The 6 Leading Firms with the Best Estate Lawyers in Winnipeg
To many, estate law and planning sounds like rocket science. Looking for an estate lawyer to help you through the process is a challenge on its own, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this review, we take a look at the leading estate lawyers in Winnipeg. Let’s go over the best that these professionals offer, and how their services suit our needs.
Let’s begin.
How Much Does an Estate Lawyer in Winnipeg Cost
Acquiring general legal services can be costly. Then again, these fees will vary on a few factors. These include the type of service, length of the process, established reputation and prestige of lawyer, and the like.
An estate lawyer in Winnipeg may bill you the minimum of $200.
According to the Financial Post, the Canadian Lawyer’s Legal Fees Survey back in 2019 shows that less experienced estate lawyers charge an average of $213 per hour. More experienced lawyers charge double the amount, at an average of $437.
However, Investopedia shows that some estate lawyers may charge flat fees, depending on the service. More specifically, estate settlement costs range from 2.5% to 5% of the total estate value.
The table below shows the estimated average costs of a estate lawyers in Winnipeg
Best Estate Lawyer Firms in Winnipeg
Legal services are expensive, so it’s best to make sure that we get value for our money. With that said, we’ve assessed the estate lawyer firms in this list based on the following key points:
This also means that they submit their deliverables complete, on-time, and as promised.
1. Robertson Shypit Soble Wood / RSSW Lawyers
| Criteria | ★★★★★ (3.9/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★☆☆(3.5/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
RSSW, or Robertson Shypit Soble Wood is a team of lawyers and notaries located in the south side of Winnipeg. They primarily offer the typical consumer legal services, and work within a collegial environment.
Given their expertise and experience, they are keen on helping their clients understand the process. Since most people don’t know how to approach their legal concerns, we like that they patiently guide clients every step of the way with direct and definitive advice.
While they have Estates as an area of practice, RSSW is more experienced in Real Estate, with four of their lawyers practicing that specific field. Nevertheless, their standard fees are fair, and their protocols are updated – both on the legal aspect and precautionary health measures.
We also like that they have FAQs about their Estate services on their website, including possible alternatives, responsibilities of an Executor, and the role of a probate in the process. With this knowledge available, they display their expertise and willingness to help.
Their online reviews also show how dedicated they are to continuously improving their expertise on Estates, as well as their professional relationships with their clients. With RSSW, you are guaranteed value for your money, time and effort, with the process simplified and expedited.
Pros
- Relatively longer working hours
- Lawyers are knowledgeable and experienced in Wills and Estates
- Responsive and utilizes teleconference for communication
- Plenty of positive feedback and reviews
- Adaptive to the sanitation demands of the pandemic
Cons
- Firm is more known for their expertise in Real Estate
- Website and social media pages contain sparse information on their services
- Closed during weekends
Customer Reviews
Exceptional communication and very professional
They were a pleasure to work with.. Helping with our new built house purchase deal but going far and beyond to intervene when needed help on a tenancy issue. Excellent service & Amazing Team – Mr Jeff Shypit & Deanna Chapski are rare breed.
Highly Recommended!
— Adewale Lawal, Google Reviews
Safe and Satisfied!
Excellent service, Quick and fair pricing. Will return for other services. I was impressed with their Covid precaution measures.
— Joanne PH, Google Reviews
2. Olschewski Davie Barristers and Solicitors
| Criteria | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Olschewski Davie Barristers and Solicitors is another well-known real estate firm in the area of Winnipeg. This team of professionals strive to deliver quality and ethical legal services to their clients with integrity and transparency – especially with regards to Wills and Estates.
They offer a range of services, including the drafting of wills, preparing and administering estates, and even handling healthcare directives. Clients with zero knowledge of these matters have nothing to worry about, because ODB&S Lawyers have a way of simplifying the terminologies to make it more understandable.
With a combined 50+ years of field experience, their lawyers guarantee clients the value for their investment. We are impressed with how they guide and support their clients, since the process can get terribly stressful for anyone involved.
Professional collaboration is also within their capacity, given that they have worked with accountants and financial advisors to expedite legal processes. Should there be more specific questions about Estate concerns, they are reachable during office hours, and always accommodating.
Another great thing about the firm is that they don’t require payments upfront, so you know they’re working with your best interests. They are also keen on providing sound and straightforward advice to reduce the difficulties you may encounter along the way.
Pros
- Sleek and well-designed website with substantial information
- They don’t require upfront down payment or fees
- Practice areas are focused and comprehensive
- Dedicated in guiding clients throughout the process
- Good rapport with clients
- Plenty of positive reviews and feedback
Cons
- More of a real estate law firm
- No active social media pages
- Closed during weekends
Customer Reviews
Seamless services. Recommended!
