Choosing someone you trust
An executor plays a big role in carrying out your wishes and settling your estate, so it’s important to name someone you trust.
Every will needs an executor
Your executor is responsible for administering your estate and carrying out the wishes in your will. You can appoint a trusted person, or a trustee organisation, such as Public Trust, to help ensure your estate is managed professionally, impartially and with care.
Being an executor is a big responsibility. Your executor must be over the age of 18 and of sound mind, and someone you trust to handle the legal and financial matters. You can appoint one or more executors, including a family member, friend or organisation.
It's a good idea to name a backup executor, in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to act.
What’s involved
An executor is responsible for managing and settling your estate. This can include:
Paying funeral expenses from the estate and other urgent costs
Applying for probate, which is the court authorisation to administer your estate
Taking an inventory of all your assets
Distributing assets to the people you want to receive them
Paying bills, closing accounts and doing admin, like income tax returns
Managing any claims made against your estate
Managing any "rights to use" set up in your will.
Because the role can be time consuming, complex and emotionally demanding, and can involve legal liability, it’s important to choose your executor carefully.
Executor responsibilities made easy with Public Trust
You can choose to name Public Trust to be your executor when you make your will. We specialise in estate administration services, helping to ease the burden on family or friends who might otherwise take on this demanding and sometimes complicated role.
If you name Public Trust, you can be assured experienced, independent probate specialists will manage the entire process from start to finish. Your loved ones will benefit from pricing clearly explained at the start, and the reassurance of having our team of probate specialists that are supported by New Zealand-based lawyers, accountants and investment advisors to help ensure your wishes are followed.
Why choose Public Trust as your executor?
Faster access to funds: We can call in some assets straight after death, so urgent bills like insurance and funeral costs may be able to be paid without waiting for probate—protecting property and easing financial stress for your family.
Faster administration for smaller estates: If your estate is under $120,000, we can file a simpler application, speeding things up and lowering court costs from $269 to just $40.
Clear pricing from the start: At the start, we’ll give you a clear plan outlining the steps we take, and an estimate of the time and costs involved. Our fees are based on the work we do, not a value of the estate. We charge a combination of fixed fees for the standard work we complete for all estates and hourly rates for additional work.
Access to discounted services: We pass on savings from trusted third parties like real estate agents and property clearers.
What does it cost?
Public Trust charges to complete estate administration work. Our fees are based on the work we do, not the value of the estate. At the start, we’ll give your beneficiaries a clear plan outlining the steps we’ll take, and an estimate of the time and costs involved.
View our price list here to learn more about our fees and charges.
Customer quotes
Trusted by New Zealanders since 1873. Public Trust is here to support all your will and probate needs every step of the way.