Frequently asked questions
Wills
What is a Will?
A Will is a legal document that sets out your wishes after your death. It outlines how you want your property, possessions, and any dependents or pets to be cared for. It can also include instructions for your funeral and other personal requests.
Why is it important to have a Will?
Without a Will, decisions about your estate are left to the courts. This often results in delays, legal fees, and conflict among family members. A Will gives clarity and ensures your wishes are known and respected.
What can be done to reduce family conflict after I die?
Create a clear, fair Will and update it regularly. Willzee also helps by notifying your beneficiaries and recording mutual acknowledgment to reduce misunderstandings.
What happens if I die without making a Will?
If you die without a Will (known as dying intestate), the law decides who inherits your estate. This may not align with your wishes and can cause unnecessary stress for loved ones.
How much does it cost to write a Will?
Traditional Wills can cost from $50 for a DIY kit to over $2,000 with a lawyer. With Willzee Free, you can create and update your Will at no cost during your lifetime. Expert and legal support is available through Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245) if you want it.
How often should I change my Will?
You should update your Will after major life changes (like marriage, divorce, or having children) or if your financial situation changes. Willzee allows unlimited updates so your Will is always current.
Can my Will be contested?
Any Will can be challenged, but Willzee reduces this risk through its verification process with your beneficiaries and executor, and by supporting you to physically sign and witness your Will, which gives it the strongest legal standing. To further reduce disputes, make fair provision for close family and communicate your wishes.
Why doesn’t Willzee offer joint Wills?
Because joint Wills often cause disputes and legal problems when one partner passes away. Instead, Willzee makes it easy for each person to create their own Will — simple, flexible, and safe for your family’s future.
Is debt transferable through my Will?
No. Your debts are paid from your estate before anything is given to your beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are not personally responsible for your debts.
What happens if I owe more than I own when I die?
If your estate can’t cover your debts, your assets may be sold. If the debt still isn’t covered, the estate may be declared insolvent and unpaid debt written off. No one else is liable.
How old do I need to be to write a Will?
You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to make a valid Will.
Who should I choose as an Executor?
Willzee encourages you to appoint a trusted family member or friend as your sole Executor. From the moment you complete your Foundation Will, Willzee is your preferred estate administration partner unless you record a different preference. Your executor always retains the final decision.
Can I change my beneficiaries or executor later?
Yes. You can log in anytime and update your beneficiary, executor or any other details.
What if I move to another country?
Your Will may still be valid, but laws vary by country. We recommend reviewing your Will with legal advice in your new location.
How does Willzee know when I've died?
Willzee is notified by your loved ones, your executor, or anyone searching for your Will, and we can also check official death records. Once notified and verified, we begin the estate process as instructed in your Will.
How do I arrange a gift or bequest to a chosen charity?
There are two ways. To give a set amount, add it as a specific gift to that charity in your Assets and Gifts Schedule. Specific gifts are paid after debts and estate costs, but before the residue (what's left) is shared among your beneficiaries. Or name the charity as a beneficiary in your Foundation Will, so it shares in the residue.
Is my Willzee Will legally valid in New Zealand?
Yes, once it is signed and witnessed in accordance with the Wills Act 2007. Willzee's Will framework and templates are built for New Zealand law and have been reviewed by Willzee's legal partner. We give you the tools, guidance and a compiled signing package to execute your Will properly. With Willzee Free, completing and signing your Will correctly is your responsibility. If you want your own situation reviewed, Willzee Smart Start includes an expert session and a review of your file by Willzee's legal partner.
Can I still print and sign my Will?
Absolutely, and we recommend it. At any time after your Foundation Will is signed, you can request your compiled Will & Wishes package: your Foundation Will, completed Schedules and Verification of Wishes assembled into one printable document. Sign it in the presence of two independent adult witnesses for full Section 11 compliance, then confirm the signing and storage location in Willzee so your executor knows where to find it.
What happens to my digital Will if Willzee ever shuts down?
Your Will is securely backed up and can be transferred to any registered estate partner or lawyer, at your request, or by your executor. You’ll always retain ownership and access to your data.
Legal terms
What is an Executor and how is this different from an Administrator?
