Our Fees

Estate Planning

The Estate House can usually provide standard estate planning services (which include preparation, review and execution of one couple’s Wills, Personal Directives and Enduring Powers of Attorney) for as little as $750 plus G.S.T.  Exact costs will be determined at the estate review.  Additional fees apply if the estate planning needs are more complicated.

We are not the lowest cost alternative for estate planning legal advice.  We believe however that the fees we charge provide excellent value given our experience and the quality of advice that we are able to provide to our clients.

Estate Administration

For core legal services, The Estate House charges fees in accordance with the fee guideline that has been adopted by the legal profession.  These guidelines are as follows:

  • For estates with a gross value of up to $150,000, we charge a base fee of $2,250 plus one-half of one percent of the gross value of the estate.
  • For estates with a gross value over $150,000, we charge a base fee of $2,250 plus one percent of the gross value of the estate.

For non-core legal services, The Estate House charges for services on the basis of time spent. Our current hourly rates are as follows:

  • Douglas G. Gorman, TEP (Lawyer) – $300 per hour
  • David J. Koski (Lawyer) – $275 per hour
  • Bryn A. Clarke (Lawyer) – $190 per hour
  • Christine E.P. Bishop (Lawyer) – $160 per hour

Dependent Adult

Our fees for assisting with dependent adult matters are charged on a time-recorded basis. It has been our experience that a standard application for guardianship and/or trusteeship will cost anywhere from $1500 - $2000. Applications by Trustees to pass their accounts may cost more, depending upon how extensive the accounts are.

All services provided to you by The Estate House will be supervised by a responsible lawyer. The responsible lawyer will delegate responsibilities as appropriate to ensure that services are provided to you by individuals with the appropriate expertise and the hourly rates to best serve you cost effectively.