Find Lawyers That Do Wills Near Me: Top Tips for 2025 in Ontario
Drafting a will is a critical step to protect your family’s future and ensure your final wishes are honoured. However, finding the right professional to guide you through the process can be a significant challenge. If you have been searching online for “lawyers that do wills near me” in Burlington, the GTA, or anywhere across Ontario, you need a clear, reliable resource to simplify your options. This guide is designed to do exactly that.
We have compiled a definitive list of the best firms and referral services available to help you secure your legacy. From specialized practices offering transparent, flat-fee estate planning packages to official referral programs run by provincial law societies, each entry provides the details you need. We’ll help you navigate your choices with confidence, ensuring you find the right legal partner for your specific estate planning needs in Ontario.
1. Wills & Estate Law — UL Lawyers
For those searching for dependable and straightforward “lawyers that do wills near me,” UL Lawyers presents a compelling, well-rounded solution. As our featured choice, this Ontario-based firm distinguishes itself with a blend of transparent pricing, comprehensive services, and a deeply client-focused philosophy, making the often-daunting process of estate planning both accessible and reassuring.
Why It Stands Out: A Comprehensive Approach
UL Lawyers excels by simplifying the first crucial step of estate planning. Their transparent, flat-fee structure for individual wills, starting at $399 plus HST, removes the financial uncertainty that often prevents people from seeking professional legal advice. This clear pricing model is a significant advantage for individuals and families in Ontario looking to secure their futures without unpredictable costs.
Beyond drafting a will, the firm offers a holistic suite of services essential for complete estate protection. This includes:
- Powers of Attorney: Crucial legal documents for appointing someone to manage your property and personal care if you become incapacitated, governed by Ontario’s Substitute Decisions Act.
- Notary Services: Essential for verifying and authenticating legal documents, ensuring their validity across Canada.
This integrated approach means clients can handle all their core estate planning needs under one roof, ensuring a cohesive and legally sound plan compliant with Ontario law.
Key Strengths and Client Experience
What truly sets UL Lawyers apart is its humanistic approach. As part of a multidisciplinary firm serving Burlington, the GTA, and all of Ontario, their team combines broad legal expertise with genuine compassion, treating every client like family. They prioritize clear, jargon-free communication and offer no-upfront-fee consultations, lowering the barrier to getting started. This commitment ensures you feel heard, understood, and confident throughout the entire process.
Pros:
- Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing: Cost-effective individual wills make professional planning accessible.
- Comprehensive Services: A one-stop shop for wills, Powers of Attorney, and notary needs.
- Client-Centred Advocacy: A compassionate team dedicated to clear communication and support.
- No-Upfront-Fee Consultations: Reduces financial barriers to accessing expert legal advice.
Cons:
- Limited Flat-Fee Scope: The advertised flat fee is for individual wills; more complex estates may incur additional fees.
- Ontario-Focused: Services are tailored specifically for residents within the province of Ontario.
For a deeper dive into their services, you can learn more about their wills and estates practice on ullaw.ca.
Website: https://ullaw.ca/wills-estate-law/
2. Canadian Bar Association – Find‑a‑Lawyer
For those seeking a comprehensive and unbiased starting point, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) provides a national Find‑a‑Lawyer directory. This powerful, free-to-use tool allows you to search for legal professionals across Canada, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking for lawyers that do wills near me, whether in the GTA or elsewhere in Ontario. The platform’s strength lies in its neutrality; as the largest national legal association in Canada, the CBA lists member lawyers without promotional bias.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The user interface is straightforward, allowing you to filter results by specific criteria. To get the most out of the directory, be sure to use the advanced search functions.
- Practice Area: Start by selecting “Wills, Estates & Trusts” to narrow your search immediately.
- Location: You can search by city, such as Burlington or Toronto, to find local options.
- Language: This filter is particularly useful if you require legal services in a language other than English.
While the platform is incredibly broad, one drawback is that not all practising lawyers in Ontario are CBA members or have created a profile. Furthermore, the directory does not list fees, so you will need to contact lawyers directly to inquire about their pricing for will preparation and estate planning services. Despite this, its extensive, searchable database makes it a trustworthy first step in your search.
Website: https://www.cba.org/public/find-a-lawyer/
3. LawyerLocate.ca
LawyerLocate.ca is a long-standing Canadian legal directory that offers a straightforward approach to finding legal help. It features a dedicated category for wills and estates, making it easy for users in Ontario to find lawyers that do wills near me. The platform’s main advantage is its dual-functionality; you can browse listings directly or use their free referral service to be matched with a suitable legal professional, simplifying the search process for those who prefer a guided approach.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The platform is designed for quick access and ease of use, particularly on mobile devices. Its focused categories help you find a specialist without navigating through irrelevant practice areas.
- Dedicated Category: Navigate directly to the “Wills Lawyers” section, which includes subtopics like trusts and estate planning for more refined searches.
