Kiwilaw
At a glance
- Name
- Kiwilaw
- Category
- Legal
- Address
- Nationwide (online)
- Postal Address
- P O Box 85
Oxford (Canterbury) 7443 - Region
- Canterbury
- Phone
- View Phone Number
- Mobile
- View Mobile Number
- View Email Address
- Web
- Visit Website
Media
Downloads
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Preview | File | Description |
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Take care - it's easy to pay more than you need, for estate administration (article published in Seasons Magazine, March 2019) | Short article outlining different options for estate administration, from DIY through to fully done by a lawyer. Emphasises the need for executors to ask about the likely fees before giving instructions, because of the wide variation in fees for the same work charged by different New Zealand lawyers. |
'Probate' is like a 'special permission' which the High Court issues after your loved one died, to confirm that their 'executors' have the authority to do what the will says and administer the estate. If there's no valid will, or if there's a will but no 'executor', the 'special permission' is called 'letters of administration' rather than 'probate'. You need this paperwork if your loved one had more than $15,000 in one financial institution (including a licence to occupy), or if they owned a house or land (except Māori land or land owned 'jointly' with someone else).
Through her firm (Kiwilaw), lawyer Cheryl Simes still uses world-leading online interview and document-creation software to save time and costs for executors and families.
Probate - standard fee is $490 unless there are complications (unusual!) - you also pay the $260 High Court fee direct.
Letters of administration - standard fee is $590-890 depending on who is the applicant and whether other people have to be notified - complications cost more - again, you also pay the $260 High Court fee direct.
Kiwilaw's standard fee has stayed the same since 2018. (Fees for complications have increased slightly.)
The High Court fee also increased to $260 in July 2024, which pushed the total up.
Use the no-obligation online screening form to get preliminary guidance and a fee estimate, with complications identified.
KEY POINT - just because a lawyer holds the will, it doesn't mean they hold the purse strings!! You don't have to use that law firm to get probate - the executor/s can decide. Check the fee before you agree - get a written fee estimate before you commit yourself.
Kiwilaw provides a nationwide service - easily available because the work is done online, and I courier the documents to you with full instructions. If any issues arise, I sort them out. (More details on website.)
BONUS - FREE to SuperGold Card holders who use Kiwilaw' to get probate - 'Kiwilaw's Guide to Estate Administration' - otherwise $49.
Kiwilaw can also help with:
* transmissions by survivorship' (for house properties owned jointly, not in separate shares - where the High Court paperwork is not needed)
*'transmissions to executors/administrators' (for other real estate owned by your loved one, once you get that High Court 'special permission' mentioned above
* discharge of mortgage (if no money still has to be repaid)
* wills (online, or blank forms) - see website
Testimonials
'I did it ! I have The Letter of Administration and have finalised my sons Estate. I was a little apprehensive of my cognitive ability at 80 years but thanks to the process, format and no legal jargon to negotiate I was fine - even if I did check and re check a few times ! Even my JP was impressed. This is a great service and involving yourself in the process with a little DIY I found really helped to understand the format and steps. The guidelines were clear, precise and that cup of tea was appreciated ! I just wish I had found you 18 months ago, before having to spend 15 months and $10,000 plus to sort my husbands Will. I am really grateful to, and for Kiwilaw.' (Whangārei client, August 2024) 'Just to confirm that we have received probate for my Mum's Estate. I would just like to Thank You and your team for helping throughout the process. The speed and ease with what we had to do and provide following your processes made this so much easier and cheaper compared to what we were told from other lawyers and advisers I intend to not only recommend your services to family and friends but have also sent your details to some of my family members involved in Criminal Law and Family Law. The first saying it was too specialised and to go through a Probate Lawyer and the second telling me he thought he could save some money and tried to do it himself after his father passed away - he gave up and paid the money going through a Probate Lawyer. Once again a Big Thanks to You and your team.' (Auckland client, July 2024) '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) 'The process was straightforward and clear, with great instructions....Thanks for providing this great service at great value to the community.' (Kaiapoi client, April 2022) '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) 'Sick of paying expensive lawyer fees and are in the process of applying for PROBATE or Letters of Administration? I recommend you give Kiwilaw a call. Quarter of the price in legal fees, than many other Lawyers. So if you are willing to do the work yourself and complete the required documents yourself you save heaps. Cheryl Simes from Kiwilaw has been very helpful in putting this process together with us. Sent an email to them one day, got a prompt reply, Kiwilaw then sent me another email with a step by step interview process, which was very easy to follow, then upon completion gave me the information and the right documentation required in order to start the process of Self-representation for application for Probate. Kiwilaw’s step by step very informative online process is highly recommended.' (Meralda Walters, FaceBook, 23 May 2021) '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) '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) '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) '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) '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.' (Florida client, July 2019) '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) ‘You made it very straightforward…’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) '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) ‘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) '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) ‘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) ‘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 fee is now $690 - Kiwilaw standard fee $490, plus High Court fee $200.] 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, Feb 2019) ‘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) ‘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) ‘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) ‘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) ‘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, your service was and is very helpful.’ (Auckland client, July 2018 - application for probate – two executors) ‘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.’ (May 2018 - North Canterbury client) |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Service Description
