Free Legal Help in New Zealand

Quick guidance: The services below are independent of Will Builder NZ. We provide links and summaries for convenience only.

Community Law Centres

Community Law provides free legal help across New Zealand. They offer legal information, initial advice, and practical help for many everyday issues. Services are delivered by local law centres and are often means-tested or prioritised for people who need it most.

Summary only. Refer to Community Law for full, current details.

Justice of the Peace (JP)

JPs are volunteers who can witness and certify documents, take statutory declarations and affidavits, and help with document verification. They do not provide legal advice or charge fees.

  • Find a JP: justiceofthepeace.org.nz
  • Common JP services: witnessing signatures, certifying copies, statutory declarations, affidavits.
  • Bring valid ID and original documents; check local service desk hours.
Summary only. Refer to Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Associations for full, current details.

When to Use These Services

  • You need free initial legal guidance or information.
  • You need a document witnessed or certified (e.g., for probate or estate matters).
  • You’re unsure where to start and need a referral to the right place.

Tip: Take your will, ID, and any supporting documents with you. For legal advice on complex estates, consider engaging a lawyer.