Costs

How I charge

Most of my work is charged at a fixed fee. If I take on one of the matters listed below, you pay the amount advertised on this page — unless your instructions turn out to be materially different from what you first told me, or the scope of the work expands in a way that could not reasonably have been foreseen when I set the fee.Initial consultations are charged at my usual hourly rate. This applies to all matters, including wills. I don't reduce or waive the first-meeting fee for will appointments — but I also don't, as a rule, appoint myself as executor, which means your executor is free to use their own lawyer when the time comes and won't be locked in to working with me.

Fixed fees – are charged as set out below.

When a fixed fee isn’t available

Some matters can't be quoted as a fixed fee — negotiations, for example, where the time needed depends on how the other side responds. Where I can't offer a fixed fee, I charge an hourly rate of $300 plus GST.

Initial consultations

An initial consultation is charged at my hourly rate. This applies to every type of matter, including wills. You pay for that first meeting whether or not you decide to go ahead. If you do go ahead, the cost of that meeting is included in the total fee I charge you.

If you have a concern about a fee

If you raise a complaint about a fee I've charged, the New Zealand Law Society will look at this page. So if a fee differs from what's set out here, I need a good reason for that difference.

Wills

Simple will, for one person $370 + GST

Simple wills, for a couple $650 + GST

Usually "simple" means you have an easy choice of beneficiaries

Complex will, for one person $370–$920 + GST

Complex wills, for a couple $1,200–$1,680 + GST

Mutual wills, for a couple $1,200–$2,000 + GST

Trusts

Estimated individually $300/hr + GST

Estates

Probate $1,200 + GST + $275 filing fee Two or fewer executors living in Dunedin, no issues with the will

Letters of Administration $1,970 + GST + $275 filing fee

Letters of Administration with Will annexed $300/hr + GST Can be complicated

Ongoing estate administration advice $300/hr + GST

Enduring Powers of Attorney

One EPA only, for one person $370 + GST Either Property, or Personal Care & Welfare

Both EPAs, one person $680 + GST

Both EPAs, couple $1,240 + GST

Independent advice, EPAs already drafted by another lawyer — no changes required:

One person $290 + GST

Couple $420 + GST

Relationship Property Agreements

Drafting and certifying, where terms are already agreed — see my page on relationship agreements for guidance on reaching agreement and what to provide me.

Single item exclusion agreement $900 + GST Plus associated conveyancing costs

Pre-nup or mid-nup $1,750 + GST

Separation and division of assets agreement $2,300 + GST

Independent legal advice on an agreement drafted by another lawyer, disclosure provided and no changes required:

Single item exclusion agreement $500 + GST

Full agreement $800 + GST Disclosure is proof of assets, etc.

KiwiSaver withdrawal application $2,670 + GST + $770 filing fee

Contested divisions $300/hr + GST

Let’s work together.

Please contact me, Lenny, if you would like to make an appointment or to discuss any of the information on this page.

Contact me