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2145 days ago

If it's true, it's another estate-administration rip-off (Auckland lawyer)

Director / lawyer from Kiwilaw

I know I've said it before, and I repeat: PLEASE CHECK THE FEE BEFORE YOU USE A LAWYER FOR PROBATE or LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION.
I heard this week of an Auckland lawyer who allegedly quoted $5000 for letters of administration.
Possibly that included all the estate administration, not just getting the grant of administration from the High Court. The enquirer had, however, asked about 'just' letters of administration.
The lawyer allegedly told the enquirer that they (the family) legally could not do any of the work themselves once they had letters of administration, and that they had to use a lawyer. If that was actually said (and I emphasise 'if'), it was false.
The letters of administration should not cost more than $1500 even allowing for some language issues. The rest of the estate administration, for the small amount of property involved, should not be more than about $500, perhaps $1000 at the outside to allow for high office rents in Auckland (!).
I have also heard of some excessive figures quoted by South Island lawyers. (As well as a few who charge less than $1000 for probate or letters of administration.)
Please just check beforehand - whether it's for letters of administration (no will) or probate (a will, with at least one executor able and willing to act).

More messages from your neighbours
17 hours ago

It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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8 hours ago

Got Birds Nesting in our Gutters any suggestions?

Rae from Rangiora

I have contacted Gutter Solutions and he has said we need the whole house protected via the gutters and valleys as the birds will keep coming back as its there home, then he went onto say even there offspring will keep coming back time and time again. Yikes! Any suggestions please.
thank you

24 days ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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