Emma WhiteI’ve consulted with plenty of family lawyers over the years, but wills and probate need a more specialized hand. Estate paperwork has its own language, and sadly, grief doesn’t come with a legal glossary.
Executors may need help with tax filings, asset distribution, or securing a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee. The best probate lawyer in Ottawa should make those steps feel less like a maze.
You’ll also want someone who can prevent disputes before family tensions start simmering. We’ve rounded up reliable local options to help make a difficult time a little easier.
How much does a probate lawyer charge in Ottawa?
A probate lawyer in Ottawa typically charges $1,500 to $4,000+ for an uncontested estate. Simple cases may cost around $1,500 to $2,000, while standard estates often range from $2,200 to $4,000+.
Intestacy cases may add about $500. Contested or complex estates usually cost $350 to $500+ per hour.
You may also pay a $138 court fee and around $200 to $500 in disbursements.
1. Droit Ouimet-McPherson Law
Address: 608 Cummings Avenue
Contact: Tel 343-888-8913 | Text 343-633-0529
Hours: Mon to Thu 8.30 AM – 5 PM, Fri 8.30 AM to 1 PM
I’ve dealt with enough family lawyers to know bilingual estate support isn’t easy to find. Droit Ouimet-McPherson Law stands out as one of Ontario’s few firms still drafting wills and Powers of Attorney in French.
Their estate-focused team handles much of the executor’s paperwork, including probate applications and property transfers. That means fewer forms to untangle when your brain is already running on grief and coffee.
Their experience helps keep each administrative step clear instead of painfully legalistic. And I like that you can meet virtually or in person, which makes the process much easier to fit around family responsibilities.
The main drawback is that evening appointments aren’t guaranteed. Anyone needing after-hours help may find the schedule a little less flexible than expected.
Customer Reviews
Long-Term Trusted Legal Support
We’ve trusted Marc with our legal needs for more than 15 years. From corporate business to our last will and multiple real estate deals, he has handled everything with total professionalism. Marc is incredibly thorough and truly cares about helping his clients, no matter the situation. Having his guidance just a phone call away is invaluable to us. We highly recommend Marc and his team to anyone looking for top-tier legal support.
- Gerry Lamarche | Google Review
Professional Will and Estate Planning Guidance
My partner and I worked with Jade Renaud, a lawyer at Droit Ouimet-McPherson Law and had a wonderful experience. Not only was Jade very professional and efficient, but she was also great at walking us through the legal jargon associated with planning our Wills, Estates and Power of Attorney. Couldn’t recommend her more!
- JP Toussaint | Google Review
2. Dabros Law
Address: 1900 City Park Drive, Suite 336
Contact: Phone (613) 714-9100 | Fax (613) 714-9101 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
Even a small estate can produce a surprisingly large pile of paperwork. When a friend needed help, Dabros Law made the certification process feel much less intimidating.
This family-run firm takes a modern, responsive approach to probate across the National Capital Region. Their team assists trustees whether there’s a valid will or the estate falls under intestacy rules.
Shane A. Dabros and his team also stay involved after probate is granted. They can help with taxes, trustee duties, and the final distribution of assets.
I like that the firm feels personal rather than overly corporate. Their community-focused style makes difficult conversations easier to handle.
The main catch is that their simple probate pricing only applies to smaller, straightforward estates. Disputes, complicated assets, or larger estates may require a more customized (and likely pricier) arrangement.
Customer Reviews
Smooth and Stress-Free Legal Assistance
I had an excellent experience working with Shane at Dabros Law. He handled my will, powers of attorney, and the deed of land transfer with exceptional professionalism and care. Shane is not only highly knowledgeable, but also incredibly personable—he took the time to explain everything clearly and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I’m very impressed with the quality of service and would highly recommend lawyer Shane Dabros to anyone seeking reliable, friendly, and thorough legal assistance.
- Andree Gosselin | Google Review
Compassionate Will and POA Service
I had the best experience with Shane for my will and POA. Shane makes the process very smooth and is willing to go above and beyond for his clients. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Shane is kind, compassionate, funny, caring, knowledgeable, and very dedicated to his profession. I’d highly recommend Shane to anyone!
