Do You Need to Hire Toronto Estate Lawyers to Make a Will?

Many of us who live relatively simple lives, with very few assets and some with no children, are likely to think that we don’t have to use the services of Toronto estate lawyers to write a last will and testament. The truth of the matter is that a will is a legal document and one wrong word or one missing signature can change its entire intention or purpose. So, it really helps to have an experienced attorney to guide and advise you in making such an important legal document in order to avoid unnecessary complications.

However, estate lawyers can charge very hefty fees depending on where you live. In Ontario, for instance, lawyers will charge fees ranging from $278 to $510 to do a simple will. It’s perfectly understandable that many Canadians want to find a cost-effective way to get their will done.

Here are some compromise solutions:

Using Attorney Packages

Some lawyers who specialize in estate matters offer estate planning packages or will packages.  You can choose from a Basic package which includes a personalized last will that is made specific to your state with free revisions of up to 30 days, a Comprehensive package which includes attorney consultations on your estate legal matters for up to 30 days, and an Estate Plan Bundle which includes additional services for a Financial Power of Attorney, a Living Will, end-of-life wishes and a Healthcare Power of Attorney. Some lawyers only offer one set that includes a last will and testament, a power of attorney, and a living will that are customized for your state. A will package can cost from C$29.99 up to C$105.80, depending on the package you avail. Although you don’t consult in person with an attorney, will packages are still reviewed and approved by lawyers based on your answers to a series of questions.

Attorney Consultation

Another cost efficient way to make a will is to use ready-made forms that are sold in stores or create one online in trusted and reliable lawyer websites, and then to just have a quick consultation with an attorney to review your completed document. This way you can pay the lawyer by the hour, which will be generally cheaper than paying a flat fee for consultation and writing a will and other basic estate planning documents. Hourly billing rates can range from $100 an hour up to $400 an hour or more, depending on where you live and the lawyer’s experience. An estate lawyer will be more knowledgeable and efficient than a general practitioner, and will probably charge more but paying for good advice to make sure that your will is  legally valid may be worth your peace of mind.

Legal Aid

All states offer legal aid to low-income individuals who need a basic will to address specific concerns relating to guardianship of their children as well as financial issues. The services are not totally free but the average cost is usually minimal.

A will, like any legal document, is not set in stone. Laws change, and your will needs to be updated and reviewed to reflect these changes, otherwise details can be contested in court. For this reason, you need to make sure to consult with Toronto estate lawyers in any way you can afford to in order to get the guidance and advice you need when creating your estate planning documents.