Why does everyone need a Power of Attorney and Personal Directive?

Because they protect you while you're alive. If illness or an accident ever left you unable to make decisions, a Power of Attorney lets someone you trust manage your finances and property, and a Personal Directive lets someone make medical and personal-care decisions on your behalf. Without them, your family may have to apply to the court for that authority — a slower, costlier process at an already hard time.

What's the difference between a Will, a Power of Attorney, and a Personal Directive?

A Will says what happens to your estate after you pass away, and names the person who'll carry out your wishes. A Power of Attorney covers your finances and property if you're alive but unable to manage them yourself. A Personal Directive covers medical and personal-care decisions in that same situation. Most people benefit from having all three.

What is probate, and will I need it?

Probate (a Grant of Probate) is a court process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor authority to act. Not every estate needs it — it depends on the assets involved, since some institutions and property transfers require a grant and others don't. If you're administering an estate and aren't sure, I can help you figure out whether it's necessary.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

In Alberta, their estate is distributed according to a formula set out in law rather than their personal wishes, and the court appoints someone to administer it. It often takes longer and costs more — a big part of why having a will matters.

Can you just review the will I already have?

Absolutely. I offer a document review service for $50 + GST. Send me your current documents and any questions, and I'll help you decide whether anything needs updating — no need to start over if what you have still works.

Wills, Estates & Probate in Cold Lake

I offer plain-language help with wills, powers of attorney, personal directives, and probate.

Whether you're planning ahead for your family's future or settling a loved one's estate, I'll keep the process clear, compassionate, and free of legal jargon.

“...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”

— Benjamin Franklin

Estate Planning

Putting your affairs in order is one of the kindest things you can do for your family, and I'll keep it simple. Whether you need documents drafted or just want a second look at what you already have, here's how I can help.

Document Preparation

Includes advice, drafting, and execution of your estate planning documents — Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Directives.

Not sure what documents you need? I built a short form to help you figure it out → take my 1 minute questionnaire.

Fees are on a sliding scale based on your family income, so what you pay reflects what works for your household.

Document Review

Send me your current documents and any questions, and I'll help you make an informed decision about whether anything needs updating.

I charge $50 + GST to review your documents. If you ultimately decide to have me prepare new documents then the $50 will be applied as a discount on that invoice.

Estate Administration

Losing someone is hard enough without the paperwork. I can help you obtain a Grant of Probate or Administration and guide you through finalizing your loved one's estate.

Core Legal Services are charged as a flat fee based on the gross value of the estate:

Estates up to $150,000 — $2,250* + 0.5% of the estate's value + GST
Estates over $150,000 — $2,250* + 1% of the estate's value + GST

*If the application is eligible for online submission, the base fee is $1,250 instead of $2,250.

Non-core legal services are billed at my hourly rate of $250.

Ready to get your documents drafted?

Fill out the intake form to get started. I'll handle the rest.

Start Your Estate Plan

Wills & Estates FAQs

Because they protect you while you're alive.
If illness or an accident ever left you unable to make decisions, a Power of Attorney lets someone you trust manage your finances and property, and a Personal Directive lets someone make medical and personal-care decisions on your behalf.
Without them, your family may have to apply to the court for that authority — a slower, costlier process at an already hard time.
Short version:
- A Will says what happens to your estate after you pass away, and names the person who'll carry out your wishes.
- A Power of Attorney covers your finances and property if you're alive but unable to manage them yourself.
- A Personal Directive covers medical and personal-care decisions in that same situation.
Most people benefit from having all three.
Probate (a Grant of Probate) is a court process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor authority to act. Not every estate needs it — it depends on the assets involved, since some institutions and property transfers require a grant and others don't.
If you're administering an estate and aren't sure, I can help you figure out whether it's necessary.
In Alberta, their estate is distributed according to a formula set out in law rather than their personal wishes, and the court appoints someone to administer it. It often takes longer and costs more — a big part of why having a will matters.
Absolutely. I offer a document review service for $50 + GST. Send me your current documents and any questions, and I'll help you decide whether anything needs updating — no need to start over if what you have still works.

Message Linnée

Have a legal question or ready to book a consultation? I'm available to help clients throughout Cold Lake and the Lakeland region.