Melanie MoralesAre you looking for a lawyer to help you draft your will or settle an estate in Edmonton? If you are, then this list that we’ve put together today is exactly what you need.
After thorough research, we compiled a detailed list of will and estate lawyers based on their professionalism, fees, and client reviews. We selected lawyers who specialize in will & estate law, offer competitive rates, and other unique services.
With that said, let’s take a look at the best will and estate lawyers in Edmonton.
How Much Do Will & Estate Lawyers Cost in Edmonton?
Most, if not all lawyers will charge a flat fixed fee for the drafting of wills and to ensure that all the legal requirements are taken care of.
A simple Will for a single person begins at approximately $400, and a more complicated Will is priced at roughly $800-$1,100 but can reach up to $3,000.
A financial Power of Attorney is $150-$200, and a Living Will is priced at $100-$200.
Below is a summary of the average cost of a will in Canada that lawyers may charge their clients.
| Will Type | Cost of Will | Enduring Power of Attorney | Personal Directive |
| Single Simple Will | $350-$500 | $200 | $200 |
| Single Complex Will | $600-$900 | $200 | $200 |
| Couples Simple Will | $500-$800 | $300 | $300 |
| Couples Complex Will | $1100-$1500 | $300 | $300 |
Estate planning, on the other hand, is more complicated, so you can expect lawyers to charge you an hourly rate, which can vastly differ depending on their experience.
A simple estate can be finished in a few hours, while those involving inheritance tax and the like can reach several days or weeks.
| Average Estimated Hourly Rate | Years of Experience |
| $332 | 1 year or less |
| $427 | 2 to 5 years |
| $580 | 6 to 10 years |
| $681 | 11 to 20 years |
| $1,616 | 20 or more years |
The Best Will & Estate Lawyers in Edmonton
Now that you know what your expenses might be during this sensitive time, we can browse through our choices for the top will and estate lawyers in Edmonton.
1. Richard Verhaeghe of Verhaeghe Law Office
| SERVICES | Civil Litigation, Common Family Law, Estate Litigation, Immigration Law, Legal Services, Probates & Wills, Service Area, Personal Injury, Construction Law, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, Divorce, Estate Administration, Child Support, Commercial Real Estate |
| WEBSITE | https://freedomlaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Mayfield Business Centre 10525 170 Street, Suite 203 Edmonton, AB T5P 4W2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Main Office: Phone: (587) 410-2500 Fax: (780) 341-1428 Email: [email protected] Richard Verhaeghe: Phone: (587) 410-0665 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed for lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Richard Verhaeghe is the Managing Partner at Verhaeghe Law Office and specializes in Real Estate and Corporate Law. His secondary area of focus is on Estate Planning and Probate, which earns him a spot on this list.
This law firm offers a wide array of services, ranging from Criminal Law to Family Law, making them a “one-stop-shop” for most people’s legal needs. Their experienced team of lawyers has experts in a variety of fields who are also well-versed in litigation.
What sets them apart from other law firms is the live chat representatives available 24/7 to help you with inquiries or arrange a consultation with a lawyer. Alternatively, you can email them and expect a response within 24 hours.
Unlike other law firms, they have provided a flat fee for the drafting of wills and other simple documentation, which you can access on their website.
Estate Planning, however, is more complex and requires a review of your case before the fees can be determined.
Pros
- Live chat representative 24/7
- Provides flat fees for standard drafts of documents
Cons
- Closes for lunch
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what their clients have to say:
“Verhaeghe Law was in incredible experience. They are very professional, attentive and prompt in dealing with things that are time sensitive.” – Brittany Uchach
“We had a great experience from the moment we entered the law office to the time we left. They have a great team here and they really make you comfortable, it was wonderful…We highly recommend the Verhaeghe Law Office for all your legal needs, they have won us over.” – Doug Roberts
“I found this law office through google search and read all the good reviews. Mr Verhaeghe was very easy to communicate with and pleasant to talk to. I was really happy to find this law office after seeing how well organized and knowledgeable they were. I highly recommend them to everyone.” – Nibras Sharif
2. Philip Prowse of Prowse Chowne LLP Edmonton Will & Estate Lawyers
| SERVICES | Estate Planning & Wills, Probate & Administration |
| WEBSITE | https://www.willsestatelawyers.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Suite 1300-10020 101A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 3G2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (587) 404-4559 [email protected] |
Philip Prowse has a background in accounting and is currently a partner at Prowse Chowne LLP. Although his general areas of expertise involve business-related matters, this is also what makes him uniquely skilled.
Drafting a will and planning the estate are all similar to running a business, where smart decisions have to be made for the best potential outcome. A poorly executed estate can cost a lot of money if done incorrectly, especially concerning taxes.
