Wills & Mirror Wills
Wills Lawyers in Edmonton
A properly drafted will makes sure your wishes are followed, names who will look after your estate and your children, and saves your family time, cost and conflict.
Verdicta LLP's wills lawyers in Edmonton prepare flat-fee wills and mirror wills for couples at a joint rate, drafted to meet the requirements of Alberta's Wills and Succession Act.
What we prepare
- Individual wills
- Mirror wills for couples
- Guardians for minor children
- Trusts for children
- Blended family planning
- Will updates & reviews
Flat fees, with a joint rate for couples
Flat fees: a basic will is $750 for an individual or $950 for mirror wills for two people. A will, enduring power of attorney and personal directive package is $800 (individual) or $1,100 (two people). Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge (a $100 flat disbursement fee). Fees may change depending on complexity. See all fees or start the online questionnaire.
Couples who want mirror wills — separate wills with matching terms — pay the joint rate. If the wills aren't mirrored, each is charged individually. Wills with complicated trust provisions or bequests are charged additional time on an hourly basis.
Updating an existing will
If you have a Word version of your current 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.
What your will does
- Names your personal representative (executor) and an alternate
- Sets out who receives your property, and when
- Names a guardian for minor children
- Creates trusts so children don't inherit everything at 18
Making a valid will in Alberta
A formal will must be in writing, signed at the end, and signed in front of two witnesses who also sign. A gift to a witness or their spouse or partner can be void, so beneficiaries shouldn't witness. We supervise signing so the formalities are met.
If you die without a will
Your estate is distributed under the intestacy rules in the Wills and Succession Act, which may not reflect your wishes — especially in blended families. A court must appoint an administrator, and no one is named to care for your children.
Things to know
- In Alberta, marriage doesn't revoke a will, but divorce or ending an adult interdependent relationship generally revokes gifts to the former spouse or partner.
- Spouses, partners and dependent children can apply for support from an estate if not adequately provided for.
Most people should also have an enduring power of attorney and personal directive.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
How much does a will cost in Edmonton?
A basic will is a flat fee of $750 for an individual, or $950 for mirror wills for two people. A will, enduring power of attorney and personal directive package 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). Fees may change depending on complexity.
How much does it cost to update a will?
If you have a Word version of your existing will and only need minor edits, we charge hourly at the lawyer's rate, plus disbursements and GST. Without a Word version, the will must be re-drafted and our regular fee for a new will applies.
What are mirror wills?
Two separate wills — usually for spouses or partners — with matching terms. Typically each person leaves everything to the other, then to the same beneficiaries.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Alberta?
Not legally, but a lawyer-drafted will helps avoid errors in signing and wording that can make a will invalid or unclear.
How often should I update my will?
Review it every few years and after major life events such as marriage, separation, a new child, buying property or moving provinces.
Charged, buying, or in a dispute?
Let's talk today.
Speak with a lawyer who will give you straight answers and a clear plan.
780-229-4559 Book a free consultation