WILLS & ESTATES

One of AzPerLegal Services’ areas of expertise lies in assisting with the preparation of Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives (Living Wills) for individuals/couples. While the normal layperson can draft up these documents, i.e., “the Will kits”, there are many pitfalls to doing so which can lead to difficulties in carrying out the terms of those documents when they come into effect. As a paralegal firm, we have the benefit of a wealth of legal knowledge and practical experience. We are a mobile service and are more than happy to meet with you at a location of your choosing to answer any questions or concerns you may have and to properly assist you in preparing these documents. We are also well connected to assist you with any estate planning questions you may have.

Fee Schedule

Paralegal Services (for a standard document) • Single (plus GST) • Joint (plus GST)

Will only – $400.00 – $600.00
Enduring Power of Attorney or Personal Directive (Living Will) – $225.00 – $325.00
All three – Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive – $600.00 – $800.00
Any two of Will, Enduring Power of Attorney or Personal Directive – $500.00 – $700.00
Codicil to Will – $225.00 – $325.00
Specific Power of Attorney – $225.00 – $325.00
General Power of Attorney – $275.00 – $375.00

Probating A Will

What does it mean to probate a Will? The Personal Representative (the executor) named in the deceased’s Will helps to determine the value of the deceased’s belongings, pay the pending taxes and bills, and distribute what remains of his/her Estate to the named beneficiaries. All this is done through submission of a series of documents to the Surrogate Court for review and subsequent approval.

Before probating the Will, the Personal Representative (executor) must ensure he or she is in possession of the most current Will. Throughout the probate process, the Personal Representative must keep an accurate record of any funds coming into the Estate (reimbursements, survivor benefit, etc.) as well as disbursements of Estate funds. As the Personal Representative, you are held accountable to perform the tasks of the Deceased as they would have wanted them performed.

Administering an Estate

What is meant by administering an Estate? A personal representative (executor) is the person legally appointed to perform the administration of the Deceased’s Estate and is entrusted to collect the assets of the Estate, pay any remaining debts from the Deceased’s Estate, and distribute whatever assets are remaining to the beneficiaries.

If someone dies without a Will in place, then a family member or Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee may be appointed by the Court to administer the estate.

The amount of time it takes to administer an Estate will depend on the size and complexity of the Deceased’s total assets including real property, personal belongings, vehicles, business interests and investments.

Probate and Estate Services at AzPerLegal

Why do you want to use our services? We understand that you may not want to deal with the paperwork of probating a Will and administering an Estate after the death of a loved one. We know it is often difficult to comprehend the ins and outs of the legal system. We can help take the stress off you by handling the affairs of a Deceased loved one’s Estate ensuring all necessary documents are submitted to the Surrogate Court on your behalf. You can rely on AzPerLegal to help get you through this difficult time.

Fees & Disbursements

Paralegal Services – Fees

For Estates up to $150,000.00 – $1,600.00 plus disbursements
For Estates over $150,000.00 – $1,900.00 plus disbursements
*AzPerLegal reserves the right to increase its fees if there are more than two beneficiaries*

Court Filing Fees

Court Filing Fees as determined by net value of Estate (if net of value of Estate is):
$10,000 & under – $35.00
$10,001 to $25,000 – $135.00
$25,001 to $125,000 – $275.00
$125,001 – $250,000 – $400.00
$250,001 and above – $525.00
Plus applicable disbursements such as advertising, delivery, etc. as required