Start with what an older adult actually needs from estate planning, not just a will. A good plan covers a will, a power of attorney for property, and a power of attorney for personal care. In our experience, families who treat these as one package avoid the scramble that happens when a parent has a stroke or a fall and no one has legal authority to act. Ask any lawyer you're considering how often they draft powers of attorney for seniors, not just wills.
Location matters more than people expect. If your parent still drives, a South Windsor or Tecumseh office may be easiest. If mobility is a concern, ask early whether the lawyer does home visits or hospital-side signings, which is worth confirming if your parent is receiving care near Windsor Regional Hospital. Downtown firms along Ouellette are central and near transit, though parking can be tighter than the suburban offices. Walkerville has a number of smaller, established practices that tend to spend more time with each client.
Prioritize a lawyer who focuses on wills and estates rather than a generalist who does the occasional will between real estate closings. Capacity and undue influence questions come up more often with older clients, and an experienced estate lawyer knows how to meet privately with your parent and document that the wishes are genuinely their own. This overlaps with elder law, so if there's a dispute brewing, a family disagreement, or a second marriage with blended children, ask whether the firm handles those matters too.
Our recommendation: pick a dedicated wills-and-estates lawyer near your parent's home, and confirm the home-visit option before you book if travel is hard. The trade-off is that a specialist and a house call can cost more than a quick standard will from a general practice. For most families we talk to, the clarity and fewer surprises later are worth it. If the plan is genuinely simple, a general practitioner can serve you well.