Your Will names an Executor to carry out your wishes and manage your estate. If you don’t name anyone, or there is no valid Will, the court appoints an Administrator instead.
What is an Administrator and how is this different from an Executor?
An Administrator is appointed by the Court when no valid Executor is named or available. They have similar responsibilities but are chosen by the court, not by you.
Who is a Testator?
A Testator is the Will maker: the person who makes the Will and whose wishes it sets out.
What does Intestate mean?
Intestate means dying without a valid Will. Your estate will then be distributed based on legal rules rather than your personal wishes.
What are Advance Care Instructions?
Advance Care Instructions set out your medical and end-of-life preferences if you are ever unable to communicate them. They can include who you authorise to make decisions, organ donation wishes, and whether you want life-prolonging treatment. Advance Care Instructions are available on request as part of Willzee Smart Start, or on demand for Willzee Smart Managed subscribers, customised by Willzee's legal partner.
What is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document from the court confirming your Will is valid and giving the Executor permission to manage and distribute the estate.
What is section 14 of the Wills Act?
Section 14 allows the High Court to declare a document valid as a Will even though it was not signed and witnessed in the usual way. Where testamentary intent is clear, NZ courts often validate typed documents, emails and even text messages under this section. Validation remains at the Court's discretion. It is a safety net, not a substitute for signing, which is why Willzee recommends completing the full signing process.
What makes a Will legally binding?
A Will becomes legally valid when it clearly sets out your intentions, is made by someone of sound mind, and is signed in front of two witnesses as the Wills Act 2007 requires. Willzee captures your wishes in a clear, structured format from the moment you start, giving you a strong record of testamentary intent even before formal signing. We recommend completing the physical signing step for the strongest legal standing.
What happens if my executor can’t act or passes away?
You can name a backup executor at any time in Willzee. If both are unavailable, the Court will appoint an administrator to ensure your estate is still managed according to your Will.
Are all Assets subject to Probate?
Not all assets are subject to probate. Assets like joint accounts, KiwiSaver funds, and life insurance with named beneficiaries typically pass directly to the surviving person or nominee and don’t form part of the estate for probate purposes. However, the Will maker may be able to choose to include their share of a joint account or the proceeds of a KiwiSaver fund in their estate by stating this in their Will. In doing so, these assets become part of the probate process and are managed by the executor. It's worth noting that even when assets fall outside of probate by default, institutions like banks or fund managers often require a grant of probate before releasing funds. Note that Willzee's estate administration fee is based on all assets requiring administration, however they pass, not only assets that go through probate.
What is an Estate Account?
An estate account is a temporary bank account set up after someone dies. It holds estate funds, pays off debts, and distributes money to beneficiaries.
How do I get an Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Care Instructions or Contracting Out document?
These are available on request as part of a Willzee Smart Start, or on demand at any time for Willzee Smart Managed subscribers. Each is reviewed and customised for your circumstances by Willzee's legal partner, billed at the hourly rate as required.
Completing your Will
What happens after I finish my Foundation Will?
After completing your Foundation Will, you’ll receive an email with secure links to draft your optional Schedules. These Schedules help you record extra details such as assets, care preferences and digital accounts. You can complete them anytime — now, or later when you’re ready. From this point, Willzee is your preferred estate administration partner unless you record a different preference. If you'd like your situation reviewed by an expert and Willzee's legal partner, Willzee Smart Start is available at any time.
What happens if I die before signing my Will?
Your Foundation Will still matters. From the moment it is created, it records your testamentary intentions with timestamps and version control. If you die before signing, the High Court can declare the document valid under section 14 of the Wills Act 2007 where it is satisfied it expresses your intentions, and Willzee supports your executor through that process. Validation is at the Court's discretion and involves additional legal work, so we strongly recommend completing the signing steps. It only takes a few minutes and gives your family certainty.
Do I have to complete the Schedules straight away?
No. Your Foundation Will covers the basics. The Schedules are optional additions, designed to give extra clarity and in doing so, reduce future confusion and potential legal costs.
How will I receive my Schedules?
We’ll send you information to draft personalised Schedules once your Foundation Will is drafted. Each link is unique to you and lets you securely add information for your estate records.
