Fees & Services
Flat Fee Plans
The following is a sample of packages offered for estate planning and family services. Please note that these listed fees are only an estimate and will vary depending on the complexity of your unique circumstances.
I believe in full transparency regarding my fees and will always try to quote you a flat fee estimate based on the nature of the legal services you need. That way, you will know exactly how much your legal services will cost and can budget accordingly. The flat-fee arrangement also encourages attorney-client communication because you never have to worry about getting charged for contacting me with a quick question – all communications are included.
For Wills and Powers of Attorney, couples price applies to both legally married and common-law couples and includes two sets of documents.
Legal fees do not include administrative expenses and other charges called charges and disbursements.
The Essentials Estate Plan
The Essentials Plan offers foundational protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, this plan includes a Will that makes an outright distribution to your beneficiaries, and an Enduring Power of Attorney for Property and Personal Care with Healthcare Directives that appoint Attorneys to make medical decisions and handle your financial affairs during your incapacity.
The Essentials Plan is ideal for clients with uncomplicated Estates seeking a straightforward approach to Estate planning.
This Plan Includes:
- Will with Affidavit of Execution of a Will
- Letter of Intentions (ex. funerals, organ donation, disposition of personal property, charitable donations)
- Letter of Directions (ex. care of animals, disposition of home or cottage)
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care with or without Health Care Directives
Legal Fees:
- $ 950.00 Individual
- $1,450.00 Couples
The Family Estate Plan
By ensuring responsible management of your children’s inheritance the Family Estate Plan empowers you to safeguard your children’s inheritance and provide for their financial well-being.
This Plan Includes:
- Will with Affidavit of Execution of a Will
- Letter of Intentions (ex. funerals, organ donation, disposition of personal property, charitable donations)
- Letter of Direction (ex. care of animals, disposition of home or cottage)
- Testamentary trust (including for a minor or a disabled person)
- Guardianship Agreement for minor or disabled child
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care with or without Health Care Directives
Legal Fees:
- $1,450.00 Individual
- $1,950.00 Couples
The Family Legacy Estate Plan
By creating a comprehensive roadmap for the management and distribution of your estate, the Family Legacy Estate Plan empowers you to secure your family’s legacy for generations to come.
This Plan Includes:
- Will with Affidavit of Execution of a Will
- Letter of Intentions (ex. funerals, organ donation, disposition of personal property, charitable donations)
- Letter of Direction (ex. care of animals, disposition of home or cottage)
- Trusts (all kind)
- Guardian Agreement for minor or disabled child
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs
- Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care with or without healthcare directive
Legal Fees:
- $2,450.00 Individual
- $2,950.00 Couples
The Business Succession Plan
A well-crafted Business Succession Plan not only protects your interests as business owner but also provides clarity and security for all stakeholders, preserving the company’s legacy for future generations.
This Plan Includes:
- Buy-Sell Agreement
- Wills with Affidavit of Execution
- Testamentary trust
- Shareholder Agreement
- Employment Contracts and Management Agreement
- Powers of Attorney – to designate a trusted individual to take control and make decisions
- Consideration for continuity plans and corporate strategies
- Considerations of Trust – to facilitate a smoother transition and protect assets
- Considerations of Life Insurance – to protect from financial loss or for Buy-Sell funding
- Consideration for Tax planning strategies
Legal Fees:
- $3,500.00
Legal Fees will vary based on the level of complexity, planning customization and legal expertise required.
Estate Administration
Some of the basic services involved are:
- Providing a legal opinion on the validity of the will.
- Applying for letters probate or administration.
- Preparing an estate inventory.
If you want more assistance, I can help with:
- communicating with banks and insurance companies to determine assets
- placing values on assets
- notifying beneficiaries
- transmitting real estate from the deceased to the estate
- arranging for insurance of vacant premises
- collecting estate assets
- paying bills and expenses
- calculating your executor’s fee
- communicating with impatient beneficiaries
- carrying out an interim distribution
- instructing an accountant regarding tax returns and Clearance Certificates
- preparing the executor’s accounting
- final distribution of the estate
Legal Fees:
- Based on time and complexity + disbursements
Applications for Probate / Administration
When someone has passed away, often Letters of Probate or Administration are required in order for the estate to be dealt with. I can help you obtain either Letters of Probate or Administration.
This service includes meeting with the Executor or Applicant for administration, reviewing the estate, determining the value of the estate, obtaining all necessary consents and renunciations, completing the application to the court, executing and filing the application, and obtaining the completed Letters of Probate or Letters of Administration. I will also review with you what the role of Executor or Administrator entails, and how to get started.
I will not apply to appoint myself as the Administrator of an estate.
Legal Fees:
- Graduated fee schedule (min. $350) + court filing fee and probate tax
Other Legal Fees And Services:
- Expenses and Allocated Charges (also called disbursements) are in addition to the legal fees below. should read “above”.
Legal Consultation / Independent Legal Advice
We can discuss your legal questions or concerns without any obligation to hire me for further services. Whether it’s related to estates, wills, family, business, employment, or other legal matters, I am happy to provide as much or as little help as you need during a one-time consultation.
The fee for the consultation includes a written summary of what was discussed, and the cost remains the same if the length of the meeting exceeds one (1) hour, up to a maximum of two (2) hours. While these sessions sometimes lead to clients retaining my services for additional work, the intention is to give you the opportunity to ask questions without any pressure to retain my services.
Any follow-up work after the consultation will be charged at an hourly rate or according to the plan or agreement which I will clarify with you beforehand.
Legal Fees:
- $250 : This fee is the same whether the consult is one hour, up to two hours. I do not offer free consultation.
Deed Transfer
Often wrapping up an estate includes passing property from one person to another or removing someone’s name from the title of a house.
My fee includes completing the Deed Transfer, the application, and filing the forms with the Land Titles office. Once the document has been registered, I will provide you with the certificate of registered ownership (CRO).
As well, the Land Titles office charges an application fee on all documents. I will provide you with an estimate of the fee before I file the document. Any Registry fees that I pay on your behalf will be charged to you separately from the fee for creating the document.
Please note that I only accept Deeds that arise from an estate or family matter. I do not practice general real estate law.
Legal Fees:
- $500 + Registry fee and tax
Other Legal Fees and Services
| Fee Estimate* (subject to change) | |
|---|---|
| Simple Will | Individuals $750 Couples $950 |
| Appointment of Guardian | $250 |
| Enduring Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs | Individuals $350 Couples $500 |
| Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care | Individuals $350 Couples $500 |
| Health Care Directives | Individuals $150 Couples $200 |
| Domestic Contract/Agreement (Marriage, Cohabitation, Parenting) | $850+ |
| Civil Marriage | $350 – $500 |
| Separation Agreement or Divorce (uncontested) | $1,500+ |
| Application for Adoption | $750+ |
| Appointment of Decision-Making Assistant | $250 |
| Application for Decision-Making Supporter or Representative | $1,500+ |
| Notarizing of documents (if less than 15 minutes) | $50 |
* Expenses and Allocated Charges (also called disbursements) are in addition to the legal fees below.
Price Quotes
I will always do my best to provide you with the most precise quote that I can depending on the situation, the time I anticipate working on your file, and my hourly fee. For any price quoted, I reserve the right to charge an additional fee if the work is described to me at the beginning as being “basic” but turns out to be much more complex. I will always check with you before doing anything over and above what we discussed.
A deposit (retainer) may be required before I start working on your file.
All prices are subject to HST.
Paying Online
I accept Electronic Funds Transfers (eTransfer), Cheques, Mastercard, Visa.