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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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Where Your NZ Probate Application Really Goes
Read guide: Where Your NZ Probate Application Really GoesThe executor lived in Dunedin. The deceased had lived in Christchurch. Most of the estate’s property was in Auckland, and the executor’s co-applicant had recently…
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Probate Granted: The Real Work Begins
Read guide: Probate Granted: The Real Work BeginsThe executor opened the envelope and read the first line twice. Probate had been granted. After weeks of locating documents, checking names, swearing an affidavit…
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Waiting for Probate: How to Check Its Progress
Read guide: Waiting for Probate: How to Check Its ProgressThe executor posted the probate application on a Monday morning. The tracking record showed that the package had been delivered. The filing fee had left…
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Managing NZ Probate From Overseas
Read guide: Managing NZ Probate From OverseasThe executor was sitting in a London apartment when the message arrived. Her uncle had died in New Zealand, and the will named her as…
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When the Original Will Cannot Be Used
Read guide: When the Original Will Cannot Be UsedThe executor found the envelope exactly where the deceased had said it would be. Inside was the will, but it was not in the condition…
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When the Named Executor Cannot Take Charge
Read guide: When the Named Executor Cannot Take ChargeThe will named one executor: the deceased’s older brother. There was only one problem. He had died three years earlier. The family still had a…
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When a New Zealand Estate Crosses Borders
Read guide: When a New Zealand Estate Crosses BordersThe executor thought the estate was almost ready to distribute. The New Zealand house had sold, local accounts had been closed and the remaining debts…
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Paying Estate Expenses While Probate Is Pending
Read guide: Paying Estate Expenses While Probate Is PendingThe funeral invoice was due on Friday. The deceased had enough money in a bank account to cover it several times over, but the account…
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When Several Executors Must Act as One
Read guide: When Several Executors Must Act as OneThe will appointed three executors. One lived near the deceased’s home and immediately began organising paperwork. Another lived overseas and wanted every decision documented before…
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