[coghlan]

How common is it for lawyers to charge a % to process an application for probate?

Like, shouldn't this be just a flat-fee service for most people (bank accounts and a will)?

I think many people are unaware that, although their lawyer charged $200 to make their will, they can charge thousands when it comes to applying for probate.

 

[msimms]

How common is it for lawyers to charge a % to process an application for probate?

Like, shouldn't this be just a flat-fee service for most people (bank accounts and a will)?

I think many people are unaware that, although their lawyer charged $200 to make their will, they can charge thousands when it comes to applying for probate.

Last lawyer I used charged a flat rate of $120/hr (for non-court days). I live in Vancouver.

 

[iherald]

How common is it for lawyers to charge a % to process an application for probate?

Like, shouldn't this be just a flat-fee service for most people (bank accounts and a will)?

I think many people are unaware that, although their lawyer charged $200 to make their will, they can charge thousands when it comes to applying for probate.

There is a pretty big difference between making a will and applying for probate. So to suggest that this is somehow wrong suggests that you do not know all the steps necessary to probate a will. On simple cases it may be something you can do cheaply, but it's much more difficult than drafting a will.

As to the original question, I don't know lawyers who charge a percentage unless they are administrators of the will. Then you usually receive 2.5% of the money coming in and 2.5% of the money going out (5% of the estate).

 

[OhGreatGuru]

You may also be confusing the lawyer's fees with the probate fees. The probate fees are charged by the provincial probate courts, are payable on application for probate, and are based on the value of the estate. But you may be making the cheque out to the lawyer, who pays the fees from your account with him.