Robert WebbThe Top 7 Firms with the Best Wills Lawyers in Vancouver
A will is a legal document that outlines how a person would like their assets, property, and affairs to be handled after they pass away. It’s vital to ensure that your will is properly drafted and updated as needed by an experienced wills lawyer.
To help you find the best fit for your needs, we have compiled a list of the top wills lawyers in Vancouver.
How much does it cost to consult with a wills lawyer in Vancouver?
Lawyers typically charge an hourly rate for their services, with a separate consultation fee. However, wills create a different scenario since there are legal professionals that compute the cost of their services according to the type of document drafted.
From our research, the price difference can also result from the number of individuals whose wills are created. The table below shows the starting price for wills in Vancouver.
The Best Wills Lawyers in Vancouver
We strive to be thorough in our evaluations, so we always carefully curate criteria best suited for the service we assess. To create this list, we reviewed various law firms with the following factors in mind.
1. Jessica Poon, Westcoast Wills & Estates
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
A wills lawyer who we highly recommend is Jessica Poon. She is a lawyer from the highly rated firm Westcoast Wills & Estates.
We found that Jessica practices in estate planning, probate, and family law. For estate planning, she routinely prepares wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. For probate, she advises executors on the process and prepares probate applications. For family law, Jessica focuses on planning-related matters like prenuptial agreements.
She was born and raised in Hong Kong. She then moved to Vancouver for high school. After that, she earned her law degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016, and following this received her Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in 2017.
She started her career by working for a boutique family litigation firm.
We think she’d be the perfect lawyer for those who need help preparing a will, since this is her specialization.
We like that she’s also fluent in Cantonese and conversational Mandarin, so clients in the area who are more comfortable with these languages will benefit more from her services.
Jessica works at the firm Westcoast Wills & Estates with numerous other wills lawyers. We’ve found this firm to have constistently high ratings across their four locations.
Pros
- Experienced lawyer
- No hidden fees
- Highly competent
- Specializes in estate planning, probate, and family law
- Multilingual lawyer (Cantonese, Mandarin)
- Familiar with estate planning processes
- The firm specializes in wills and probate
Cons
- By appointment only
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
“Jessica was fantastic and guided me through the process to create a Will that covers all the bases and will take care of my estate when the time comes. There is a huge sense of relief with having my Will and POA now securely in place and while I hope not to use it anytime soon (!), I know my assets are protected and my loved ones will be taken care of as per my wishes.”
2. Parr Business Law
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Parr Business Law is a legal firm that offers its clients comprehensive and effective commercial and corporate law services such as wills, acquisitions, incorporation, and contracts among others.
Past clients who have experienced working with them have commended them for their professionalism in the field wherein each service was made more timely through the modernized process and smooth undertakings.
We like that not only do their professionals readily provide helpful and meaningful legal and entrepreneurial and legal advice but interested clients can also readily access their plethora of resources readily on their website.
Note though that consultation rates and service fees aren’t readily available on their website to which interested clients may need to inquire further for more information on this matter.
Overall, with their responsive and professional customer service, diverse experience and accreditation in the industry, and comprehensive legal procedures employed, we highly recommend interested clients to check them out.
Pros
- Specialized lawyer fields employed
- Professional and timely services offered
- Practical and situation-specific advice given
Cons
- Rates of their services aren’t readily available online
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Steve, Ty and everyone at Parr Business Law are exceptionally dedicated, easy to communicate with and very client-centric. They are passionate about what they do and really care about their clients. More than a number they treat their clients individually to clearly understand their needs and challenges and help educate them on all the possibilities. I’ve done business with multiple firms and Parr Business is different in the best of ways!”
“Great experience working with Steve and Ty. They have helped my business’ numerous times with annual maintenance, incorporation documents, shareholder sales and sub contractor agreements. Very happy with the professionalism and personalized service!”
3. Mark-John O’Nions of M.J. O’Nions Lawyers & Mediators
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Our first recommendation is a law firm that proves size doesn’t necessarily matter in some cases.
M.J. O’Nions Lawyers & Mediators is a boutique law firm you can find in downtown Vancouver, known for their reliable and affordable legal services.
The firm’s principal lawyer, Mark-John O’Nions, has over two decades of experience in family and estate law, which is why we recommend him to individuals looking to draft their wills.
His expertise in the field allows Mark-John O’Nions to provide consultations and create wills that help his clients protect their assets and loved ones.
In addition, the firm can also assist with other fields of law, including business and family laws.
Mark and his team have shown great empathy in the past, and he has notably advocated for his clients and created pragmatic and efficient solutions.
Another reason we think M.J. O’Nions Lawyers & Mediators makes an excellent choice is their commitment to helping those in need. In fact, they’re one of the firms that offer after-hours consultations.
At M.J. O’Nions Lawyers & Mediators, you will receive personalized attention dedicated to a detailed review of your needs.
In other words, you can take comfort in knowing that you can trust them to provide wills and create a tailored solution for your situation.
