Deceased Bank Accounts NZ: Every Major Bank Compared (2026)
Every major NZ bank compared: release thresholds, forms, documents and estate-team contacts for ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, Co-op and TSB after a death.
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Probate & Estate Articles
Helpful guides and information about probate, wills, and estate administration in New Zealand.
KiwiSaver After Death NZ: Every Provider Compared (2026)
Every major NZ KiwiSaver provider compared: release thresholds, forms and contacts after a member's death — ANZ, ASB, Westpac, Fisher Funds, Milford, Booster.
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Lost Will Probate NZ: Proving a Copy When the Original Is Missing
How to get probate when the original will is lost in NZ — proving a copy, the presumption of revocation, and what evidence the High Court needs.
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Deceased Estate NZ: A Practical Guide for Executors and Administrators
How to manage a deceased estate in NZ: probate, letters of administration, bank accounts, tax and distribution. Written by a NZ probate lawyer.
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Probate in New Zealand: The Complete 2026 Guide for Executors
Everything you need to know about probate in NZ. Court fees ($275), timelines (1–2 weeks for compliant applications), when probate is required, how to apply, and what happens after the grant. Written by a NZ probate lawyer.
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DIY Probate NZ — Do It Yourself or Use a Probate Lawyer?
Can you do probate yourself in NZ? Yes — but mistakes delay the grant and cost more to fix. Compare DIY vs professional probate preparation.
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Fixed-Fee Probate NZ — Compare Pricing Models
Fixed-fee probate starts at $699 + GST with Simply Probate. Compare fixed-fee vs hourly-rate pricing for NZ probate applications.
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Public Trust vs Simply Probate — Compare Probate Services NZ
Public Trust offers full estate administration; Simply Probate prepares the probate application for a fixed fee. Compare and see which suits your estate.
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Executor Duties in NZ — What You Must Do (and How to Step Down)
Named as executor in a will? What you need to do — and how to renounce if you cannot act. Fixed-fee probate preparation for $699 + GST.
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Joint Property and Probate NZ — Tenants in Common vs Joint Tenants
Does jointly owned property need probate? Joint tenants: no. Tenants in common: yes. Find out which applies to your situation and what to do next.
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Apply for Probate Online in NZ
Can you apply for probate online in NZ? The court filing is paper-based, but Simply Probate prepares your whole application online. Fixed fee, no office visits.
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Contesting a Will in New Zealand — What You Need to Know
Can you contest a will in NZ? Learn the grounds, time limits, and process for challenging a will in New Zealand. Understand when you need a litigation lawyer.
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Letters of Administration NZ: How to Apply When There Is No Will
How to apply for letters of administration in NZ: forms PR1 and PR2, the $275 filing fee, who can apply and how long it takes. By a NZ probate lawyer.
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Complete Guide to Probate in Auckland 2026
Probate for Auckland estates in 2026: costs, timeline and process — and how to get probate without expensive lawyers.
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Intestacy in NZ: What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will
When someone dies without a will in NZ, the Administration Act 1969 decides who inherits. Distribution rules, who can apply, and costs, by a NZ probate lawyer.
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Probate Cost NZ: Fixed $699 vs $5,000+ Lawyers
How much does probate cost in New Zealand? Court filing fee is $275. Lawyer fees range from $699 to $5,000+. Compare costs and see Simply Probate's fixed fee.
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Accessing a Deceased Person's Bank Account in NZ
Banks freeze accounts on notification of death. What NZ executors and family need to know about accessing a deceased person's funds legally.
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How to Distribute an Estate to Beneficiaries in NZ
A comprehensive guide to distributing estate assets to beneficiaries in New Zealand, including timelines, legal requirements, and executor responsibilities.
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What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will in NZ? Intestacy Explained
What happens when someone dies without a will in NZ: intestacy distribution rules, who can apply for letters of administration, and the next-of-kin order.
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Probate Application Form NZ: PR1 & PR2 Guide (2026)
How to complete Forms PR1 and PR2 for your High Court probate application. Covers required documents, affidavit requirements, and filing at the registry.
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How Long Does Probate Take in NZ? Real Timeframes (2026)
The High Court typically grants probate within 1–2 weeks of a compliant application. Simply Probate prepares yours in 1–2 days. Full timeline breakdown.
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Do You Have to Wait 6 Months After Probate in NZ?
There's no legal requirement to wait exactly 6 months, but most executors do — and for good reason. Here's when you can distribute earlier and when you can't.
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When Is Probate Not Required in NZ? Threshold & Exemptions
When is probate required in NZ and when is it not? Most major banks now release up to $40,000 without a grant. Here's how to tell which applies to your estate.
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Understanding the Validity of Wills in New Zealand
Learn about what makes a will valid in New Zealand, common issues that can invalidate a will, and how to ensure your will meets legal requirements.
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Next of Kin in NZ: Meaning, Rights & Who Inherits
Who inherits when someone dies without a will in NZ — the legal next-of-kin hierarchy and how the estate is distributed under the intestacy rules.
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Looking for more information?
Our team of probate experts can answer your specific questions about the probate process in New Zealand.