- Sara Kh | Google Review
3. Stephen Francispillai – Francispillai Law
Address: 387 Gladstone Avenue
Contact: Phone 613-233-1605 | Fax 613-319-3002 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
I like a firm with strong legal resources that still remembers your name. Francispillai Law caught my attention because they combine big-firm capability with a refreshingly hands-on approach.
They handle probate filings and take much of the paperwork off an executor’s plate. Stephen Francispillai also brings over a decade of real estate experience, which is useful when an estate includes property transfers.
There’s a handy perk for clients completing a real estate transaction with the firm. You may receive a discount on a Will and Power of Attorney package, which makes future planning a little less painful.
The main drawback is that their public info doesn’t clearly detail support for complex estate accounting or beneficiary disputes. You’ll need to ask whether their probate services cover the full scope of a complicated case.
Customer Reviews
Smooth and Friendly Legal Support
Thank you, Stephen Francispillai, for helping us. You guys handled everything perfectly and smoothly; I really appreciate it! The staff brings a warm welcome and a very friendly environment; I would definitely recommend. And I also want to thank you, Paul, for your support.
- Johara | Google Review
Clear and Thorough Legal Guidance
Working with Stephen and his team was a pleasure every step of the way. They clearly explained every step in the process and were prompt, thorough and friendly when answering any of my questions. I couldn’t ask for better service.
- Simon Paquette | Google Review
4. Kenneth C. Pope – Barrister, Solicitor, LLB, TEP
Address: 600 – 251 Bank Street
Contact: 613-KEN-POPE (613-567-9724) Ext. 102
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 5 PM
Protecting an inheritance without disrupting a loved one’s provincial benefits can get complicated fast.
Thankfully, Kenneth C. Pope focuses on disability-related estate planning, including Henson Trusts and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) considerations.
Someone I spoke with used the firm to protect a relative’s ODSP benefits and found the process far less stressful. Having specialists who understand both estates and disability support rules can be a huge relief.
The team also helps executors identify, value, and distribute estate assets and liabilities. Their focused approach makes them a practical one-stop shop for families facing more specialized planning needs.
The catch is that they don’t directly handle estate debts, tax filings, or complex family mediation. Those matters may be referred to outside accountants or litigators, so you could end up coordinating with several professionals.
Customer Reviews
Clear Estate Planning for Families and Individuals
Ken and his staff helped me years ago with my estate planning and wills. Since then, they have helped several of my friends and clients. Both able-bodied people and people with disabilities can surely benefit from the clear and kind advice and help they provide.
- GREGORY ANTHOINE | Google Review
Knowledgeable and Professional Will Planning
I could not have made a Will on my own from the internet. Kenneth Pope Office had details I wouldn’t have given a thought, and they would have caused frustration to family later. Thanks to the clarity of the estate planning of Ken’s office. Very polite, professional and most of all knowledgeable. Grateful.
- Sharon Thomson | Google Review
5. Real Estate Lawyers Ottawa Ontario | Real Estate Lawyers.ca LLP
Address: 150 Elgin St 10th Floor
Contact: 1 (855) 466-3801 | Fax 1 (855) 466-3803 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon to Sun: 7 AM to midnight for mobile signing)
When family members are scattered across Ontario, estate paperwork can become a travelling circus. Real Estate Lawyers Ottawa Ontario makes things easier with over 30 locations and remote video signing.
You can handle probate documents and estate property transfers without leaving the sofa. That’s especially handy when coordinating schedules already feels like a second job.
Their flat-rate fees and price-match guarantee also help keep legal costs from springing nasty surprises. I appreciate knowing the bill won’t quietly grow every time someone sends an email.
The main drawback is that real estate remains the firm’s primary focus. You’ll need to ask whether they provide deeper executor support or complex estate administration.
Their public info also offers limited detail on advanced probate services. Complicated estates may require a more specialized probate-focused lawyer.
Customer Reviews
Responsive Closing
This is the second transaction I closed with this legal team, and it is always a smooth transaction. The team is very responsive to emails and walks you through every step of the journey without having to leave your home to sign or get your funds processed.
- Brandon S | Google Review
Convenient and Guided Legal Transaction
The team that assisted me was exactly what you hope for – responsive, friendly, and guided me through every step. Putting your trust in people you’ve never met face to face is a leap of faith, but this was super convenient and completely legit. Thank you, Ada, Ruth Anne and Lori!
- Alisha Denis | Google Review