“It was a pleasure working with Kenneth and his team. Everyone was professional, friendly, knowledgeable and responsive. I would highly recommend Kenneth to anyone requiring a real estate lawyer and wouldn’t hesitate to use his services on our next sale.”
— Jennifer Forsyth, Google Reviews
Professional and Empathetic
“I’ve gone with Olschewski Davie for the purchase of my cottage, new home, and vacant land as of late. The girls in the office are very professional, informative and quick with replies, and Richard has always pointed us in the right direction with our questions/concerns. They look out for our best interests!”
— Greg Christo, Google Reviews
3. McRoberts Law Office LLP
| Criteria | ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The McRoberts Law Office offers services encompassing almost all fields of Law, including Will and Estates. Open to book an appointment without a referral, their office also accommodates prospects looking to consult with any of their twelve lawyers.
Aiming towards the best course of action for over 30 years, the firm lives up to their reputation in the Manitoba area. Even when the firm doesn’t specialize in Estate Planning, almost all of their partners and associates cover the area in their practice.
The professionals in this office know that most Manitobans have yet to establish a will for themselves, so they take it upon themselves to make the process easy for those who do. With that, many of their past clients generously express their appreciation for the guidance and support.
Another good thing about McRoberts Law Office is how well they explain the terms to their clients, and how they make this knowledge available on their website for anyone who may need it. They even explain services aside from Will and Estate, like healthcare directives, powers of attorney and court filing fees.
They offer all this for a reasonable price that doesn’t leave a sour taste on the mouth. We could say this is why their clients keep recommending them to others.
Pros
- Relatively large team of lawyers with focused specializations
- Office is responsive to inquiries and bookings
- Website is simple and straightforward with ample information
- Open to book an appointment without referrals
- Almost all their lawyers have experience on Estate Planning
Cons
- Generally known as an Immigration Law Firm
- Inactive social media pages
- Negative reviews indicate miscommunication
- Closed during weekends
Customer Reviews
Top-notch Reliability and Professionalism
“I’m a mortgage broker, and I value referring my clients to a lawyer who responds to clients quickly, and provides a quality service. I’ve sent a number of clients to Nick Doyle, and I’ve been completely satisfied with him. He responds quickly, provides quality work, and offers expert advice. I couldn’t ask for more from a lawyer.”
— Mike Schroeder, Google Reviews
A Dream to Work With
“Andrea Rous and paralegal Kristin were such a dream to work with for my real estate transaction……clear, prompt communication made me feel so calm , in Dealing with my first home purchase. I would absolutely recommend this team.”
— Vanessa Toews, Google Reviews
4. Lillian T.N. Mackenzie of Visionary Law Corporation
| Criteria | ★★★★★ (4.7/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
A household name in Manitoban legal services, Visionary Law Corporate is led primarily by Lillian Mackenzie, an accomplished estate lawyer. Experienced with ample expertise on the field, Mackenzie works with a team that guarantees an ethical yet effective process.
Clients often share how dedicated yet straightforward this firm is – an approach that has saved them both money and time. The firm is also keen on educating and sharing information about the importance of a will, and why planning for your family’s future should be a priority.
A staunch advocate for what is right and thinking out of the box, Mackenzie’s team of lawyers utilize empathy and expertise for their Estate cases. We admire their dedication to serving the family unit, and protecting the family’s future with effective administration and litigation.
Also, they offer initial 30-minute consultations for free as a way for them to fully grasp the task at hand and also gauge the client’s concerns . Aside from Estate Planning and Administration, they also offer guidance on other areas which include healthcare and estate litigation.
In addition, this boutique Law firm of 5 professionals aim to maintain healthy relationships with their clients. This is their assurance that your successes are also theirs.
Pros
- Office is wheelchair accessible
- Area has ample free parking
- Free initial consultation
- Straightforward website design with substantial information
- Relatively active social media pages
- Good rapport and relationship with clients
- Predominantly positive online reviews and feedback
- Good Covid restrictions
Cons
- Relatively expensive services
- Closed during weekends
Customer Reviews
Hassle-free and Dedicated
“Lillian was great to deal with and everything I hoped for in a lawyer. Was initially represented by a different firm and Lillian showed in her knowledge and commitment why I made a great choice switching lawyers and having Lillian and the visionary law team handle my file. Would highly recommend!!!”
—Shane Borodey, Google Reviews
Helpful and Responsive to Clients
“Communication from the firm was wonderful quick and always detailed and explained.
They all were very understanding and helpful through everything.
Nikki was of the outmost enjoyable lawyer to have by my side and help through all of my proceedings. Her quick responses to all emails and calls made the ordeal much easier to go through.
Lillian and the firm I would highly recommend for anyone that needs help and answers.”