- Referral Service: If you prefer not to browse, you can submit your details and have LawyerLocate.ca connect you with a relevant lawyer in your area, such as Burlington or elsewhere in the GTA.
- Canada-Wide Coverage: While you can search locally, the directory covers all of Canada, which is useful for complex estates with assets in multiple provinces.
A potential drawback is that profiles may offer less detail on a lawyer’s disciplinary history compared to official law society directories. As with most directories, pricing is not listed, so direct contact is necessary to discuss fees for will preparation. Nevertheless, its simple interface and helpful referral option make it a very efficient resource.
Website: https://lawyerlocate.ca/estates-law/wills/
4. Law Society of Ontario – Law Society Referral Service
For those who prefer a resource managed directly by the legal profession’s regulator, the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) offers its Law Society Referral Service. This public-interest service is designed to connect Ontario residents with a lawyer or paralegal for a free consultation. It’s a highly credible option for anyone searching for lawyers that do wills near me, providing a no-cost entry point to discuss your estate planning needs with a qualified professional. The service’s main advantage is the trust factor, as it’s an official program from the very body that governs lawyers in the province.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The service is straightforward to use via their online request form, which is available 24/7. It matches you with a lawyer who meets your stated needs, including the specific area of law.
- Free Consultation: The biggest benefit is a free, no-obligation consultation of up to 30 minutes. This is invaluable for asking initial questions, understanding the process of creating a will, and gauging service costs before any financial commitment.
- Targeted Matching: When submitting your request, you can specify your legal issue as “Wills and estates” to ensure you are connected with a relevant lawyer. You can also indicate a preference for services in a particular language.
- Geographic Focus: The service is tailored for Ontario residents, ensuring the lawyer you are referred to is licensed and practising within the province.
While the free consultation is a major plus, keep in mind that the referral is not instantaneous. It can take up to three business days to receive a response, depending on lawyer availability. Still, for a risk-free introduction to a local wills and estates lawyer, the LSO’s referral service is an excellent and trustworthy starting point.
Website: https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/law-society-referral-service
5. Law Society of British Columbia – Lawyer Directory
For those seeking the highest level of assurance in British Columbia, the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) Lawyer Directory is the definitive source for verifying a legal professional’s credentials. As the regulatory body for lawyers in BC, this directory provides authoritative, up-to-date records on every licensed lawyer in the province. While not a marketing platform, it is an essential tool for due diligence when you are searching for lawyers that do wills near me in BC and want to confirm their status and disciplinary history.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The LSBC directory is a public-facing tool designed for transparency and consumer protection. Its primary function is verification, not advertising, which makes it a unique and powerful resource.
- Authoritative Verification: You can instantly confirm if a lawyer is licensed to practise law in British Columbia and check their current status.
- Discipline History: The directory provides transparent access to any public disciplinary actions or regulatory notices, offering crucial insight into a lawyer’s professional conduct.
- Direct Contact: It lists official contact information, ensuring you are reaching out to a legitimate and registered legal professional.
A key limitation is that the search functionality is not optimized for finding lawyers by practice area, like wills and estates. Users typically need a lawyer’s name to perform a search. Therefore, it is best used as a verification step after identifying potential candidates from other sources. You will also need to contact lawyers directly to discuss their services and fees, as this information is not included.
Website: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/
6. Law Society of Alberta – Find a Lawyer
For those in Alberta, the Law Society of Alberta’s official directory is an authoritative and reliable resource for finding legal professionals. As the regulatory body for the province’s lawyers, this platform provides a comprehensive and verified list, making it an excellent tool for anyone searching for lawyers that do wills near me. Its primary strength is the assurance that every lawyer listed is in good standing and licensed to practise in Alberta, offering a level of trust that third-party directories cannot match.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The platform’s advanced search capabilities allow you to efficiently zero in on the right professional for your needs. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to apply several filters at once.
- Practice Area: Select “Wills and Estates” to immediately refine your search to relevant experts.
- Location and Retainer: You can filter by city or town and even find lawyers offering limited-scope retainers, which can be a cost-effective option for specific tasks.
- Verification: The directory transparently displays a lawyer’s practising status and any discipline history since 2015, providing crucial background information.
One of the most significant advantages is its powerful, regulator-verified filtering system. However, a potential drawback is that some lawyers may not provide complete contact information on their profiles, and pricing for services is not listed. You will need to contact potential lawyers directly to discuss fees for will preparation. Despite this, its transparency and detailed search functions make it a top-tier resource.
Website: https://www.lawsociety.ab.ca/public/findalawyer/
7. Chambre des notaires du Québec – Trouver un notaire
For those in Québec, the process of creating a will involves a different professional: the notary (notaire). The Chambre des notaires du Québec provides an official directory, “Trouver un notaire,” specifically designed to connect you with these legal experts. This tool is an indispensable resource if you’re searching for professionals who handle wills in Québec, as notarial wills are the standard and offer distinct advantages within the province’s civil law system. The platform’s key strength is its authority as the official governing body for notaries in Québec.