While Canada doesn’t have “estate taxes”, there is a “Terminal Return” that is similar to an Income Tax Return for the final year of one’s life. Philip Prowse’s background in accounting will be beneficial in devising strategies to streamline the process to minimize taxes on the estate.
Pros
- Accounting and business experience can be beneficial for estate planning
Cons
- Dealing with a larger firm like this one can feel impersonal
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what their clients have to say:
“The lines of communication were fantastic, I never had to expedite them to get a response. Value received was also quite fair.” – Burke Oswald
“I was stressed and this was the first legal issue I had dealt with…I came out of it with my legal employment issue RESOLVED in exactly the way I hoped for – I am so grateful…Highly recommend his services.” – Hannah Shamji
“What a pleasure it is to work with such a professional, well-organized legal firm. From day one to resolution, we were constantly kept informed of the process and always felt like we were dealing with the best minds in the business. The fees we paid were not excessive, and we always felt we were getting good value for our money. We would never hesitate to recommend this legal firm.” – David Pohl
3. Darren Richards of Richards + Company
| SERVICES | Real Estate, Real Estate Fees, Wills & Estate, Corporate & Business Law, Estate Law, Property, Financial Affairs, Personal Directive, Adult Trusteeship Order, Estate Administration, Assets, Business Law, Probate, Taxation, Liabilities, Guardianship, Enduring Power of Attorney, Trusty, Wills, Litigation, Executor, Real Estate, Personal Injury and Family Law, Commercial, Living Wills & Contract Disputes |
| WEBSITE | http://richardslaw.ca |
| ADDRESS | 1524 91 Street Southwest, Suite 302, Edmonton, AB T6X 1M5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 436-8554 Fax: (780) 436-8566 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Darren Richards is the founder of Richards + Company, a law firm that primarily focuses on Real Estate and Corporate and Commercial Law. His background in business and finance is essential in the meticulous planning of estates.
His company is unique because you can create a will directly on their website using an online app. You simply fill out the forms with the necessary information, and upon completion, it will be sent to the company’s lawyers who will make the drafts.
Once the draft is completed, you’ll meet in person or video conference for the signing of the documents and to verify that everything is in order. You can, however, still draft your will the “old-fashioned way” by setting up an appointment.
Pros
- Fixed legal fees
- Features an Online Wills App
Cons
- Small law firm that can get busy and hard to book
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what their clients have to say:
“The entire staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. The documents I needed were completed quickly, it was explained in detail so both my mother and I knew what to expect. Thank you again for your help, really top notch service!” – Serena Luxford
“My husband and I put off doing our wills for much longer than I’d like to admit. When we saw this new option to do it via app it seemed like the perfect way to get it done quickly and easily…Once I completed the questions on the app, Richards + Company contacted me to verify everything before having to come in which meant no revisions and repeat appointments were needed. My husband and I had one, brief appointment to triple check the information and sign all documents. We were impressed with how simple the process was and the professionalism displayed by our lawyer, Chad. It is so nice to know that this important document is now done. I would highly recommend using this app and the services of Richards + Company.” – Amber Falk
“The online wills app made preparing my will, POA, and personal directive an amazingly simple process! It was quick to answer the questions and I was contacted afterwards and had an opportunity to ask any questions that I had. My questions were dealt with thoroughly and professionally and when I went in to sign everyone was very friendly. The whole process was very quick and surprisingly affordable. I expected this to be the daunting task that I had been through with other lawyers to prepare these documents – I had no idea it could be so easy. Highly recommend!” – Sarah Jackson
4. Spectrum Family Law
| SERVICES | Divorce, Child Custody & Support, Surrogacy & Fertility, Spousal Support, Maintenance Enforcement Program, Marital Property Division, Common Law Separation, Family Law Agreements, Real Estate, Estate Disputes, Wills & Living Trusts, Coaching & Self Representation |
| WEBSITE | https://www.spectrumfamilylaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 205, 10216 – 124th Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Toll Free: 1 (855) 892-0646 Local: (780) 756-0076 Fax: (587) 327-4131 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm |
Spectrum Family Law is run by Conan Taylor and Jarret Janis of Taylor Janis LLP, which has a solid reputation and proven track record in resolving legal issues for Edmontonians. They have offices in Calgary and Vancouver as well.
Specializing in Family Law helps the lawyers at Spectrum Family Law better navigate the tricky paths in planning an estate. Their lawyers will objectively take a look at your case and advise you on the most practical solutions.
The firm offers a free “meet and greet” consultation for estate planning either in person or through a video conference with one of their lawyers. They offer flat rates for Wills & Estates, which you can check on their website.
