Estate Planning Guide
How Much Does a Will Cost in Canada?
From free DIY templates to $600+ lawyer fees — here’s a full breakdown of what you’ll actually pay, and what you get for your money.
Quick Summary
Will Costs at a Glance
The cost of a will in Canada depends entirely on how it’s prepared. Here’s an overview of your options.
DIY / Online template
Free to $50. No legal advice, no guarantee of validity. Can be confusing.
Lawyer-prepared will
$400 - $600+ per person. Fully customized, legally sound. Single document only.
Online will service
$100 - $200. Guided process, but not lawyer-reviewed, signed, witnessed, or notarized in most cases.
Wills Made Easy
$395 individual / $495 couple. Licensed local lawyer. Full package of documents. Flat rate.
Detailed Breakdown
What's Included at Each Price Point?
Price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Here’s what you actually get at each level.
DIY Wills (Free–$50)
Templates are available online. You fill in the blanks yourself. No legal advice is included, and an incorrectly completed will can be invalid or contested. Best for very simple estates.
Online Will Services ($100–$200)
Services like Willful or Epilogue guide you through a questionnaire and generate a will document. Convenient, but they don't review your specific situation or advise on complex assets. You still need to pay a lawyer to sign and notarize.
Traditional Law Firm ($400–$600+)
A lawyer prepares your will from scratch, tailored to your situation. Costs vary widely by firm, city, and complexity. Some firms charge hourly, which can push costs higher.
Wills Made Easy ($395 / $495)
A licensed local lawyer meets with you in person for approximately one hour. Your will, power of attorney, and personal care directive are all completed at the same appointment. Flat rate — no surprises.
What Affects the Price
Factors That Change the Cost of a Will
Several factors can push will costs up or down, especially with traditional law firms.
Complexity of your estate
Multiple properties, business interests, or trusts require more drafting time.
Number of beneficiaries
More beneficiaries with specific conditions means more clauses.
Province
Legal fees vary by province. Quebec uses a notarial system which differs from common law provinces.
Urgency
Rush drafting can add fees at traditional firms.
Wills Made Easy tip: Our flat-rate model means complexity doesn’t change your price. Whether you have one property or several, the rate stays the same — $395 for an individual, $495 for a couple.
Common Questions
Will Cost FAQs
For most people, yes. A lawyer-prepared will is less likely to be contested, properly accounts for provincial law, and ensures your wishes are clearly expressed. The cost of a contested will can easily exceed thousands of dollars in legal fees — far more than the cost of getting it done right.
Some provinces offer simplified will programs through legal aid for low-income individuals. Online templates are also available for free, but they come with significant risk if not completed correctly.
At Wills Made Easy, yes — every appointment includes a will, enduring power of attorney, and healthcare directive (personal care directive). Many traditional lawyers charge separately for each document.
At Wills Made Easy, revisions are included at no additional cost. Traditional lawyers typically charge a flat fee for minor changes (codicils) or a full drafting fee for major revisions.
Transparent Pricing
From $395. No Surprises.
One flat rate. One appointment. Will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — all done.
Related Guides
More guides on wills and estate planning in Canada.
Ready to make your will?
One appointment. One hour. A complete legal will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — done.