Lawyer Fees & Legal Costs in New Zealand
Complete guide to understanding and comparing legal fees
Average Legal Fees 2024
Hourly Rates by Experience
Common Fixed Fee Services
Legal Costs by Practice Area
Family Law
- • Divorce (uncontested): $2,500-5,000
- • Divorce (contested): $10,000-30,000+
- • Child custody: $5,000-15,000
- • Property settlement: $3,000-10,000
- • Hourly rate: $350-600/hour
Property Law
- • House purchase: $1,200-2,500
- • House sale: $800-1,500
- • Commercial property: $2,500-8,000
- • Lease agreements: $800-2,000
- • Hourly rate: $300-500/hour
Criminal Law
- • DUI defence: $3,000-8,000
- • Theft charges: $2,500-6,000
- • Serious charges: $10,000-50,000+
- • Court appearance: $1,500-3,000/day
- • Hourly rate: $350-650/hour
Business Law
- • Company setup: $800-2,000
- • Contract drafting: $1,000-3,000
- • Business sale: $5,000-20,000
- • Employment matters: $2,000-8,000
- • Hourly rate: $400-700/hour
Employment Law
- • Personal grievance: $3,000-10,000
- • Employment agreement: $500-1,200
- • Mediation representation: $1,500-4,000
- • ERA hearing: $3,000-8,000
- • Hourly rate: $350-600/hour
Immigration Law
- • Visa application: $1,500-5,000
- • Residence application: $3,000-8,000
- • Appeal/review: $5,000-15,000
- • Deportation defence: $8,000-25,000
- • Hourly rate: $300-550/hour
How to Reduce Legal Costs
Before Hiring a Lawyer
- • Shop around and compare quotes
- • Ask about fixed fee options
- • Inquire about free consultations
- • Check if you qualify for legal aid
- • Consider community law centres
- • Look for lawyers offering payment plans
Working with Your Lawyer
- • Be organized with documents
- • Prepare questions in advance
- • Respond promptly to requests
- • Use junior lawyers for routine work
- • Consider limited scope representation
- • Try to settle disputes early
Free & Low-Cost Legal Help
Legal Aid
Government-funded legal assistance for those who qualify based on income and assets.
- • Family Court matters
- • Criminal charges
- • Immigration issues
- • Some civil cases
Community Law Centres
Free legal advice and information from volunteer lawyers.
- • Initial advice sessions
- • Legal information
- • Referrals to specialists
- • Self-help resources
Other Options
- • Free initial consultations
- • Pro bono (free) services
- • Law society referral services
- • Online legal tools
- • Court duty lawyers
- • Citizen's Advice Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers charge per hour in New Zealand?
Lawyer hourly rates range from $250-800 per hour. Graduate lawyers charge $250-300/hour, while senior partners and QCs charge $600-800/hour. The average rate is around $350-400/hour.
What are typical legal fees for common services?
House purchase: $1,200-2,500, Will writing: $300-800, Uncontested divorce: $2,500-5,000, Employment dispute: $3,000-10,000, Criminal defence: $5,000-20,000.
Can I get free legal help in New Zealand?
Yes, options include Legal Aid for qualifying income, Community Law Centres, free initial consultations, pro bono services, and duty lawyers at courts.
What's the difference between fixed fees and hourly rates?
Fixed fees are set prices for specific services (e.g. $1,500 for house purchase). Hourly rates charge for actual time spent. Fixed fees provide cost certainty for routine matters.
Find Affordable Lawyers in Your Area
Compare quotes from qualified lawyers and find the best value for your legal needs.