of such applications every year – how many does your firm do?

Kiwilaw’s system uses document-automation software, which not only asks you the necessary questions but also prepares draft Word documents automatically. (Yes, I spent months writing the ‘bots’ to do this. No code! Just conditional logic, legal knowledge, and time.)

For probate, I make this service available to New Zealand law firms for $390 (incl GST) – not for clients as self-represented applicants, but for documents prepared in your firm’s name and submitted by your firm.

Steps – probate:

1. Initial screening – you complete the initial enquiry form at the bottom of this page, which includes an upload of the will. This is primarily to check for complications.
2. Kiwilaw will send you the link to the full online interview and let you know of anything else needed. 
3. You complete the full online interview (from the link we send you). It takes 15-20 minutes, and can be done by a legal executive or junior lawyer, even while on the phone to the client.
4. Kiwlaw will prepare the documents – please allow 2 working days for this although we try to do it within 24 hours.
5. We invoice you.
6. When paid, Kiwilaw will email the documents to you (PDF), plus the wording for exhibit notes which you can copy/paste into your own label setup.
7. If you cannot print your own labels, we can courier hard-copy printed exhibit-note stickers for an extra fee of $30 (incl GST).

I personally check the information you have provided, against the copy of the will/codicil you send me. I also ensure legal compliance with the Probate Unit’s pedantic requirements as to wording.

You are responsible for checking the factual accuracy of the documents we send you.

You are also responsible for ensuring they are collated, signed and witnessed correctly; and you send them to the High Court in your firm’s name, with proof of payment of the $260 High Court fee or an application for fee waiver.  (We can provide guidance about any of that, if asked.)

Letters of administration?

For letters of administration (on intestacy, or with will annexed), my systems are less streamlined than for probate.

At this stage, I can do it for you by special prior arrangement, again using online interviews.

For an initial enquiry for letters of administration, please use my main screening form for grants of administration (instead of the form at the bottom of this page); and add a note at the end to explain you want to use the ‘Probate for Lawyers’ service but for letters of administration.  Using the screening information you have provided, I shall respond with a fee estimate, information about any complications, and a link to the relevant automated interview which you will then be asked to use.

My fees for letters of administration will vary depending on whether supplementary documents are needed, and issues such as domicile, but will usually be $590-$790 (incl GST). Please allow 4 working days instead of 48 hours after you submit the full automated interview.