Steady Legal Guidance After Someone Has Passed

Deceased Estates

When someone close to you dies, the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re responsible for managing their estate. We help executors, trustees and families understand what to do next and carry out the legal steps with empathy, care, clarity and professionalism.

Our team has supported many North Shore families through this process. We’ll walk you through what’s required, explain the paperwork and handle the legal work on your behalf, so you can focus on what matters.

Supporting North Shore Locals for 30+ Years

Experienced Deceased Estate Specialists

Professional and Personable

Competitive Fee Structures

Our Deceased Estates Services: How We Can Help

We provide practical legal guidance across a wide range of estate-related matters, including:

Estate Administration

We assist executors with carrying out their responsibilities, from applying for probate or letters of administration to managing debts and distributing assets.

FIND OUT MORE

Dying Without a Will (Intestate)

When someone passes away without a valid will, we help families apply for legal authority and follow the correct process under New Zealand’s intestacy laws.

FIND OUT MORE

Estate Claims and Disputes

We advise on disputes over estate entitlements and claims under the Family Protection Act, The Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) or Property (Relationship) Act, working to resolve matters fairly and with care.

FIND OUT MORE

Will Challenges

If the validity of a will is in question, we can provide legal support to contest or defend it through negotiation or court proceedings, depending on the situation.

FIND OUT MORE

Overseas Wills or Assets

We help manage estates involving foreign wills or assets located outside New Zealand, coordinating with overseas lawyers where needed.

FIND OUT MORE

Life Interests

We advise on life interest arrangements in wills and trusts, ensuring beneficiaries’ rights are protected while balancing long-term estate administration needs.

FIND OUT MORE

Meet the Team

Our deceased estate team puts people first. We offer thoughtful, reliable guidance to executors, trustees and family members managing a loved one’s estate.

I am incredibly grateful to Karen and the team for the professional advice, support and fantastic caring attitude when dealing with my late father's Estate. Dealing with an Estate is upsetting and complex and her supportive and caring attitude along with highly professional advice made everything easy every step of the way. Thank you again Karen

5* Google Review

Wonderful service from Karen the Legal Executive who worked with us through the process of managing our late parents estate. Great communication and prompt service. Can highly recommend.

5* Google Review

Excellent service. Offer a wide scope of knowledge and expertise for civil issues. Very professional with empathy for how dispute issues are impacting their clients lives. Lawyers go above and beyond. Highly recommend.

Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness

Nothing short of professional and personable service from Jo and the team at Schnauer. Knowledgeable, thorough, trustworthy and reliable, with very friendly service. Highly recommended.

Get in Touch

Dealing with a deceased estate? Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to help. Reach out to us for expert assistance and support.