Experienced lawyer, using world-leading software to save time and therefore money, when helping clients apply for the required legal paperwork ('probate' or 'letters of administration') after a loved one has passed away. After practising law for almost 20 years in the Waikato, Cheryl moved to North Canterbury in late 2015. By 2018, through Kiwilaw, she was developing her online nationwide probate-application service. Kiwilaw is available to anyone, regardless of who holds the will. Executors can use Kiwilaw instead of - or as well as - the law firm that holds the will. If there's no valid will, or if there's something that may or may not be a valid will, Kiwilaw can help sort that out. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Suburbs/Districts/Towns Serviced
Nationwide throughout New Zealand. We obtain your information by online interviews (fancy questionnaires), process and edit everything, and courier the hard-copy paperwork to you. You follow our instructions to action that paperwork. You send it to the High Court. The High Court sends you the 'probate' or 'letters of administration' document that you need. Internationally - for anyone needing probate or letters of administration in New Zealand. We send you anything that you need to sign. You get it signed, send it back, and we send everything to the High Court. It costs a bit more than if you were in New Zealand. We tell you the costs before you commit yourself. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Meeting the needs of older people
You don't need to visit a lawyer's office. You don't need a printer. Send us the information online by answering a series of questions and uploading anything else we need. Email it to us, if you cannot upload it. Someone else can do that for you, as long as you tell them the answers. We send you a package with all the paperwork already printed out. We send you instructions. We tell you how to pay the High Court fee. We even provide a pre-addressed, prepaid courier bag for you to put everything in. You just hand it over the counter at a NZ Post outlet. The High Court paperwork (probate or letters of administration) arrives in your mailbox. You do the rest of the estate administration yourself, or get a lawyer or other professional to help, depending on what's involved. We can also help further if there's land involved. You're in control. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Legal
Experienced in | Status | Details |
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End of life | Yes | High Court paperwork after your loved one dies - probate or letters of administration. You don't have to use the lawyer who holds the will; and you should always get a written fee estimate before you choose who to use. Kiwilaw's nationwide online service is an option which has helped many families since 2018. |
Wills | Yes | Blank will forms available ($12 for postage), or answer a few questions online to prepare your online will for $69. Cheryl (lawyer) will review that draft before it is sent to you. Available online, nationwide. See https://kiwilaw.co.nz/wills |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Access
Access | Status | Details |
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Easy access | Yes | Online - https://kiwilaw.co.nz for initial screening form (for probate or letters of administration), and guidance about other services, online wills, online interviews for land transmissions, prepare-your-own renunciation document or caveat, plus links to other resources. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
After Hours
After Hours | Status | Details |
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After Hours | Yes | Online services are available 24/7. Cheryl also works strange hours - you may get an email from the wee small hours, and she may be unavailable during daytime. That's why you are encouraged to use the online forms, and email, and text messaging. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Payment
Payment | Status | Details |
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SuperGold Card Discount | Yes | SuperGold holders who use Kiwilaw to get probate - a free copy of Kiwilaw's Guide to Estate Administration (otherwise $49). |
Payment required | Yes | We invoice you when we have prepared the documents for you. Payment is required before we send them to you. If friends or family help pay for this, keep records because they are entitled to be repaid as soon as you get that High Court paperwork and uplift estate funds. |
Subsidy may be available | No | In cases of financial hardship, you can apply for a 'fee waiver' of the High Court $260 fee. You still have to pay Kiwilaw's fee. |
Free | Yes | Blank will forms - if you collect them in Oxford - or $12 for postage. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Languages Spoken
Language | Status | Details |
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English | Yes | |
Other Information | Yes | We can arrange for translations of documents if you're not comfortable with English. We'll get a quote from the translation service before you commit yourself. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership RC | Status | Details |
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Trade Registered | Yes | Registered lawyer. Member of NZ Law Society. Member of NZLS Property Law Section. |
Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |
What's New
Early warning! Land-registration fees will increase on 3 February 2025 If your deceased loved one owned 'general land' (not Māori land), either in their own name alone, or in shares with someone else, or jointly with someone else, you will need a 'transmission'. Details vary depending on the type of ownership.
Either way, for those transmissions, Kiwilaw currently charges $400 (in most cases) - which includes GST and also includes the $90 LINZ registration fee and title searches. From 3 February 2025. Kiwilaw will charge $450. LINZ fees are increasing that day. The LINZ fee for a registration will be $125 instead of $90. Title searches will cost $8 instead of $6. We haven't increased our fee since 2018 (when title searches were $5 and LINZ registrations were $80), but now it's time. Don't say we didn't warn you. https://kiwilaw.co.nz/estates/transmission-by-survivorship/ https://kiwilaw.co.nz/estates/transmission-to-personal-representatives/
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Updated: 19 Dec 2024 |