$3000 for letters of administration? Not on my watch!
I recently heard of someone (North Island) who needed 'letters of administration' for someone's estate after the person died suddenly. He didn't leave much, just Kiwisaver, but over the $15,000 threshold where a grant of administration is necessary. His family asked three different lawyers what it would cost. They were told a 'minimum' of $3000. One said there would also be '$500 disbursements'.
That is obscene.
'Disbursements' would be $200 for High Court fee. Plus maybe $100 for a will enquiry (if placed in the most expensive part of New Zealand, otherwise $57.50). Plus $35.70 for a paternity search. Anything else was legal fees or office expenses.
In most cases, Kiwlaw will do the work for $400 plus disbursements. Add $100 for necessary advice to a spouse if they are the applicant. You can do your own will enquiry and paternity search, or use Kiwilaw's automated online 'bot' to do it, or pay a bit more for Kiwilaw to do it. We will send you the documents with full instructions for signing and sending to the High Court. It's not that hard. Don't let bereavement become a rip off.
www.kiwilaw.co.nz...
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.8% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.