What if I lose or delete the email with my Schedule links?
No problem. Complete the "Modify your Will" form. We’ll verify your identity and resend you the links, right away.
Can I make changes to my Will after completing it?
Yes. You can update your Foundation Will or any Schedule at any time. Each update creates a new, time-stamped version so your most recent wishes are always clear and legally traceable.
How does Willzee make sure my Schedules are linked to my Will?
Every Schedule you complete is securely referenced to your Foundation Will in our system. When your estate is administered, all documents are grouped under your unique Willzee record so nothing gets missed.
Are the Schedules legally binding?
Schedules act as legally supported instructions attached to your Foundation Will. Together, they form clear documentation of your testamentary intent, giving your executor clear direction to remove uncertainty during estate administration.
Will someone check my information?
Yes, administratively. Before your Foundation Will is sent for signing, the Willzee team checks it for completeness and clarity, and we'll get in touch if anything looks unclear. This is not a legal review and does not assess whether your Will suits your circumstances. With Willzee Free, that responsibility rests with you. If you want your situation properly reviewed, that's what Willzee Smart Start is for.
How will I know when my Will is complete?
You’ll receive a confirmation summary once your Foundation Will and any chosen Schedules are done. This summary includes a version number, timestamp, and PDF copy stored in your Willzee Vault.
Willzee
Can Willzee guarantee the wishes in my Will are fulfilled upon my death?
Willzee reduces this risk through its verification process with your beneficiaries and executor, and by supporting you to physically sign and witness your Will, which gives it the strongest legal standing.
How can I make sure my Will is not contested?
Make reasonable provision for close family members and keep your Will up to date. Willzee supports this by documenting your intentions clearly and transparently.
When do I pay Willzee?
With Willzee Free, you pay nothing during your lifetime. Willzee's fee is paid from your estate after your death, when your estate is administered. If you choose Willzee Smart Start, you pay NZ$245 once. If you continue with Willzee Smart Managed, you pay NZ$245 a year, in advance.
How does Willzee execute my Will after my death?
From the moment you complete your Foundation Will, Willzee is your preferred estate administration partner unless you record a different preference. Your executor always retains the final decision.
Can’t I just use AI to write my Will?
You can, but AI tools don’t verify your identity, structure your Will for NZ law, or store your documents securely. Willzee provides the complete process — from recording your wishes to ensuring your Will is stored, shared, and ready to stand up in court if needed.
Where is my Will stored if I use Willzee?
Your Will is securely stored in Willzee’s digital Vault. You can access and update it anytime, share it with trusted people, and complete or create additional documents over time. Everything is time-stamped and stored in one place, so it’s easy to retrieve when it matters most.
How does Willzee make my Will stronger?
Willzee strengthens your Will by attaining beneficiary and executor acknowledgements and storing your documents securely. These steps help reduce the risk of disputes, delays, or challenges to your wishes.
Do I still need a lawyer if I use Willzee?
For estate administration, yes: legal tasks like applying for probate and transferring assets need a qualified lawyer. Willzee arranges this through Willzee's legal partner at Willzee's preferred rate. For a standard estate, that legal work is covered within Willzee's capped estate administration fee and itemised separately on invoices to your executor. If you prefer, your executor can appoint a lawyer of your choosing instead; a release fee then applies.
So what does Willzee actually do?
Willzee helps you organise and document your assets, accounts, and wishes ahead of time. When the time comes, we provide your lawyer with a fully-prepared estate file, dramatically reducing the time (and cost) involved in locating assets and managing paperwork.
How does this save money?
Normally, a large part of a lawyer’s time is spent searching for financial accounts, tracking down paperwork, and verifying information. That time is billed hourly and can quickly add up. Willzee eliminates most of that work, which means your legal costs are significantly reduced.
Is Willzee recognised by lawyers and financial institutions?
Yes. Willzee partners with accredited estate lawyers and financial institutions to ensure all documents meet professional and legal standards.
Can I get personal help while completing my Will?
Yes. Willzee support can help with how the platform works at any time, free. If you want your situation reviewed, Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245) gives you up to an hour with a Willzee expert plus a review of your file by Willzee's legal partner, with a clear estimate before any further legal work.
