Estate Planning

in Halifax, Nova Scotia

At Ross Estate Law, we believe estate planning is more than just drafting documents—it's about building peace of mind and protecting your family's future. Based in Halifax and serving clients throughout Nova Scotia, we help individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that reflect their values, secure their assets, and ensure their wishes are respected.

Estate planning isn't only for the elderly or the wealthy. Whether you are a young professional, a parent of growing children, or approaching retirement, having an estate plan in place ensures your loved ones are cared for and your decisions are clear. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and personal care directives, we guide you through every step with clarity and compassion.

Our estate planning services include:

  • Drafting wills that clearly outline how your assets will be distributed.

  • Creating trusts to protect and grow family wealth.

  • Establishing powers of attorney for financial and medical decision-making.

  • Preparing personal care directives to guide healthcare choices.

  • Coordinating with financial planners to align your estate with long-term goals.

Why Nova Scotians choose Ross Estate Law:

Imagine a couple in their early 40s, raising two children in Halifax, with a mortgage, some savings, and modest investments. They assume estate planning is something to deal with later in life. However, if one parent were suddenly unable to make decisions due to illness or accident, their family could face significant legal and financial challenges. By working with Ross Estate Law, they are able to create wills, name guardians for their children, set up powers of attorney, and prepare healthcare directives—ensuring their children are protected and decisions are made according to their wishes.

  • Local expertise in Halifax and across Nova Scotia's estate laws.

  • A personalized, step-by-step process to simplify complex decisions.

  • Compassionate guidance that reduces stress and family conflict.

  • A focus on protecting both your wealth and your loved ones' well-being.

Estate planning isn't something to put off until later—it's an essential part of protecting your family at every stage of life. Whether you're just starting a career, raising a family, or planning for retirement, Ross Estate Law will help you build a plan that grows with you.

Probate Legal Services

$300/hr

Per Person

Full-service support for obtaining court authority to administer an estate

Preparation and filing of:

  • Application for Probate (with a Will)
  • Application for Administration (without a Will)

Guidance through each stage of the probate process, including:

  • Court procedures and timelines
  • Legal obligations of a personal representative

Coordination of required notices, including:

  • Advertising in the Royal Gazette once the grant is issued

Preparation and filing of additional court documents as needed

Ongoing legal advice to ensure compliance and reduce risk throughout the process

Executor Legal Services

$300/hr

Per Person

Practical, step-by-step guidance for executors navigating estate administration

Initial meeting with a lawyer to review:

  • The terms of the Will (if applicable)
  • Your duties, timelines, and legal obligations as executor
  • Key risks and how to manage them effectively

Ongoing support for executors who need assistance or prefer to delegate tasks

Ideal for out-of-province clients or those unable to administer the estate themselves

Services may include:

  • Coordinating with an accountant to prepare and file final tax returns
  • Advertising in the Royal Gazette
  • Preparing and filing the inventory after probate is granted
  • Assistance with government benefits, pensions, and death benefits

Flexible, as-needed legal support tailored to the complexity of the estate

Estate Planning Meeting

$500 + HST

Per Person

Two-hour, one-on-one meeting with an experienced estates lawyer

Comprehensive review of your personal and financial circumstances

Guidance on:

  • Family dynamics and gifting intentions
  • Estate asset structure and distribution planning
  • Joint ownership: when it helps—and when it doesn't
  • Choosing the right executor, attorney, and delegate

Detailed discussion of Powers of Attorney, including:

  • Who can and cannot be appointed
  • The scope of authority and powers granted
  • Practical safeguards to reduce the risk of financial abuse

Thoughtful discussion of:

  • Guardianship planning for minor children (includes a practical workbook for parents)
  • Pet care provisions
  • Probate planning—strategies to minimize it and reasons it may be beneficial

Introduction to advanced planning tools, including family trusts

Optional in-depth Personal Directive questionnaire to support future decision-making

Basic Estate Documents

$900 + HST

Per Person

Professionally drafted, customized core estate planning documents:

  • Last Will & Testament
  • Power of Attorney
  • Personal Directive

Supporting documents (as applicable):

  • Joint Property Memorandum
  • Personal Property Memorandum
  • Pet Memorandum
  • Guardianship Agreement (for parents of minor children)
  • Mutual Provisions Agreement (for couples)
  • Wishes Document to guide your executor

Tailored to reflect your goals, family circumstances, and legal best practices

Clear, practical language to ensure your wishes are easy to follow

Trust Planning

$2,000–$7,000 + HST

Per Person

Advanced estate planning solutions tailored to your needs and goals

Explore whether a trust structure is right for you during your planning meeting

Advice and implementation of options such as:

  • Inter vivos (living) trusts
  • Family trusts
  • Alter ego and joint partner trusts
  • Charitable foundations and giving strategies

Designed to support:

  • Tax efficiency
  • Asset protection
  • Probate planning
  • Long-term wealth management and legacy goals

Fully customized structures developed in collaboration with your lawyer and, where appropriate, your financial and tax advisors

Estate Plan

$900+HST

Per Person

  • Last Will & Testament

  • Enduring Power of Attorney

  • Medical Directive

  • Signing Meeting

  • 50% discount for all future updates to documents drafted by Ross Estate Law

Enduring Power of Attorney & Personal Directive

$700+HST

Per Person

  • Enduring Power of Attorney

  • Medical Directive

  • Signing Meeting

  • 50% discount for all future updates to documents drafted by Ross Estate Law

Planning Meeting

$500+HST

Per Person

  • Two hour in person meeting

  • Living preferences focusing on values and goals

  • Comprehensive needs analysis

  • Personalized path forward

  • Bullet List 4

  • Bullet List 5

Contact

Ready to Get Started?

Let's discuss your family's unique needs and create a plan that gives you confidence in your decisions.

Ross Estate Law

Trusted legal support.

  • Location: 99 Wyse Road, Suite 1100 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3A 4S5

quick links

Business hours

monday: 8am - 5pm

tuesday: 8am - 5pm

wednesday: 8am - 5pm

thursday: 8am - 5pm

friday: 8am - 5pm

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