Where can I get legal help with wills, powers of attorney, and managing an estate?

This question gives you information on where to find a lawyer when you have questions about:

• wills and powers of attorney,
• estate planning, or
• being an estate trustee.

It also has information on where you can find free or low-cost help if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Making a will or powers of attorney

It's a good idea to get legal help from an estates lawyer if you want to make:

• a will
• a power of attorney for property to let someone you trust make decisions about your property
• a power of attorney for personal care to let someone you trust make personal care decisions for you if you become mentally incapable.

An estates lawyer can also advise you about how to reduce probate fees.

You may also want to speak with a financial adviser, accountant, or your financial institution if you have a large or complicated estate.

Being an estate trustee

An estates lawyer can advise you if someone made you their estate trustee or attorney in a power of attorney. They can tell you what your responsibilities are and manage your legal risk.

They can also give you legal advice if your loved one died without a will and you want to apply to become their estate trustee.

Other types of help

An estates lawyer can help in other situations too. For example, a person supporting you financially may have died and left you nothing in their will. An estates lawyer can tell you if you can make a claim for support from the estate.