Probate (a term coming from a Latin word meaning ‘proof’) is the procedure by which the courts recognise a will as authentic.

The executors of the will must obtain probate from the court so that they have authority to deal with assets (and liabilities) of the person who has died and to enable distribution of the estate in accordance with the will. The Registrar of the High Court carries out probate after receiving an application from the executors.

This task involves establishing that it was in fact the testator (the maker of the will) who died, that the will was properly signed and attested, and that executors have been appointed.  For advice on estate matters we would recommend that you contact your solicitor or an organisation such as the Public Trust.

www.catholicfunerals.co.nz
For those of the Catholic faith, the Catholic Funerals website has been designed with the support of the Archdiocese of Wellington. This website allows you to plan a Funeral Mass; it provides you with all of the approved Bible readings, as well as many hymns. The website also sets out the Catholic Church’s approved policies in relation to funerals within the Church. As well as creating an electronic plan for a Funeral Mass with the ‘Funeral Mass Planner Guide’, you can save your plan to your computer, or email it to family, friends or the priest who is participating in the funeral.

www.ecofunerals.co.nz
The Eco Funerals website responds to the growing awareness of our impact on the environment, including the way we leave this world. Some people want to personalise their funerals while considering how their choices affect the environment. This website explains the eco-friendly funeral options available to you, and helps you to make well-informed choices. Eco Funerals recognises that our own funeral marks the end of our call on the earth’s resources and, just as in life, involves a number of choices that can impact, to a greater or lesser degree, on the environment. These choices include whether or not to embalm, the type of casket to use, and burial or cremation.

www.funeral-link.co.nz
With the arrival of international ownership of a number of NZ funeral companies, Funeral-Link New Zealand was set up to assist NZ–owned funeral directors. It provides a central reference point for information relating to funerals and offers assistance when a bereavement occurs. You can be assured that all of the companies listed on this site are 100% New Zealand owned. We believe that it is important to deal with locally owned funeral companies. When you are working with a member of Funeral-Link anywhere in New Zealand, as identified on this website, you have the assurance that you are dealing with local people who care about their communities.