Wills & Estates
Wills & Estates Lawyers in Edmonton
Planning for the future brings peace of mind. We help you put clear, valid documents in place so your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected — and we guide families through estate administration when the time comes.
Flat-fee pricing
Wills, powers of attorney
and personal directives.
Clear flat fees for basic estate planning documents, with a joint rate for couples whose documents mirror each other.
| Document | Individual | Joint (2 persons) |
|---|---|---|
| Last Will and Testament only | $750.00 | $950.00 |
| Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) | $500.00 | $700.00 |
| Personal Directive (PD) | $500.00 | $700.00 |
| Package: EPA and PD | $700.00 | $900.00 |
| Package: Will, EPA and PD | $800.00 | $1,100.00 |
Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge — a $100 flat disbursement fee applies.
Good to know
- These fees are for basic wills. Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge.
- Joint fees apply to spouses and adult interdependent partners whose documents have mirrored provisions. If the documents are not mirrored, each person is charged individually.
- Wills with complicated trust provisions or bequests are subject to additional charges on an hourly basis.
- The $100 flat disbursement fee covers printing and copying, storage and file fees, and other required disbursements (such as postage, couriers or searches, when needed).
Updating an existing will
You have a Word version of your existing will
If you only need minor edits, we charge for our time at the lawyer's hourly rate, plus disbursements and GST.
You don't have a Word version
We need to re-draft the will to make any changes, so our regular fee for a new will applies, plus disbursements and GST.
Fees may change depending on the complexity of your matter. We'll confirm your fee before we start.
Our wills and estates lawyers in Edmonton prepare flat-fee wills, mirror wills for couples, enduring powers of attorney and personal directives, and guide families through probate and estate administration.
Our services
- Wills
- Enduring powers of attorney
- Personal directives
- Trusts
- Estate planning
- Guidance for personal representatives
Flat-fee wills and estate planning
Our wills, powers of attorney and personal directives are offered at flat fees, so you know the cost before we start. To get started, complete our online estate planning questionnaire. For couples — spouses or adult interdependent partners — we prepare mirror wills at a joint rate, rather than charging twice.
The three essential planning documents
- Will — names your personal representative (executor), sets out who receives your property, and can appoint a guardian for minor children. Governed in Alberta by the Wills and Succession Act.
- Enduring Power of Attorney — appoints someone to manage your finances and property if you lose capacity, under the Powers of Attorney Act.
- Personal Directive — names an agent to make personal and health care decisions for you if you cannot, and records your wishes, under the Personal Directives Act.
Without these documents, your family may need to apply to court for guardianship or trusteeship — a slower and more costly process.
What happens if you die without a will in Alberta?
Your estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules in the Wills and Succession Act. Depending on your family, that may not match what you would have wanted — for example, if you have a blended family, children from a previous relationship, or wish to benefit a friend or charity. A court must also appoint an administrator.
Things Albertans often don't know
- In Alberta, marriage does not revoke an existing will, but divorce or ending an adult interdependent relationship generally revokes gifts to the former spouse or partner.
- A formal will must be in writing, signed at the end, and signed in front of two witnesses. A gift to a witness (or their spouse or partner) can be void, so witnesses should not be beneficiaries. A will written entirely in your own handwriting and signed by you may also be valid.
- Certain family members — including spouses, partners and dependent children — can apply to court for support from an estate if they are not adequately provided for.
- Alberta's probate court fees are among the lowest in Canada, capped at $525.
Estate administration and probate
If you've been named as a personal representative, you're responsible for gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate. We guide you through each step, including applying to the Court of King's Bench for a grant of probate (with a will) or administration (without one), notifying beneficiaries, and preparing final accounts.
When to review your will
Review your estate plan every few years and after major life events: marriage or a new relationship, separation or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, buying property or a business, or moving to Alberta from another province.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
Is a handwritten will valid in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta recognises holograph wills — wills written entirely in your own handwriting and signed by you — even without witnesses. However, they often contain ambiguities or omissions that cause problems later, so a professionally drafted will is strongly recommended.
Does getting married cancel my will in Alberta?
No. Since the Wills and Succession Act came into force in 2012, marriage no longer revokes a will in Alberta. However, divorce, or the end of an adult interdependent relationship, generally revokes gifts to the former spouse or partner. It's wise to update your will after any relationship change.
What is the difference between a power of attorney and a personal directive?
An enduring power of attorney covers your financial and legal affairs. A personal directive covers personal and health care decisions — such as medical treatment and where you live. Most people should have both.
How much does probate cost in Alberta?
Alberta's court filing fees for probate are based on the estate's net value and are capped at $525. Legal fees and other costs of administration are separate and depend on the complexity of the estate.
Who should I name as my personal representative?
Choose someone you trust who is organised, willing to take on the role, and ideally lives in or near Alberta. You can name more than one person and should name an alternate in case your first choice can't act.
Can I sign my will remotely?
Contact us to discuss your situation. Witnessing requirements for wills are strict, and we'll recommend the signing arrangement that best ensures your will is valid.
How much does a will cost?
A basic will is a flat fee of $750 for an individual or $950 for mirror wills for two people. Our most popular package — a will, enduring power of attorney and personal directive — is $800 for an individual or $1,100 for two people. Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge (a $100 flat disbursement fee). Wills with complicated trust provisions or bequests are charged additional time on an hourly basis, and fees may change depending on complexity. See all fees.
How much does it cost to update my will?
If you have a Word version of your existing will and only need minor edits, we charge for our time at the lawyer's hourly rate, plus disbursements and GST. If you don't have a Word version, we need to re-draft the will, so our regular fee for a new will applies, plus disbursements and GST.
What are mirror wills?
Mirror wills are two separate wills — usually for spouses or partners — with matching terms. Typically, each person leaves everything to the other, and then to the same beneficiaries (such as your children) once both have passed. Each will remains a separate legal document that either person can change.
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