How Much Does a Will Cost?
The cost of making a will varies enormously — from nothing for a basic handwritten will to several thousand dollars for sophisticated lawyer-drafted estate planning. The right choice depends on the complexity of your situation, not just the price. This is general information, not legal advice — consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction.
What does a lawyer-drafted will cost?
A simple will from a lawyer commonly runs from a few hundred dollars to around a thousand, depending on your location and the lawyer's rates. A package including powers of attorney typically costs more.
Complex estate planning — trusts, business succession, tax planning, or blended-family arrangements — can reach several thousand dollars. For complicated estates this expertise is well worth it.
What does an online will cost?
Online wills are far cheaper than hiring a lawyer, generally a small flat fee for a single will, with bundles available for couples or for adding powers of attorney.
iFinallyWill prices its wills and powers of attorney in your local currency and covers every Canadian province and all 50 US states. Most people complete their documents in about 20 minutes.
Are free wills a good idea?
Free templates and fully handwritten (holograph) wills cost nothing, but they carry real risks: ambiguous wording, missing clauses, and improper signing or witnessing that can invalidate the document.
A free will that fails can cost your estate far more than a paid one in legal fees and family disputes. 'Free' is rarely the cheapest option in the long run.
What hidden costs should you consider?
Look beyond the upfront price. Will your wishes change? Many lawyers charge again for updates, while some online services include them. iFinallyWill includes lifetime updates so you can revise your will as life changes.
Also consider guarantees and support. iFinallyWill offers a 60-day guarantee, which reduces the risk of trying the online route.
How do you choose what is right for you?
If your situation is straightforward — leaving assets to a spouse, children, or named people, with a clear executor and guardian — a quality online will usually offers excellent value.
If you have a blended family, a beneficiary with a disability, business interests, foreign assets, or significant tax exposure, invest in a lawyer. You can still use an online tool first to organize your thinking.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a cheaper online will lower quality?
- Not inherently. For straightforward estates, a well-built online will can be just as valid and effective as a lawyer's, provided it is signed and witnessed correctly. Complexity, not price, is the deciding factor.
- Does the price include powers of attorney?
- Sometimes. Lawyers and online services often sell wills and POAs separately or in a bundle. iFinallyWill offers both, so you can complete your core documents together.
- Will I have to pay again to update my will?
- With many lawyers, yes. Some online services include updates. iFinallyWill includes lifetime updates, so you can revise your will when circumstances change without paying each time.
- What currency does iFinallyWill charge in?
- iFinallyWill displays and charges prices in your local currency, and supports every Canadian province and all 50 US states.