Pros
- Experienced in wills planning
- Over two decades of experience
- No hidden fees, no extra costs
Cons
- Closed during weekends
- May be booked and busy
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable and confident
“By the time we walked into Mark O’Nion’s law firm I was feeling hopeless and frustrated over an estate dispute. Mark is knowledgeable and confident and was always available whenever I had concerns, which was both reassuring and calming. He is honest and straightforward and does not make empty promises; he presents the facts and then navigates you along the best path. This case was long and stressful, but with Mark on our side, the outcome was excellent. Thank you, Mark!” – Shawneen K.
Intelligent and personal advice
“I only consulted with Mark a few times but I appreciate his intelligent and personal advice on all matters related to business and life planning, especially where an issue is stressful and he can offer a perspective/solution that allows you to sleep better.” – Alex R.
4. Peter Crawford of Munro & Crawford
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Your will is a crucial document that can protect you, your family, and your assets.
Given the importance of your will, you should only work with lawyers that can guarantee excellence. This is why Munro & Crawford comes highly recommended for will planning.
The lawyers at Munro & Crawford are experts in will and estate planning as well as probate and estate administration. Their years of practicing law and specializing in these fields ensure that they are familiar with the most recent developments in law and can provide informed advice.
We also believe that their experience makes them capable of handling complex cases and providing comprehensive legal services.
Peter Crawford, for instance, has practiced law for over 40 years, with specialization in Wills, Estate, and Company Law.
His individualized approach to wills planning is another reason we recommend them. Moreover, the team takes the time to understand the unique situation of each client and crafts a will that meets their individual needs.
On top of this, Peter Crawford is also known for providing personalized advice and guidance in regard to estate planning. He takes into account both emotional and financial factors when advising on trusts, powers of attorney, and more.
Peter Crawford and the rest of Munro & Crawford have earned a solid reputation for offering superior wills planning services, and we believe that they can assist you in drafting your will.
The lawyers at Munro & Crawford have the knowledge and skills to ensure that your will is crafted to meet your needs and protect you, your family, and your assets.
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Reliable team of professionals
- No initial charge for personal injury consultations
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- Rates are not listed
Customer Reviews
Local, knowledgeable, and trustworthy
“My uncle, who lived in Vancouver, passed away in August 2012. I was the executor of his estate but I live in San Francisco. I needed someone who was local, knowledgeable, and trustworthy to help me and my family. Fortunately, we found our way to Munro and Crawford. They turned what could easily have been a very stressful situation into a manageable project … On multiple occasions they went beyond the call of duty to help my family through this difficult time. I have found their work to be the perfect combination of professional mixed in with a personal touch.” – Andy C.
Sensitive personalized service and good advice
“RJ Argue et al from Munro & Crawford helped my family get through 2 estates, 1 divorce, and a corporation set up. We had sensitive personalized service and good advice. I highly recommend this law firm.” – Jane E.
5. Howard Kushner of Kushner Law
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Kushner Law is a firm that we believe can genuinely provide clients with exceptional and personalized wills planning services.
The Kushner Law team in Vancouver consists of Lars and Howard Kushner, both of whom are full-time law practitioners.
Together, they specialize in various fields, including family law, civil litigation, personal injury law, and of course, wills and estate planning.
Howard Kushner, in particular, is a barrister and solicitor who has a diverse legal background in various fields, including administrative law, constitutional law, municipal law, and corporate law.
Given his expertise, Howard Kushner can provide insight regarding which possessions are considered assets and how you can protect them best.
As previously mentioned, Kushner Law’s wills and estate planning goes beyond the creation of wills.
Howard Kushner can also assist you with the power of attorney agreements, healthcare directives, and representation agreements. This range is something that we commend the firm for.
Now, regarding the quality of their service. We believe that Kushner Law excels in this aspect.
Howard Kushner and the rest of the firm take a comprehensive approach to their practice, considering all the details and ensuring that clients get the best possible advice according to their circumstances.
Kushner Law ensures clients are informed about every step of the will-writing process and any related topics, such as inheritance tax. Howard Kushner also makes sure that the client understands how their will works and all its implications.
Finally, Kushner Law offers highly competitive prices for their services, making them an excellent choice for those looking to have a well-prepared will while staying within budget.
Pros
- Offers quality legal advice at more affordable costs
- Does not pick or choose clients
- Team with diverse legal experience
- Multi-language services
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- No rates listed on their website
Customer Reviews
Focused, supportive and always professional
“Brilliant. I worked with Lars on a civil litigation claim for two years. It was a very challenging matter. Lars never wavered; he was focused, supportive and always professional. No over promising, he delivered. Lars is calm, fair and determined. Lars proceeded my claim to success. He believed in me and my family. We all won.” – Hayley D.
Thorough breakdown of any red flags and issues
“We reached out to Mr. Kushner for a review of the sale agreement of an office building we were in escrow for. He was able to assist us same day, with a short notice and tight deadline. He was able to deliver a thorough breakdown of any red flags and issues the seller had presented in our purchase agreement. We will definitely retain Mr. Kushner for future business and real estate transactions, and already referred him to others in need of a real estate attorney. Thank you, it has been a pleasure to work with you.” – David
6. Katrina Yaworsky of Westcoast Wills & Estates
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Westcoast Wills & Estates is a firm we recommend due to their thorough, knowledgeable approach to wills and estate planning.
