Duncan Craig LLP

Before you call about wills, estates & power of attorney

General guidance for this kind of matter, not advice about your situation and not specific to this firm.

Questions worth asking

• Do I need a will, an enduring power of attorney and a personal directive, and what does each one do?
• Can one lawyer handle my will, my enduring power of attorney and my personal directive together?
• If I later need help with a family or property matter, could the same firm act?
• What will it cost to draft, and what could it cost my executor to administer the estate later?

How this work is usually billed

Wills and powers of attorney are commonly flat-fee, often priced as a package. Estate administration and probate are usually hourly or a quoted fixed fee, so ask which applies and get it in writing.

What to have ready

A list of your assets and debts, the people you want as executor, guardian and attorney, any existing documents, and beneficiary designations on insurance and registered accounts. If you already have a will, bring the original or a copy so the firm can tell you what needs updating.