Probate gives you the legal authority to act on behalf of the estate. Without it, banks and other institutions will not release funds or transfer assets to you.
What is probate?
Probate is a grant from the High Court that confirms the will is valid and gives you legal authority to deal with the estate. Banks, Land Information NZ, and other institutions require it before releasing assets.
"Without probate, you have a will but no authority to act on it. Banks will not release funds, and you cannot transfer property. Probate is the key that unlocks the estate."
The probate process
We prepare the application documents for you. The process involves:
- 1 Preparing an application with the original will and death certificate
- 2 You sign a sworn statement before a lawyer or JP
- 3 Filing with the High Court
- 4 The Court issues the grant (usually 4-6 weeks)
Do you need probate?
Some small estates can be administered without probate. Banks may release small balances directly. But if there is real estate, significant investments, or the estate is complex, probate will be required.
We will advise whether probate is needed in your situation.
- 1 Preparing an application with the original will and death certificate
- 2 You sign a sworn statement before a lawyer or JP
- 3 Filing with the High Court
- 4 The Court issues the grant (usually 4-6 weeks)
Do you need probate?
Some small estates can be administered without probate. Banks may release small balances directly. But if there is real estate, significant investments, or the estate is complex, probate will be required.
We will advise whether probate is needed in your situation.
We handle the entire probate process for you. Call us on 06 835 7394.
How Carlile Dowling helps at this stage
- - Prepare all court documents
- - File the application with the High Court
- - Obtain the grant of probate
- - Provide certified copies for banks and other institutions
We prepare everything; you sign
The probate application is detailed, but we handle the preparation. You review and sign; we do the rest.