How Much Does a Will Cost in BC?
A lawyer, a notary, or an online service — each has a different price tag and a different level of protection. Here's what BC residents actually pay in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Simple lawyer-drafted will: $300–$700. Full package with POA: $700–$1,500
- Notary public: $200–$500 for a simple will — a legitimate, lower-cost option
- Online services: $40–$200, but come with risks for BC-specific situations
- The "right" cost depends on your estate complexity, not just the cheapest option
Will costs at a glance
| Option | Simple will | Will + POA package | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $300–$700 | $700–$1,500 | Complex estates, blended families, business owners |
| Notary public | $200–$500 | $400–$900 | Simple estates, straightforward situations |
| Online service | $40–$200 | $80–$300 | Very simple estates with no complications |
These are typical ranges for the Metro Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna areas in 2026. Rural BC lawyers and notaries may charge less. Complex estates with trusts, business succession, or international assets can run $2,000–$5,000+.
Option 1: Hiring a lawyer
A lawyer is the most comprehensive option. When you hire a BC estate lawyer, you're paying for:
- Legal advice tailored to your specific situation
- Drafting that accounts for BC law, tax implications, and potential challenges
- Review of your family situation, assets, and potential issues
- Protection — if the lawyer makes an error, they carry professional liability insurance
Most estate lawyers offer a standard package: a will, an enduring power of attorney, and a representation agreement (for health care decisions). This three-document package is the most common purchase.
When a lawyer is worth the cost
- Blended families or children from multiple relationships
- Business ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)
- Property in multiple provinces or countries
- Estate value over $500,000 where tax planning matters
- A family member with special needs
- Concerns about someone contesting the will
Option 2: Notary public
In British Columbia, notaries public are licensed to prepare wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. They are regulated by the BC Society of Notaries Public and carry professional insurance.
Notaries are a legitimate, lower-cost alternative to lawyers for straightforward estates. The main limitation: if your situation involves litigation risk, complex tax planning, or trust structures, a notary may refer you to a lawyer.
How to find a BC notary
The BC Society of Notaries Public maintains a directory of licensed notaries across the province. Look for a notary who regularly handles wills and estate documents.
Option 3: Online will services
Several online platforms allow you to create a will by answering questions and generating a document. Prices range from $40 to $200.
Online wills can be legally valid in BC — but only if properly executed (signed and witnessed). The risks include:
- Templates may not account for BC-specific rules under WESA
- No personalized legal advice for your situation
- Errors may not be caught until after death, when it's too late to fix
- Complex situations (blended families, business assets) are poorly served
What about "free" will options?
Some organizations offer free will preparation as part of charitable giving programs (if you include a gift in your will). Some legal clinics offer free or reduced-cost wills for low-income residents and seniors.
These can be legitimate options, but understand what you're getting: a simple will, typically without the comprehensive estate planning review you'd get from a paid professional.
What you should get, regardless of who prepares it
Whether you choose a lawyer, notary, or online service, your estate planning package should include:
- A will — who gets what, who's the executor, who's the guardian
- An enduring power of attorney — who manages your finances if you're incapacitated
- A representation agreement — who makes health care decisions if you can't
These three documents work together. A will alone only covers what happens after death. The power of attorney and representation agreement cover what happens if you're alive but unable to manage your own affairs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyer charge for a will in BC?
A simple will from a BC lawyer typically costs $300 to $700. A will with a power of attorney and representation agreement usually runs $700 to $1,500. Complex estates can cost $2,000 to $5,000+.
Can a notary public make a will in BC?
Yes. BC notaries public are authorized to prepare wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. They typically charge $200 to $500 for a simple will — less than most lawyers.
Are online wills legal in BC?
Online will services produce documents that can be legally valid in BC, but only if properly executed — signed by the will-maker and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. The risk is that online services may not account for BC-specific rules.
Is a handwritten will valid in BC?
BC does not automatically recognize holograph (handwritten, unwitnessed) wills. However, under WESA section 58, a court can validate a document that wasn't properly executed if it represents the will-maker's testamentary intentions. This requires a court application and is not guaranteed.