Discover BC will costs starting at $821. Compare prices, use our cost calculator, and learn what affects will prices in British Columbia.
According to a 2021 lawyer fees survey by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, the average cost of a will in British Columbia is $821 - however, the cost of creating a will can vary significantly based on your individual circumstances and the complexity of your estate.
To give you a clearer picture of what you might expect to pay, let's break down the average costs for different types of wills in BC:
| Type of Will | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple Will | $821 |
| Complex Will (Individual) | $6,983 |
| Complex Will (Couple) | $2,158 |
| Simple Will (Couple) | $1,067 |
Source: 2021 lawyer fees survey by Canadian Lawyer Magazine
A simple will is suitable for individuals with straightforward estates.
It typically includes:
This option is ideal for individuals with uncomplicated financial situations and clear beneficiary choices.
Sarah is a 35-year-old teacher with a modest savings account and a small investment portfolio. She's single with no children and wants to leave her assets to her siblings. Sarah's straightforward situation makes a simple will appropriate for her needs.
A complex will is necessary for more intricate estates.
It may include:
This type of will is suitable for individuals with significant assets, business interests, or specific wishes for asset distribution. The higher cost in BC reflects the complexity often found in estates in this province.
Michael is a 55-year-old business owner in Vancouver. He has multiple properties, including a vacation home, significant investments, and a successful company. He wants to set up a trust for his grandchildren's education and has specific instructions for his business succession. Given the complexity of his assets and wishes, Michael requires a complex individual will.
A simple will for couples is a cost-effective option for partners with straightforward estates.
It typically covers:
Alex and Taylor are a young married couple in their early 30s. They have recently purchased their first home in Victoria and have a joint savings account. They have a newborn child and want to ensure their assets go to each other if one passes away, and to their child if both pass away. They also want to name a guardian for their child. Their straightforward situation and mirrored wishes make them ideal candidates for simple wills for a couple.
Complex wills for couples address intricate estate planning needs for both partners.
These often include:
John and Emma are a married couple in their 60s with a blended family. They own a family business, multiple properties, and have children from previous marriages. They want to ensure their assets are distributed fairly among all their children while protecting their business interests. Their situation calls for complex wills for a couple to address their unique family dynamics and asset distribution needs.
Consider reviewing and potentially updating your will when:
Creating a will is a vital step in ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected. While the cost in British Columbia may be higher than some other provinces, ClearEstate allows you to build a legally valid will for $249.
Ready to start creating your will in British Columbia?
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