How much does a will cost in NZ?
A single will drafted by a New Zealand lawyer typically costs $400 to $700. A couple's mirror wills plus enduring powers of attorney for both partners is commonly $800 to $1,500. Wills with testamentary trusts or international assets cost more.
The cost of having a will drafted in New Zealand depends on the complexity of the estate, whether enduring powers of attorney are bundled in, and the firm you engage. Pricing is not regulated, so the same set of instructions can produce different quotes across firms.
Typical price bands
These figures reflect what most Kiwi families are quoted in 2026 by a small-to-mid-size firm:
- Single straightforward will — one beneficiary group, no trust, no overseas assets — $400 to $700 including GST
- Couple’s mirror wills — two near-identical wills for partners — $700 to $1,100
- Couple’s wills plus EPAs (Property and Personal Care & Welfare) — the standard “estate planning package” — $800 to $1,500
- Will with a testamentary trust — for example, holding a share for minor children until age 25 — $1,500 to $3,000
- Complex will — blended family, business succession, overseas assets — $2,500 to $5,000+
A few large firms charge more; community law centres and Public Trust often charge less or, for low-income clients, nothing at all.
What is included in a standard fee
A professionally drafted will fee normally includes:
- A 45-to-60 minute instruction meeting
- Drafting of the will (and EPAs if bundled)
- A second meeting for signing with witnesses
- Storage of the original document in the firm’s deeds safe
- A signed copy for the client
Storage in the firm’s deeds safe is usually free for the life of the will. Some firms charge a one-off $50 to $100 archiving fee.
Free and low-cost options
Several genuine low-cost options exist:
- Public Trust publishes will-writing fees ranging from free (for simple wills if you appoint Public Trust as executor) to several hundred dollars
- Community Law Centres offer wills clinics in many regions on income-tested terms — see the Community Law network
- Online will services charge $99 to $299 but do not include legal advice
Why DIY rarely saves money
Section 11 of the Wills Act 2007 sets strict execution requirements: the will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, and the witnesses must sign in the testator’s presence. Wills that fail these requirements can sometimes be saved under section 14, but only after a successful High Court application, which costs far more than the original drafting fee would have.
For a full comparison of will-drafting options and what to look for in a properly drafted will, see our how to write a will guide.
Want help?
If you would like a fixed quote for your specific circumstances, book a free consultation and we will price the work in writing.