Is Willzee available in Australia?
Not yet. Willzee is built for New Zealand law and currently serves New Zealand residents. Australia is planned as our next market; you can register your interest via the Willzee Australia link in the footer and we'll let you know when we launch.
What is the difference between Willzee Free, Smart Start and Smart Managed?
Willzee Free is the do-it-yourself track: create and update your Will at no cost, with the responsibility for getting it right resting with you. Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245, once) adds an expert review of your situation and a legal partner review of your file, with a clear estimate before any further legal work. Willzee Smart Managed (NZ$245 a year, after Smart Start) keeps you supported: an annual review, the preferred legal rate, key legal documents on demand, and eligibility for half-price estate administration after 12 continuous months.
Fees
Is it really free to create my Will?
Yes. With Willzee Free, creating and updating your Will is completely free during your lifetime. Fees apply later: an estate administration service fee paid from your estate after you pass, or a release fee if another provider administers your estate. Willzee Smart Start and Willzee Smart Managed are optional paid services if you want expert and legal support along the way.
How does Willzee make money?
We automate the work that normally takes a lawyer several hours, so our costs stay low enough to give every New Zealander a free Will. Our income comes later, from a single fee for looking after your estate. That fee is what keeps us running now, so we are here for your family when it matters.
When do Willzee charge any fees?
During your lifetime, only if you choose a paid service: Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245 once) or Willzee Smart Managed (NZ$245 a year). Creating and updating your Will with Willzee Free costs nothing. After you pass, the estate administration fee or release fee is paid from your estate by the executor before the final distribution to beneficiaries.
How much does Willzee charge?
A one-time estate administration fee applies: the greater of $5,800 or 1.0% of your estate's value, capped at $30,000. That single fee covers both Willzee's administration service and the legal work, carried out by Willzee's legal partner at Willzee's preferred rate, and itemised transparently on invoices to your executor. Willzee Smart Managed subscribers qualify for a 50% reduction where their subscription is current and has been held for more than 12 continuous months at the date of death. See 'What do I actually get for the estate administration fee?' for everything included.
What do I actually get for the estate administration fee?
A complete, managed administration of a standard estate. That covers applying to the High Court for probate or letters of administration, preparing your executor's affidavit, dealing with the Court and any standard requisitions it raises, collecting straightforward New Zealand assets, closing bank accounts and releasing funds on your executor's instructions, and preparing a final summary for your beneficiaries. Your executor has someone to talk to throughout. The legal work is carried out by Willzee's legal partner at Willzee's preferred rate, and every invoice itemises the Willzee service fee and the legal partner's fee separately. For comparison, independent guides put legal fees at $1,500 to $3,000 just to obtain probate on a straightforward estate, often with uncapped fees beyond that. Willzee's fee covers the whole standard administration, is disclosed upfront, capped at $30,000 and halved for qualifying Smart Managed subscribers.
How is my estate's value calculated for the fee?
The fee is based on all assets requiring administration, regardless of how they pass, including assets passing by Will, survivorship, nomination or intestacy. This reflects the work actually involved in administering the estate. The fee is the greater of $5,800 or 1.0% of that value, capped at $30,000. Qualifying Willzee Smart Managed subscribers pay half: the greater of $2,900 or 0.5%, capped at $15,000. Both fees cover Willzee's service and the legal partner's work at Willzee's preferred rate, itemised separately to your executor.
Do Willzee's fees include GST?
Yes. All published Willzee fees, including the estate administration fee, release fee, Willzee Smart Start and Willzee Smart Managed, are stated inclusive of GST.
What do lawyers charge?
Independent New Zealand guides put simple Wills at $300 to $600 and complex Wills at $800 to $2,000, with senior estate lawyers charging around $400 to $600 an hour. But the drafting fee is the small cost. The real expense usually arrives when the estate is administered: hourly legal fees plus disbursements, or percentage-based trustee fees, often without a cap. Willzee flips this model: creating and updating your Will is free, and the estate administration fee is disclosed upfront and capped.
What is Willzee Smart Start and do I need it?