Katrina Yaworsky and the rest of the legal professionals from this firm educate their clients about their desired services, allowing them to make informed decisions.
For instance, will planning from Westcoast Wills & Estates isn’t just a matter of drafting a document.
It’s a process that typically requires more than an hour, which is spent discussing the client’s situation (i.e., financial and familial), which enables Katrina Yaworsky to craft a comprehensive and unique will and estate plan tailored to their needs.*
Aside from planning, Katrina Yaworsky and the rest of the firm also includes trusts, Power of Attorney, and representation agreements into the conversation, resulting in a full suite of estate planning services that we acknowledge them for.
In addition, Westcoast Wills & Estates offers an impressive array of resources to help clients stay informed and up-to-date on the ever-changing laws and regulations.
Another reason why you should consider Katrina Yaworsky and the firm is their professionalism. Katrina strives to be accessible, making it a point to respond promptly to inquiries and make herself available for emergency meetings.
With all these factors combined, it’s easy to see why we recommend Katrina Yaworsky and Westcoast Wills & Estates as the go-to lawyer and firm for wills and estate planning.
Pros
- Personal, focused, professional service
- Flexible meeting times
- Free quote available
Cons
- Meetings are by appointment only
- No appointments taken on weekends
Customer Reviews
Valuable feedback for consideration
“Mike Beishuizen handled the discussion and preparation of our estate documents with thoroughness and care. He provided us with valuable feedback for consideration and we are confident that we now have all the necessary documents finalized and reflective of our wishes. The team at Westcoast Wills & Estates is efficient and friendly, and we recommend their services.” – Alan S.
Professional and helpful in providing great advice
“I recently retained Mike Beishuizen to draw up my will and he was very professional and helpful in providing great advice. The staff at Westcoast Wills & Estates Law Corporation were all very pleasant. I highly recommend!!” – Deneen C.
7. Elizabeth Mah of Paperclip Law
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Accessibility | ★★★★✰ (4/5) |
| Reputation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Paperclip Law is a firm that stood out to us because of its unique structure and advocacy.
See, the brilliant minds behind Paperclip Law seek to change the legal industry, making it more human-centric.
These professionals work toward this goal by developing personal connections with their clients, enabling them to better understand their clients’ objectives.
They are doing exceptionally well in this regard, especially if we consider the payment structure they follow.
At Paperclip Law, a flat fee covers a complete will plan and all subsequent follow-ups. This removes the threat of unexpected bills that tend to come with traditional legal services.
Another reason Paperclip Law is recommended is their team, which is relatively small compared to other firms in the area.
The size of their team doesn’t work against the professionals from Paperclip Law firm, though.
Instead, they use it to their advantage, providing tailored and innovative solutions that leave an impact on their clients’ lives. This is evident from the positive reviews they have earned over the years.
Elizabeth Mah, in particular, caught our attention not only because she established the firm, but also for her wealth of expertise in law.
She is a proud winner of the Top 40 under Forty Awards and has dedicated much of her professional career helping clients with their legal goes.
Elizabeth Mah does her best to ensure that her clients get a clear picture of the case, and she reaches this goal by explaining the process in simple terms.
Ultimately, Paperclip Law comes highly recommended because of their commitment to providing personalized and affordable wills planning services.
Their innovative approach to legal matters helps them stand out among other firms, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking for a reliable provider.
Pros
- Personalized and innovative solutions
- Diverse practice areas
- Follows a flat fee service structure
Cons
- No consultations on weekends
- Fewer legal professionals on site compared to other firms
Customer Reviews
Professional, friendly, thorough
“I have worked with Elizabeth on various real estate, commercial, and corporate related matters over the past 12 or so years and, from the very beginning, every interaction has been professional, friendly, thorough, and ensuring the best results for everyone. I can’t imagine any other lawyer being easier to work with. I would absolutely trust my own matters (with complete confidence) with Elizabeth and her team. A great asset to anyone that works with Paperclip!” – Michael L.
Professional, responsive, and friendly
“I love working with Paperclip Law. As a small business owner, I used Paperclip Law to help me start up my business as well as help review legal contracts along the way. Everyone I have been in contact with at Paperclip Law has been very professional, responsive, and friendly. I also feel confident in the legal advice being provided as they do their research and have multiple internal reviews. Thank you Paperclip Law for always being in my corner.” – Nancy K.
FAQs about the best wills lawyers in Vancouver
The best wills lawyers in Vancouver can help ensure that your wishes are legally binding and that your rights are protected.
When selecting a lawyer, be sure to consider factors such as expertise, accessibility, and professionalism. The firms featured in this article are reliable, experienced, and offer various services.
If you need assistance with estate planning, check out our reviews for the best estate lawyers in Vancouver.
