Oliver EvansEstate planning isn’t exactly a table dinner conversation, but it’s one of the most important things you can do in Vancouver. The city’s laws are complex, so whether you’re writing wills or setting up a trust, you need the right lawyer by your side.
After reviewing dozens of firms and going through hundreds of success stories, we narrowed it down to the best estate lawyers in Vancouver. These pros aren’t only brilliant – they genuinely care for their clients.
Here’s who made the list and why they’re worth the call.
How much does it cost to hire an estate lawyer in Vancouver?
The cost to hire an estate lawyer in Vancouver ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 for probate services.
Comprehensive estate plans range from $1,500 to $5,560, depending on the complexity and scope of the services needed.
1. Magnusson Law
Location: 885 W Georgia St Suite 1480
Contact: +16043624690
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Magnusson Law is among the most experienced boutique estate law firms we’ve encountered. Looking into their track record, it’s easy to see the range of their specialty, dealing with everything from probate litigation to inheritance disputes.
While they also welcome clients with business interests, we appreciate that they’re well-equipped to handle family-related matters as well. In fact, most of the clients we’ve interviewed said that they handled sensitive family dynamics with ease.
They made it possible through a responsive, experienced, and compassionate legal team. The entire experience was solid too, with a seamless booking process and a consultation that clients say isn’t as intimidating as they thought.
As for cases, they use different types of approaches based on the complexity of the matter. Most of their strategies revolve around negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. When the situation escalates, they handle court resolutions too.
Pricing, however, isn’t always upfront and clear from the get-go, which can leave many clients guessing along the way. Fortunately, their team is open to allowing any clarifications on costs, so we recommend requesting a detailed fee sheet.
Fought hard for the client
“For the previous ten years, which have just concluded, Melanie Magnussion has defended me in the intestate estate dispute brought by my siblings. Melanie fought hard on my behalf and was able to obtain the portion of the inheritance that has always been rightfully mine. I couldn’t be more delighted and content with Melanie’s work. I truly am grateful for everything Melanie has done for me. ”
-Client – D.L. Vancouver, BC |Site
Professional and dedicated
“Melanie’s expertise and support were invaluable during my divorce. She guided me through the process and ensured a fair outcome. I’m grateful for her professionalism and dedication.”
-Client – D.B. Vancouver, BC | Site
2. Westcoast Wills & Estates
Location: 1401 W Broadway #601
Contact: +16042301068
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Founded in 2011, Westcoast Wills & Estates has grown to a firm that handles over 1,000 clients each year. This track record proves to us that they deliver quality work through personalised legal strategies.
We favour that their services are in-depth, including drafting wills, offering trusts, and reviewing financial situations to minimise disputes. This is particularly valuable for cases in which minor children or vulnerable family members are involved.
They offer free initial consultations, which is a major plus, as well as reasonable rates. In fact, they operate on a predictable flat fee, which is ideal for clients who want to avoid surprising legal bills.
We also liked how responsive, clear, and efficient they are when handling cases. In fact, one client told us that their probate was completed within 6 weeks, something that can take up to 3 months to be granted.
It’s important to note, however, that the firm doesn’t handle all litigation in-house. For clients expecting full representation, needing to work with affiliate litigators may feel like a drawback. Fortunately, the firm has trusted partners for this matter.
Guided well through the process
“This is one of those tasks that you keep putting off because it just seems so daunting. 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.”
-Sonia Telford | Google Reviews
Reasonable, efficient, and well informed
“This is our second time working with Westcoast Wills and they provide great service – reasonable, quick, efficient, clear, informed, friendly, and responsive. That’s all that we would want from a law firm providing us with estate advice.”
-Kerry H. | Google Reviews
3. Bijan Ahmadian at Sager Naine LLP
Location: 1111 W Hastings St #1100
Contact: +16049228881
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We liked that this firm offers a wide range of services, assisting with everything from first-time home purchases to dissolving real estate partnerships. According to clients, they’re thorough and results-driven with their approach.
Looking at their cases, we noticed that the firm is proactive in their approach too. For instance, they can structure agreements and provide strategies for negotiations. This is often used when they need to safeguard the client from large damages.