Key Features and Practical Tips
The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing you to quickly locate a suitable notary. To refine your search and find the right professional, it is best to use the available filters.
- Specialization: Select “Testament” (Will) and “Mandat de protection” (Protection Mandate, similar to a Power of Attorney) to find notaries specializing in estate planning.
- Location: You can search by city or postal code to find a notary in your immediate vicinity.
- Language: This filter is essential if you need services in English, French, or another language.
A significant benefit of a notarial will in Québec is that it does not require probate (known as verification in Québec), which saves your estate time and money. One drawback of the directory is that it only lists notaries who have opted into the referral service, so it may not be a complete list of all practising notaries. Costs for preparing a will can vary based on complexity, so you will need to contact the notary directly for a fee schedule.
Website: https://trouverunnotaire.cnq.org/
7-Source Lawyer Referral Services Comparison
Service | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wills & Estate Law — UL Lawyers | Moderate; flat-fee individual wills with some complexity for advanced needs | Moderate; fixed pricing for basic wills, additional services as needed | Comprehensive estate planning with legal safeguards | Individuals in Ontario seeking affordable, clear wills and estate services | Transparent pricing, client-focused, multidisciplinary expertise |
Canadian Bar Association – Find‑a‑Lawyer | Low; search directory platform | Low; online search tool only | Broad access to lawyers nationwide | Users needing a neutral starting point to find wills lawyers across Canada | Nationwide coverage, neutral listings |
LawyerLocate.ca | Low; browse listings with referral option | Low; directory and referral service | Quick matches with wills-focused lawyers | Users wanting curated referrals and mobile-friendly access | Dedicated wills category, free referral service |
Law Society of Ontario – Referral Service | Low; online referral with free consult | Low; referral and initial consult provided free | Initial free legal consultation | Ontario residents needing cost-effective initial lawyer contact | Regulator-run, trusted, no-cost initial consult |
Law Society of British Columbia – Lawyer Directory | Low; searchable regulator directory | Low; online lookup only | Verified lawyer licenses and disciplinary info | BC residents verifying credentials of wills lawyers | Authoritative, transparent discipline records |
Law Society of Alberta – Find a Lawyer | Moderate; advanced filters and discipline info | Low; online search with regulatory data | Detailed lawyer info and discipline history | Albertans seeking verified wills lawyers with detailed filters | Powerful filters, verified licensing and discipline |
Chambre des notaires du Québec – Trouver un notaire | Moderate; local notarial search with guidance | Moderate; dependent on notary service fees | Immediate-effect notarial wills without court delays | Québec residents needing official notarial wills and cost guidance | Québec-specific, notarial wills avoid probate delays |
Taking the Next Step Towards Securing Your Legacy
Navigating the various avenues to find legal counsel for your estate planning can seem complex, but this guide has provided you with a clear roadmap. We’ve explored a range of valuable tools, from comprehensive national directories like LawyerLocate.ca to the provincially focused referral services offered by the Law Society of Ontario. Each resource serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s offering a broad overview of practitioners or providing a direct, targeted referral based on your specific legal needs.
The key takeaway is that while these directories are excellent for initial research, the most effective step is often choosing a specialized local firm. A dedicated wills and estates lawyer provides personalized attention that a simple directory listing cannot capture. They take the time to understand your unique family dynamics, financial situation, and long-term goals, ensuring every detail of your will accurately reflects your wishes under Ontario law.
Your Action Plan for Peace of Mind
Finding the right “lawyers that do wills near me” is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding expertise, trust, and a process that makes you feel secure. Your next steps should involve using the resources we’ve discussed to shortlist potential candidates and then scheduling consultations to find the best fit.
Consider the following as you make your decision:
- Specialization: Does the lawyer focus primarily on wills and estates? This specialized knowledge is invaluable.
- Fee Structure: Do they offer transparent, flat-rate fees? This avoids unexpected costs and provides financial clarity from the outset.
- Client Experience: Do their client testimonials reflect a compassionate, professional, and efficient process?
- Personal Connection: During a consultation, do you feel heard and understood? This rapport is crucial for discussing sensitive family matters.
Ultimately, creating a will is a profound act of care for your loved ones. It is your final message, ensuring they are protected and your legacy is preserved exactly as you intend. By taking these deliberate steps today, you are providing lasting peace of mind for both yourself and your family for years to come.
When your search for “lawyers that do wills near me” leads you to seek a firm that combines local expertise with a client-centred approach, consider UL Lawyers. We specialize in crafting comprehensive, flat-fee wills for individuals and families across Burlington, the GTA, and all of Ontario. Contact us today to secure your legacy with confidence.
Related Articles
Find Lawyers for Immigration Near Me in Ontario – Trusted Expert Help
Read articleNEED A LAWYER?
We are here 24/7 to address your case. You can speak with a lawyer to request a consultation.
905-744-8888