When a person dies leaving a will, the executors are required to obtain an order of Probate from the High Court of New Zealand if the total estate assets exceed $15,000.
If a person has not left a will then an order for Letters of Administration needs to be obtained.
We make applications to the High Court for the appropriate order for our clients, and assist our clients with estate administration.
At times, a client may disagree with the will of the deceased. There is an opportunity for claims to be made by certain people against estates and we are happy to assist clients with those claims.
A claim against an estate may arise from:
Relationship property rights
A testamentary promise
Family protection for certain persons in the immediate family of the deceased