Q:  My wife and I need to update our will. The solicitor who originally made our will has since retired and sold his practice to another solicitor. When I enquired about updating our will, I was shocked to learn that the cost would be almost double what it costs to make a new will. The administration staff were not able to provide adequate explanation for this. Is this the norm nowadays?

– Name withheld

A:  It seems unusual that the cost to update your wills is more than the cost of drafting new wills. There are many law firms and online providers who aren’t law firms that offer wills and prices can vary greatly. If you intend to take your wills business to a new provider, like everything, price should not be your only consideration. Be wary of the age-old adage that you get what you pay for. Instead, look at your personal circumstances and think carefully about the type of advice you need. For example, if you are a blended family, have complex business affairs or a child with a disability, you should engage a law firm with experience in drafting wills and estate planning.

Answered by Andrew Meiliunas, Senior Associate, Maurice Blackburn

Q:  I was fortunate to inherit my grandmother’s beautiful engagement ring and now I would like to pass it on to one of my own granddaughters. What is the rule for this sort of thing, does it go to the eldest or the first to become engaged?

– Rita P

A:  I don’t know that there is a hard and fast rule as such when it comes to heirlooms. If we’re specifically talking about an engagement ring, I personally think it should be offered not necessarily to the firstborn but rather the first to get engaged. But at the end of the day, it’s your ring and your decision as to how it will be passed on. Maybe it would be worthwhile talking to your granddaughters to see if they’re even interested in an heirloom ring—they may actually prefer an engagement ring style of their own choosing.

Answered by Jackie D, National Seniors member

Q: I live on a hill and every few weeks or so my neighbour above me hoses out his rubbish bins and gurneys his driveway, and all the mucky water runs down on the path outside my house and leaves smelly, dirty streaks. I have complained to him about this but he continues to do it. Is there anything I can do to put a stop to this?

– Name withheld 

A:  I contacted a council spokesperson who said on-the-spot fines apply for depositing a contaminant (e.g., chemicals) in a waterway. If this is happening, you should report this to your local council for investigation. If it is simply water being used to clean mud or dirt off the driveway, it is just poor neighbourly etiquette and there isn’t much you can do beyond politely asking your neighbour to ensure the run-off is directed to the gutter rather than the footpath.

Answered by Our Generation writer Nadia Howland