— Pascale Ledoyen, Google Reviews
5. E’tude D’avocats of TLR Law Office
| Criteria | ★★★★★ (4.9/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
TLR Law Office is among the leading estate law firms in Manitoba. With a good number of clients praising their problem-solving skills, it’s safe for us to say that they know how to navigate the legal terrain, especially when it comes to Wills and Estates.
This team of 10 professionals value integrity and transparency, understanding their clients’ concerns thoroughly before mentioning rates and measures. Together, they aim to make quality and effective legal practice accessible to all.
Their law team is not only adept at communication and elaborating details, but they are also bilingual in English and French. So their approach is to offer individualized attention to every client and ensure that all parties involved understand every aspect of the process.
Since their areas of practice primarily cover Probate and Estates, their estates lawyers have the experience and expertise to understand the nuances of your situation. The company also offers assistance on business acquisitions and mergers in Manitoba.
Another thing that sets them apart from other Law firms is their active online presence. Not only do they constantly update their social media pages, but they also provide free checklists, blogs and resources to website guests.
Pros
- Very active social media presence
- Effectively designed website with ample information, blogs and resources
- Detailed info about services accessible to current and prospective clients
- Initial consultations are free
- Predominantly positive testimonials and reviews
- Up-to-date covid precautions and protocol
- Prompt and responsive to clients
Cons
- Services are expensive
- Closed during weekends
Customer Reviews
Help Appreciated! Great working with you.
TLR quickly responded to our initial call and had an appointment set up within days of our inquiry. Valerie Suderman was friendly, helpful and very thorough in helping draft up our wills and Powers of Attorney – highly recommended!
— Lori Wolstencroft, Google Reviews
Quality Service and Reliable Law Team
TLR is amazing with our clients. Always on top of everything super friendly and reliable. Open communication and will answer any of your questions. Highly recommended. Amazing Team.
— Victoriia Pylypets-Romaniuk, Google Reviews
Responds well to the needs of the times.
Very prompt response to my inquiry, were flexible and timely on accommodating limitations due to work and COVID-19. Would for sure use again for any further documentation and contract work.
— Brady Anderson, Google Reviews
6. Wolseley Law LLP
| Criteria | ★★★★★ (4.7/5) |
| Customer Experience | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Professionalism and Protocol | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Experience and Specialization | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Online Presence | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Communication | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
Wolseley Law LLP started off with three eccentric individuals that desired to take the best out of both worlds when it comes to traditional and modern law office functions.
In addition, they shared the vision of a community-centered firm where they don’t have to worry about attracting large downtown clients and can instead focus on giving good service to individuals coping with day-to-day challenges.
With that in mind, together they made Wolseley Law wherein clients can rely on their competent, private legal services that will help them through their situation with empathy and skill. Their firm estate services especially excel thanks to their craftiness in finding new ways to help people with their legal issues.
We like how they are capable of providing their firm estate services to both residential and commercial firms thanks to their broad range of experience, specifically with small and startup businesses and non-profit real estate transactions.
Pros
- Expert lawyers
- Provides unbundled services
- Full-transparency
Cons
- Operating hours not available on their website
Customer Reviews
I would have no hesitation in using Wolseley Law in the future
“Our Mom died during covid. The lawyer she had been using was flaky (I’m being kind here). I called Manitoba Legal Aid for help and was so grateful to be referred to Wolseley Law. Gerrit immediately put my mind at ease. He was thoughtful and competent and kind. He provided advice and referrals that were extremely helpful. He was able to give us a cost estimate for handling the estate that was accurate (the estate has now settled). He always responded in a timely manner. Payments were made promptly. He dealt with awkward bank interactions. I would have no hesitation in using Wolseley Law in the future. Peace of mind is so important. Highly recommend.” – Donna Gawron
Super professional all around
“Just had a excellent experience with Wolseley Law. Andrew McDonald was very helpful and sympathetic to my case. I would recommend him to anybody looking for a civil litigation lawyer. Also had a great experience dealing with Ryland Thiessen. Super professional all around.” – Jotham Diaz
Estate Law and any process related to it can sound too complicated to be bothered with. In fact, many have decided to work on it themselves, which may make things more difficult than they already are.
However, with the help of a knowledgeable and accommodating lawyer, you, your family, and your assets are in safe hands. There would be no need to stress out on anything you can easily delegate to experts in the field.
We may always want to stay on top of things, but don’t forget to communicate your concerns and let these professionals help you out. It’s important that we also do our part, and we do hope that you find the estate lawyer in Winnipeg you are most comfortable working with.
Are you also looking for a lawyer to help you with Real Estate matters? Check out our list of the best Real Estate Lawyers in Winnipeg.