Quick Answer: A basic will in Canada costs $30000–$70000 through a lawyer, $00–$20000 online, or up to $3,000000+ for complex estates. Quebec notarial wills typically cost $50000–$1,000000 but save on probate fees.
Will Cost Estimator
Will Costs by Province (2026)
Province
DIY/Online
Simple Will (Lawyer)
Mirror Wills (Couple)
Complex Will
Ontario
$00–$20000
$30000–$60000
$50000–$1,000000
$1,50000–$3,50000
British Columbia
$00–$20000
$3500–$70000
$60000–$1,20000
$1,80000–$4,000000
Alberta
$00–$20000
$30000–$60000
$50000–$1,000000
$1,50000–$3,000000
Quebec (notarial)
N/A
$50000–$1,000000
$80000–$1,50000
$1,50000–$3,000000
Manitoba/Sask
$00–$20000
$2500–$50000
$40000–$90000
$1,20000–$2,50000
Atlantic Canada
$00–$20000
$2500–$50000
$40000–$80000
$1,000000–$2,50000
What Affects the Cost of a Will?
Several factors push will costs up or down:
Complexity: Multiple properties, business interests, trusts, or blended family situations require more time and expertise.
Testamentary trusts: Setting up trusts within a will (e.g., for minor children or disabled beneficiaries) adds $50000–$1,50000 to legal fees.
Province: Legal fees generally run higher in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary than in smaller markets.
Lawyer vs. notary: Quebec notaries charge slightly higher fees for wills, but the probate savings for large estates are significant.
Additional documents: Most estate lawyers bundle wills with powers of attorney and personal directives in packages.
Online Will Platforms in Canada
Several reputable online will platforms serve Canadians:
Willful: $99–$249 per person, available in all provinces except Quebec. Lawyer-reviewed templates.
Epilogue: $99–$199, available in Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
NoticeConnect: Free basic will; paid upgrade for full features.
Estateably: More complex estates; lawyer-facilitated.
Online wills are appropriate for straightforward estates: no business interests, no prior marriages, simple beneficiary designations. If your situation is more complex, pay for a lawyer.
Will Package Deals
Many estate lawyers offer bundled packages combining a will with a power of attorney and healthcare directive. These packages typically run:
Single person (will + POA + directive): $60000–$1,20000
This is often the best value — getting three critical documents for less than buying each separately. See our guide to estate lawyer fees in Canada for more detail.
The True Cost of NOT Having a Will
Dying intestate can cost your estate — and your family — far more than the price of a will:
Legal fees to administer an intestate estate: $3,000000–$100,000000+
Family disputes and court costs: Potentially tens of thousands
Tax costs from poorly structured distribution: Can exceed estate lawyer fees many times over
Guardian proceedings for minor children: $5,000000–$200,000000 in contested cases
Personal will preparation costs are generally not deductible for individuals. However, if a will is prepared in connection with an estate that later generates income (e.g., an estate with rental income), some legal fees may be deductible as an estate expense. Consult your accountant.
When Does a Will Need to Be Updated?
The cost of updating a will depends on the nature of the changes:
Codicil: A formal amendment to an existing will. Cost: $10000–$40000. Appropriate for minor changes.
New will: For significant changes (new marriage, new children, major asset changes). Cost: Full new will fee.
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