Everyone loves the idea of getting something for nothing! The NSW Trustee & Guardian will prepare your will for free, providing you appoint the NSW Trustee & Guardian as your executor!
A solicitor most often charges for preparing your will. However, a solicitor will also consider whether you need an enduring power of attorney and an appointment of enduring guardian. You can nominate your own executor, such as your husband or wife, adult children or a trusted friend or relative. Your executor will then be someone who has knowledge of your personal circumstances.
On your death, a solicitor will charge for preparing the probate grant from the Supreme Court, just as will the NSW Trustee & Guardian if appointed as your executor. The solicitor’s scale fees for obtaining the probate grant are much less than the charges made by the NSW Trustee & Guardian. Here is a comparison of fees charged.
*Solicitors’ scale fees are for obtaining a grant of probate. There maybe some additional fees payable for administering the estate. You can talk to your solicitor about their fees.
Think carefully if you think you are obtaining a free will… it may cost your beneficiaries a lot more later on. We at Matthews Williams are available to help you.