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Executors & Probate
Executor duties, probate, and practical estate steps after death.
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Practical information to help you understand your options and plan your next steps.
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When Business Debts Follow the Owner
Read guide: When Business Debts Follow the OwnerThe executor first realised the business was in trouble when three creditors called on the same morning. One wanted payment for stock delivered before the…
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Building the Estate’s Financial Paper Trail
Read guide: Building the Estate’s Financial Paper TrailThe executor knew the estate had money. What they did not know was where it had come from, where it had gone or why the…
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Dividing KiwiSaver Through an Estate
Read guide: Dividing KiwiSaver Through an EstateThe executor thought the deceased’s KiwiSaver balance would be the easiest asset to distribute. There was one account, one provider and three adult children named…
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When Loans and Guarantees Survive Death
Read guide: When Loans and Guarantees Survive DeathThe executor knew about the mortgage. They did not know about the guarantee. While reviewing the deceased’s files, they found a letter from a lender…
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When Pension Payments Continue After Death
Read guide: When Pension Payments Continue After DeathThe executor noticed the payment before anyone noticed the problem. A regular pension deposit had arrived in the deceased’s bank account several days after death.…
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Closing the Estate’s Tax Story
Read guide: Closing the Estate’s Tax StoryThe executor believed the estate was almost ready to distribute. The house had been sold. The mortgage was repaid. The bank accounts had been closed,…
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When a Business Owner Dies
Read guide: When a Business Owner DiesThe executor discovered the problem on Monday morning. Employees were waiting to be paid. Customers were expecting orders. A supplier had stopped delivery because an…
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When a Family Protection Claim Freezes the Estate
Read guide: When a Family Protection Claim Freezes the EstateThe executor thought the difficult part was over. Probate had been granted, the house was sold and the estate account held enough money to pay…
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When a Partner Claims Relationship Property
Read guide: When a Partner Claims Relationship PropertyThe executor believed the will was straightforward. The deceased’s two adult children were to receive the estate equally. The main asset was the home where…
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