Bijan Law also earned high marks for value as well. While their fee varies, the majority of the clients we spoke to all agreed that the rates are reasonable. Plus, they’re easy to reach whenever they need clarity with their billing.
Their overall approach to work is efficient. In some cases, they’re able to solve a case within 5 weeks, even after a 12-week stagnation from a past lawyer. That said, they’re speedy and decisive with all the cases they handle.
However, we did come across complaints wherein the client was charged for services that weren’t included in the agreement. This seems to be an isolated case, though, and the best thing to do is to clarify everything in writing.
Helpful and very professional
“Bijan law assisted me with the legal aspect in buying my first home. Bijan Ahmadian is
very professional in all aspects of real estate law. He was so helpful and provided me with all the procedure requirements that I had to follow to protect my deposit. I Highly recommend working with him and his team”
-Mahesta | Google Reviews
High level of expertise
“We had a pleasure working with Bijan and his team in our recent real estate deal. They were very professional throughout with high level of expertise. We’ll be glad to appoint this company again as our legal representative for our future cases. Great job!”
-Afshin Rahimi | Google Reviews
4. Munro & Crawford
Location: 5670 Yew St
Contact: +16042667174
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
From our very first point of contact, Munro & Crawford already impressed us with their professional and responsive demeanour. They’re easy to approach, making them a non-intimidating choice for clients with highly complex cases.
We liked that they offer full-service estate planning and administration, including wills, probate, and trust agreements. Beyond expertise, their compassion is clear – clients say that they navigate emotionally charged situations involving parents with ease.
Communication is also a major strength here, with most lawyers lauded for being able to clearly explain legal procedures. This matters to us, considering most clients feel frustrated in such complex matters.
Another point that earned our favour is their reasonable legal fees. Despite the high level of legal support, and though rates vary per case, clients consistently felt they received excellent value for money.
We just wish it were easy to make follow-ups after the initial consultation. We did encounter clients who said it took them multiple takes and used various channels just to reach them again. But to be fair, it appears to be a unique case.
Professional and compassionate
“Katarina and her colleagues did an excellent job guiding with through the estate process following my mother’s passing. They were professional and compassionate during a very emotional process, and I would highly recommend their services.”
-Chris Hescl | Google Reviews
Very respectful and compassionate
“No one wants to deal with lawyers but Andrew was excellent to deal with for my father’s estate. Very respectful and very compassionate. I also used Andrew for some business issues and for both situations he was always available and is immensely competent. I would definitely recommend using Munro & Crawford.”
-Scotty Edison | Google Reviews
5. Vest Wills and Estates
Location: 134 Abbott St #301
Contact: +16042567152
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Vest Wills and Estates is one of the most experienced law firms in the city, able to handle complex estate issues for families. They’re able to help executors, as well as guide families through probate and property sales.
Their team is very hands-on with cases, according to the clients we interviewed. In every step of the way, they noted how excellent the communication was, with a strong sense of compassion for grieving clients.
The firm also shines when it comes to proactive estate planning. Through this, they help clients prepare comprehensive plans, including wills, powers of attorney, and personal directives to minimise taxes and court complications.
The rates are also reasonable, and the clients we interviewed said they felt that they got their money’s worth. And with in-person consultations and ongoing updates, clients never felt like they were in the dark at every stage.
If there were any notes for improvement, it’s that we want to see a little bit more efficiency with online bookings and virtual meetings. Other than that, we’re very happy with what they’re able to deliver as a team.
Easy process
“Vest Estate Law helped me with my brother’s estate. They made the process easy to understand and communicated with me through each stage. Having Vest assist me with the estate allowed me to grieve and look after family without having the added worry that I might make a mistake as the executor.
Kelly Sullivan assisted me with my friend’s estate. She was understanding in the difficulties I faced and made a difficult situation easy.”
-Oluwaseun Robert Ogunbanwo | Google Reviews
Knowledgeable and professional
“I recommend Vest Estate Law, knowledgeable, compassionate and professional.”
-Toluyemi Malomo | Google Reviews
