Start with what your parent actually needs. Most older adults want a will, a power of attorney for finances, and a personal directive for health decisions, which Nova Scotia calls a personal directive rather than the terms used in other provinces. A lawyer who drafts these regularly for seniors will move faster and ask the right questions about capacity, family dynamics, and property in more than one province.
Location matters more than people expect. Downtown and Spring Garden Road firms are handy if your parent still drives or takes transit, but parking can be tight. If your parent lives in Dartmouth, Bedford, or Clayton Park, a nearer office saves a stressful trip. Ask early whether the lawyer will meet at home, at a care residence, or by video. That flexibility is common now and it's a real help when someone is recovering after a stay at the QEII or has trouble getting around.
Prioritize someone who works with older clients often, not just anyone who lists wills on their site. Ask how they check that your parent understands and freely agrees to the plan, especially if there's any memory concern. A careful lawyer will sometimes want to meet your parent alone, and that's a good sign, not a slight. In our experience, that step prevents disputes later.
Here's our recommendation: pick a lawyer close to where your parent lives who does estate work steadily, over a bigger-name firm across town. Proximity means easier signing appointments, easier updates, and less fatigue for your parent. The trade-off is you may pass on a specialist with deeper experience in complex estates. If your parent's situation is straightforward, that's a trade worth making. If there's a business, a blended family, or property outside Nova Scotia, lean toward the specialist and accept the extra travel. Estate planning and closely related elder law are private-pay, so ask about fees up front, and note that some families handle both areas with the same lawyer.