Pros
- Free consultation for estate planning
- Flat rates for wills & estates
Cons
- Will charge extra for litigation or negotiations
Customer Reviews
Let’s see what their clients have to say:
“Strong minded hard working lawyers. With compassion for the case, and the ability to answer important questions. Cant say enough. when I couldn’t get help they listened and helped. I’m very greatfull and hope if anyone reads this they give a call it might change your life.” – Dave Burns
“Outstanding. This firm is professional, effective, and top notch. I am a lawyer who owns a law firm, and I refer work to this firm, in addition to having used this firm for various of my personal legal matters” – Robbie Nissen
“So happy I decided to use Spectrum. They were thorough but didn’t waste my time. I was very impressed with the service. Worth every penny because they saved me more than I would have using anyone else.” – Janelle Wilson
5. James W. Kadavil of Heritage Law Offices
| SERVICES | Real Estate Law, Family Law, Wills & Estates, Estate Administration, Small Business Corporate Law, Employment Law, Commercial Law, Notary Public & Commissioner of Oaths |
| WEBSITE | http://www.heritagelaw.com |
| ADDRESS | 316 Windermere Road Northwest, Suite 410, Edmonton, AB T6W 2Z8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Main Office: Phone: (780) 436-0011 Fax: 780-436-7000 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
Heritage Law has been serving south Edmonton since 1990, focusing its practice on Real Estate, Wills & Estate, Family, Civil, & Commercial law. James W. Kadavil first joined the team in 2016 and currently heads the practice.
The firm is well experienced in handling Will Preparation, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Personal Directives, and Probate. They will provide and ensure all the necessary legal guidelines and documents are prepared to give you peace of mind.
Heritage Law also provides an easy way to create a draft of your will through an online Will Preparation Form. All you have to do is provide all the information, and a draft will be prepared by the lawyers
While the online form may not be entirely user-friendly, the lawyers will set up a meeting to double-check that all the necessary information is correct and complete.
You can leave with your completed and signed will by the end of the meeting should everything be satisfactory.
Pros
- Has a Will Preparation Form online
Cons
- No free consultation
Customer Reviews
Let’s take a look at what their clients have to say:
“My wife and I had our will’s prepared by this firm and we can’t say enough about the level of service provided by James Kadavil. Look no further than Heritage Law Offices for your legal needs.” – Svejk
“I found that this company’s service and experience is excellent and very professional. I have had our wills updated after the birth of our first child and it was completed within a very short time at a competitive rate…So in summary I would highly recommend this company.” – Joe Yee
“Great Experience. Explained all questions (Wills, Real Estate). Would be recommending this Firm to family and friends.” – Renosh Abraham
6. Safi Law Group
| SERVICES | Estate Planning (Will, Power of Attorney and Personal Directive), Probate & Estate Administration, Estate Litigation and Adult Guardianship & Trusteeship |
| WEBSITE | https://www.safilawgroup.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | #205, 11150 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 0C7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 760-7234 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Weekdays, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Sangin “Sam” Safi established Safi Law Group in 2019 after gaining expertise from two other prominent law firms. Before becoming a lawyer, he worked in accounting, insurance, and sales.
Safi Law Group’s practice generally centers on litigation, with a special focus on high-asset divorces, motor vehicle accident injury cases, and probates. If your case goes to court, you can rest assured that Sam Safi has the experience to back it up.
Although initial consultations with Safi Law Group can be done via a convenient webform, a more detailed face-to-face discussion is highly recommended.
Furthermore, Sam Safi’s experience working in the accounting field also gives him a unique perspective when it comes to handling complex probate and estate administration matters.
With several years of experience in assisting executors with probate and estate administration matters, Sam Safi will certainly help you in concluding the estate administration process in the most efficient way possible.
Pros
- Diverse academic background and legal experience
- Litigation-oriented practice could result in high settlements
Cons
- Not available 24/7
Client Reviews
Tareena Barkman retained the services of Safi Law Group when they were still newly established. She was satisfied with the service despite a few small hurdles as she shares:
“We were very happy with Sam. We had met with him before he started his own firm and decided to follow him. There were a few hiccups as he got his law practice set up, but that’s to be expected with any new business. He was very knowledgeable and our adoption went through without a hitch! We were always very pleased with how easy it was to get in touch with Sam, and how accommodating he was with meeting at a time where we wouldn’t have to take off from work.”
Amy Burke also shares her experience as she writes:
“Sam was understanding of the issue, he was fair and kind, and helped me to achieve the best possible outcome. He is well versed in law and intelligent, which is beneficial when you are seeking a particular results. I found him easy to speak with, and poised. He has tact, and he is factual, and will fight for you in a fair and respectful manner.”
FAQs About the Best Will & Estate Lawyers in Edmonton
We hope this list of will & estate lawyers in Edmonton covered all the information you needed. If you have any recommendations, leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to check them out!
On another note, if you want to get your finances and taxes in order, then check out our list of the best tax lawyers in Edmonton.
