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. Westcoast Wills & Estates
Location:
- North Vancouver
- West Broadway
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- Richmond
Contact: +16042301068
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Westcoast Wills & Estates is a dedicated practice focused on wills, probate, and estate-related corporate and tax matters, with a team of experienced lawyers serving North Vancouver, Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby. The firm emphasises clear, practical advice and community-minded service that clients rely on when planning for succession and estate administration.
Aron Chitsaz of Westcoast Wills & Estates is routinely recommended as one of the best estate lawyers in Vancouver for his blend of technical knowledge and client-centred empathy; he assists clients with estate planning and corporate matters, and regularly advises executors and preparing applications for grants of probate while also drafting wills, powers of attorney and trusts.
Aron’s background includes a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours from the Sauder School of Business at UBC and a law degree from UBC, and he brings relevant hands-on experience from participation in the Business Law Clinic and prior work in estate litigation. Aron regularly presents publicly on estate planning and probate and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Vancouver.
Clients who value an integrated, estate-focused approach will find comfort in Westcoast Wills & Estates’ roster of specialists and in Aron’s combination of probate experience and practical estate planning skills. For those searching for a trusted probate lawyer or the best probate lawyer in Vancouver to guide executors through probate, Westcoast Wills & Estates and Aron Chitsaz offer reliable, experienced representation.
Understanding, competent and patient
“My wife died in late January and I turned to Westcoast Wills & Estates to assist me with probating her will. Aron Chitsaz was the lawyer that I dealt with. He was very understanding, competent and patient with me throughout this emotional and , sometimes, frustrating procedure. I received prompt and excellent service both in answering my inquiries and in completing the necessary documentation for the probate. I was impressed that from the time that the probate documents were filed to the time a settlement request was received was only about six weeks. This illustrates that Aron was thorough in the preparation of the necessary documents for probate. I was also pleased that Westcoast Wills charged me a fixed cost for completing the probate rather than having an open ended arrangement. I was very pleased with the service that I got from Westcoast Wills and Aron Chitsaz. I will use them again to complete my own will.”
Professionalism, responsiveness, and good customer service
“We hired West Coast Wills & Estates after a less than satisfactory experience with another law firm. We have been very pleased the professionalism, responsiveness, and good customer service. As an attorney myself, I would not hesitate to recommend the firm to anyone seeking professional advice on trusts and estates issues.”
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