Willzee Smart Start is a one-off service for NZ$245. It gives you up to an hour with a Willzee expert to review your situation and prepare your file, then a review of that file by Willzee's legal partner, who provides you a clear estimate before any further legal work. Nothing more is charged without your approval; additional legal work is billed by the legal partner directly at $287.50 per hour. Smart Start is worth considering if you own significant property or assets, have overseas assets, are in a de facto, blended or second relationship, have an existing trust or want to create one, or want to exclude a family member. If your situation is straightforward and you're confident completing your Will independently, Willzee Free is a complete option at no cost, and you can add Smart Start at any time.
Can I cancel Willzee Smart Managed, and what happens if I do?
You can cancel with at least 30 days' notice before your renewal date; otherwise the subscription renews automatically. Your Will, Schedules and Vault storage are unaffected and stay free for life. When your subscription ends, the benefits end with it: the standard estate administration fee applies, and legal partner access at the preferred rate closes. To rejoin later, you complete a new Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245) first, and the 12-month qualifying period for the estate fee reduction starts again from your new subscription date.
Can I add Willzee Smart Start later?
Yes, at any time. Your existing Foundation Will and Schedules carry straight over, and your Smart Start session reviews and strengthens what you've already created. After Smart Start, you can continue with Willzee Smart Managed if you want ongoing support.
Who provides the legal advice?
Willzee's legal partner, an independent New Zealand law firm. With Willzee Smart Start, Willzee's trained experts prepare your file, and the legal partner's review of it, including up to 15 minutes of reading and a clear estimate to you, is included in the fee. Any work beyond that is billed by the legal partner directly to you at $287.50 per hour, always agreed before it starts. Willzee is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
What if I choose a different executor or estate provider?
Your executor is your choice, and changing them costs nothing. If another provider administers your estate, whether chosen by your executor or anyone else entitled to act, a one-time release fee is paid to Willzee from your estate before anything is distributed. It is 65% of the estate administration fee that would otherwise have applied, no less than $3,770 and no more than $19,500. On a $1,000,000 estate that is $6,500 instead of $10,000. For qualifying Smart Managed subscribers it is 65% of the reduced fee, between $1,885 and $9,750. It covers your Will and your lifetime of updates, secure storage and estate readiness, and includes handing over your complete estate file within 10 business days. Your estate then pays that provider's own fees.
Are there any other fees I should know about?
Two to be aware of. If another provider administers your estate, a one-time release fee applies instead of the estate administration fee. It is 65% of that fee, between $3,770 and $19,500 (or $1,885 to $9,750 for qualifying Smart Managed subscribers), and includes handing over your complete estate file. And where complex legal work is required, such as trusts, contested matters or an application to validate an unsigned Will, it is carried out by Willzee's legal partner at Willzee's preferred rate of $287.50 an hour, always agreed with you or your executor before it starts. The same rate applies to any additional hours of Willzee's own services.
How does Willzee compare to a traditional lawyer or trustee company?
With a traditional lawyer, you pay for drafting and each update, and your estate later pays hourly fees of around $400 to $600 an hour, often uncapped. Trustee companies charge a share of the estate itself, and the law allows them up to 5% of its gross value. Willzee works differently. Willzee Free lets you create and update your Will at no cost. Willzee Smart Start (NZ$245, once) adds an expert session and a legal partner review, with a clear estimate before any further work, and Willzee Smart Managed (NZ$245 a year) keeps you supported. When the time comes, the estate administration fee is disclosed upfront and capped. On a $750,000 estate that is $7,500, or $3,750 with qualifying Smart Managed, where a trustee company charging the maximum would take $37,500.
Are there any ongoing or subscription costs?
With Willzee Free there are no subscription or renewal fees, ever. Your Will remains active and stored for your lifetime. Willzee Smart Managed is an optional subscription of NZ$245 a year, available after you complete a Willzee Smart Start. It includes an annual review with Willzee, access to Willzee's legal partner at $287.50 per hour, and eligibility for the 50% estate fee reduction once you have subscribed for more than 12 continuous months. If you cancel, your Will stays free and safe; only the subscription benefits end.
How does Willzee’s pricing adjust over time?
