When time is short, and you need an Emergency Will writing, finding the ideal legal professional can be tough. You’re already navigating emotional, stressful, or time-sensitive circumstances — finding the most suitable solicitor on top of this situation simply adds even more pressure.
But, choosing wisely is crucial — it can mean the difference between confusing uncertainty and receiving expert, compassionate guidance that safeguards, protects, and reassures. This guide shows you the way.
Why Urgent Wills Demand a Different Kind of Lawyer
A typical high-street Wills and Estates lawyer will be excellent at putting together comprehensive, long-term estate plans. But, they may not have the flexibility, infrastructure, experience, or passion to handle urgent or end-of-life matters.
Unlike standard estate planning — where the luxury of time allows for multiple appointments, various scenario considerations, and lengthy, considered discussions — emergency circumstances demand a different kind of solicitor.
You need someone who can act decisively, rapidly writing a Will without compromising legal validity and precision — yet who understands all the sensitivities of the situation.
What You Deserve From a Trusted Emergency Will Lawyer
When choosing your urgent Will solicitor, check they provide all of the following:
- Same-day service — time-critical matters can’t be put on the back burner, you need a solicitor who will respond immediately.
- Mobile service — the lawyer should be willing to travel to attend hospitals, private homes, aged care facilities, and hospices.
- Emergency Will expertise — a solicitor with a background in urgent Wills should arrive at the appointment with everything they need to complete the legal documents.
- On-site printing — ensuring they can provide in-situ Wills to be signed and witnessed.
- Testamentary capacity assessments — as outlined in the case of Banks v Goodfellow (1870), checking the Testator understands they are making a Will, the extent of their assets, who their intended beneficiaries are, and investigating that they are free from any mental issue that could affect the Will’s content.
- Confidence and reassurance — if you don’t have faith in your prospective solicitor, or they don’t provide peace of mind, you have the wrong professional.
- Fee transparency — you don’t deserve the additional stress of hidden or unclear expenses. Falzon Legal’s fees include a court appearance, should evidence of testamentary capacity be required at the Probate stage.
- Compassion — your lawyer should understand the weight of your circumstances, and handle delicate conversations with care, consideration, and dignity.
You Deserve Kindness, Not Just Competence
Emergency Wills are often needed at the most heartbreaking of times — usually when you’re coping with impending grief, the fear of loss, or overwhelming confusion.
At these emotionally challenging moments, you don’t only need someone who is purely an expert in Wills and Estate law — you also require a professional who gently takes you through complex legal matters with genuine empathy, calmness, and unwavering compassion.
The lawyer is given the immense privilege of entering into a deeply personal and extremely vulnerable space. Typically, they will need to speak with people facing the very real possibility of passing on, and communicate with loved ones or family members coming to terms with the prospect of loss when emotions are high.
That’s why, when finding an Emergency Lawyer, choose one that makes you feel at ease — who provides a compassionate approach that emphasises respect, trust, and open communication.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Emergency Will Lawyer
When emotions are high or time is short, it’s all too easy to make an impetuous decision when choosing a lawyer — leading to even more stress and worry.
Here are the most common errors people make when looking for emergency legal Will services.
Picking a lawyer only on location — while the closest solicitor may seem convenient, they might not be experienced in Emergency Wills.
Assuming all Will lawyers tackle emergencies — many legal professionals will not provide same-day support or out-of-hours services.
Using DIY Will kits or creating an informal Will — an enormous mistake, vastly increasing the likelihood of a Will being declared invalid.
Asking the wrong questions — under stress, people forget to ask things like, will you come to us? Can you provide witnesses? Have you handled urgent Wills?
Delaying — the earlier you can contact an experienced Emergency Will lawyer, the more time they have to help.
Not checking client testimonials (if time allows) — although speed is key, a quick look at reviews can reveal red flags or show positive experiences.
Using a solicitor despite feeling uncomfortable or misunderstood — if you don’t feel at ease with your lawyer, chances are they aren’t the right fit.
The Questions to Ask — An Emergency Will Lawyer Checklist
To make sure that you select the perfect urgent Will lawyer, use this handy checklist…
Do you offer on-site visits — hospitals, private residences, hospices, etc?
Can you give me a clear outline of your costs?
Will you prepare the Will today or within 24 hours?
Can you provide witnesses if I have none available?
Can you assess testamentary capacity in critical situations?
Are you experienced in NSW Emergency Wills?
Can you also assist with Power of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship, and Care Directive documents urgently?
If your prospective solicitor doesn’t answer YES to all of these questions, it’s time to politely decline their services and find another legal professional.
Falzon Legal — Sydney’s Experts in Emergency Wills
If you need a Will urgently, either for yourself or a loved one, don’t delay.
Compassionate, understanding, and with vast expertise in creating urgent Last Wills and Testaments — Falzon Legal knows it’s about more than just documentation. With dignity and reassurance, we deliver same-day Emergency Will writing, professionally drafted at your home, hospital, or care facility — talk with us now.
