British Columbia Law
How Much Does a Will Cost in BC? (2026 Guide)
One of the first questions people ask when thinking about making a will is: what will it cost? The answer depends on how complex your situation is and how you choose to get it done. Here is a plain breakdown of the options in BC.
Option 1: DIY Wills (Free to ~$50)
BC law allows you to write your own will — called a holograph will — entirely in your own handwriting, signed and dated by you, without witnesses. Online will kits are also available for a small fee.
The risk: a DIY will that is unclear, improperly executed, or legally inconsistent can be challenged, partially invalidated, or fail to do what you intended. Fixing a problematic will after death is expensive — far more than the cost of getting it right while you are alive.
Option 2: Online Will Services (~$100–$250)
Several online services guide you through a questionnaire and generate a will document. These can work well for very simple situations: single asset owners, no blended family, no business interests, straightforward beneficiary arrangements.
The risk: online services can't ask follow-up questions, identify issues specific to your situation, or advise you when your circumstances are more complex than the template assumes.
Option 3: Lawyer-Drafted Will (~$400–$1,200 for a simple will)
A straightforward will prepared by a BC lawyer — covering a single person with a clear estate and no complications — typically costs between $400 and $800. A will for a couple (mirror wills or mutual wills) is often priced at $600 to $1,200 for both.
For a single, uncomplicated estate, this is the sweet spot: you get a legally valid, clearly drafted document, reviewed by someone who knows BC law, at a predictable and affordable price.
Option 4: Comprehensive Estate Planning (~$1,500–$5,000+)
If your situation involves a blended family, a business, significant assets, tax planning, a trust, a representation agreement, or a complex distribution — comprehensive estate planning costs more. You are paying not just for documents but for advice that protects your estate and your family from foreseeable problems.
This tier typically includes: a will, an enduring power of attorney, a representation agreement (for healthcare decisions), and where appropriate, a trust structure. The cost is usually proportional to the complexity involved.
What Is Included in the Lawyer's Fee?
When you hire a BC lawyer to prepare your will, the fee typically covers:
- A consultation to understand your situation and wishes
- Drafting and reviewing the will
- Advising you on potential issues (beneficiary designations, executor selection, guardianship)
- Witnessing and executing the will in compliance with BC law
- Storing a copy or advising you on safe storage
What Affects the Price?
- Number of people: individual vs. couple
- Complexity of distribution: equal split vs. conditional gifts, trusts, or staggered distributions
- Business interests or significant assets requiring specific treatment
- Blended family dynamics
- Tax planning needs
- Whether a power of attorney and/or representation agreement are included
Is a Cheaper Will Worth the Risk?
A will that is later challenged, found invalid, or that fails to reflect your wishes can cost your estate tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees — and leave your family in conflict. The question is not just what the will costs now, but what a mistake will cost later.
For most BC residents, a lawyer-prepared will is the right balance of cost, certainty, and protection. Many law firms offer fixed-fee will packages so you know the cost upfront — ask before your first meeting.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Meetings are by appointment only, by phone or secure video.