Fees are reviewed each 31 January against the Consumers Price Index (All Groups, NZ) and the cost of delivering our services. Where a change would materially affect an existing Will or paid service, we give at least 30 days notice, and changes apply prospectively only.
What is Willzee Smart Managed?
Willzee Smart Managed is an annual subscription for NZ$245 a year, payable in advance, available once you have completed a Willzee Smart Start. It includes an annual review with Willzee as your life circumstances change, continued access to Willzee's legal partner at $287.50 per hour, Enduring Power of Attorney, Advance Care Instructions and Contracting Out documents on demand, and eligibility for a 50% reduction on the estate administration fee. It can't be purchased on its own; Smart Start comes first.
How do I qualify for the 50% estate fee reduction?
Two conditions, both at the date of death: your Willzee Smart Managed subscription is current, and you have been subscribed for a continuous period of more than 12 months. If either isn't met, the standard fee applies. If your subscription lapses and you rejoin later, the 12 months starts again.
What does 'done now, paid later' mean?
It's how Willzee Free works. You create and update your Will now, at no cost, for your whole lifetime. Willzee is paid later, from your estate, when the work of administering it actually happens: either the estate administration fee if Willzee is engaged, or the release fee if another provider administers your estate.
What is the estate administration fee made up of?
The fee comprises two parts: a Willzee service fee for the platform, records and administration support, and a legal partner service fee for the legal work of administering the estate. Both are itemised separately on invoices to your executor, and the legal partner bills its component directly, as New Zealand law requires.
Data privacy
Is my data safe with Willzee?
Yes. Your information is encrypted in transit and at rest, and held with established cloud providers that are independently audited against recognised security standards, including SOC 2, and meet GDPR and the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. We use personal, time-limited access links instead of passwords, verify identity-related requests, and log and time-stamp every access. Your information is never sold, and access is limited to you, your authorised executors and, when required, Willzee's legal partner.
Who can access my Will or personal data?
Only you, your authorised executor(s), and, when required, Willzee's legal partner. During your lifetime, your file is shared with the legal partner only where you have purchased Willzee Smart Start and given your authority. After your death, the legal partner is involved in administering your estate. Every access is logged and time-stamped.
Can I update or delete my information?
Yes. You can update your Will or schedules at any time. If you decide to move your Will elsewhere, just let us know. We’ll safely close your record and remove your personal information from active systems.
How long does Willzee keep my information?
Your information is retained securely for the lifetime of your account and estate record. After administration is complete, records will be archived or deleted in accordance with NZ privacy requirements.
What happens if there’s a data breach?
In the unlikely event of a breach, Willzee will notify affected users and the NZ Privacy Commissioner as required by law, and take immediate steps to protect and restore your information.
After you pass
Who can notify Willzee if I pass away?
Anyone, including friends, family, or someone searching for your Will can notify Willzee. It’s a simple way to ensure your wishes are followed, even if they don't have direct access to your documents.
What is Search for a Will?
If you believe someone who has passed away may have held a Will with Willzee, anyone can use the Search for a Will form to ask us to check. We verify the request, and where a record exists we contact the named executor. It's the fastest way to make sure a person's wishes are found and followed.
What happens after someone notifies Willzee of a death?
First, we’ll attempt to reach out to you to confirm; just in case the report was a mistake. If we don’t hear back, we’ll then contact your executor and the beneficiaries named in your Will.
How does Willzee help after my death?
Once your death is confirmed and we receive a verified death certificate, we’ll support your executor to carry out your wishes. This includes help with legal steps like applying for a Grant of Probate, settling any debts and distributing your estate in accordance with your wishes. The estate administration fee included for Willzee customers comprises a Willzee service fee and a legal partner service fee, itemised separately on invoices to your executor. Standard administration includes the probate application, court filings and communication with the High Court, executor support, collection of New Zealand-based assets, closing financial accounts, and a final administration summary. Any out-of-scope legal work is carried out at Willzee's preferred rate, agreed with your executor before it starts.
Do I have to use Willzee to administer my estate?
No. From the moment you complete your Foundation Will, Willzee is your preferred estate administration partner unless you record a different preference, and your executor always keeps the final decision. If another provider administers your estate, a release fee applies.
