Question 1

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Estate administration can take several months where there is a will. Most estates are settled within 9-12 months, but complex cases and those with life interests may take longer.
The process is often more complex when there’s no will – but you don’t have to do it alone, we’re here to help.

Question 2

I'm an executor who has already got a grant of probate/ letters of administration. Can Public Trust help me with the estate administration?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need help with one part, like tax returns or managing property, or full estate administration, we’re here to support you.
Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

Question 3

Do I need to involve a solicitor in the probate/letters of administration process?

Accepted Answer

No. not if engaging Public Trust to assist with this process. Public Trust is authorised to carry out all the legal functions involved in estate administration. We’ll give you a detailed fee estimate and a dedicated specialist to guide you through the process.
You might need to engage solicitor if you decide to complete this application yourself.
We’ve got more information for you here.

Question 4

What do I need to get started with probate / letter of administration support?

Accepted Answer

It’s helpful to have a copy of the will (if there is one), the death certificate, and a list of what the person owns and owed. Once we understand your needs, we’ll send you a clear plan and outline what documents we need from you.
We’ve got more information for you here.

Question 5

What is the administrator responsible for?

Accepted Answer

An administrator’s responsibilities may include:
Applying for letters of administration,

Organising the funeral,

Selling, collecting or managing assets,

Maintaining the insurance of assets,

Paying debts and taxes,

Notifying organisations of the death,

Distributing the estate according to the law,

Preparing reports for beneficiaries,

Managing any disputes.

We’ve got more information for you here.

Question 6

How do I know if I need to get a grant of probate or letters of administration?

Accepted Answer

If the person who died owned assets worth more than $40,000 in their sole name, you’ll likely need legal authority to manage their estate. Probate is needed when there’s a will and an executor can act. Letters of administration are needed when there’s no will or the named executor isn’t willing or able to act. Chat with us to find out what’s right for your situation.
If you’re unsure if you need to apply, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Question 7

What are letters of administration?

Accepted Answer

Letters of administration are issued by the Court when someone dies without a will, or when no executor is named or the named executor is not able or willing to act.
This document gives legal authority to an administrator to manage the estate. We’ve got more information for you here.

Question 8

What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?

Accepted Answer

Probate generally applies when there is a valid will and a named executor who is able to act. Letters of administration are usually required when there is no will, no executor has been named, or the named executors cannot or do not want to act. Both processes give a person or organisation like Public Trust legal authority to manage and distribute the estate. Public Trust can provide expert support with a probate application or letters of administration.

Question 9

Who can apply for letters of administration when there is no will?

Accepted Answer

Those who might benefit from the estate, including family members, A close family member or another eligible person or organisation like Public Trust can apply for letters of administration. The applicant must show the High Court that they are entitled to administer the estate and may need written agreement from others with an equal or greater right to apply. The administrator should be able to act objectively, understand the legal responsibilities and manage the process properly. If a loved one has died without a will, Public Trust can provide trusted guidance and support to help manage the estate administration process.

Question 10

Who inherits when someone dies without a will?

Accepted Answer

The estate is distributed according to New Zealand intestacy law. Who receives the assets depends on the deceased person’s family circumstances, including whether they had a spouse or partner, children, parents or other relatives. If no eligible relatives can be found, the estate may pass to the Crown. If a loved one has died without a will, Public Trust can provide expert support and guidance to help manage the estate administration process, including applying for letters of administration.

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