Wills in Alberta

Alberta essentials

• What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Alberta?

  A valid Alberta will must be signed at the end and witnessed by two non-beneficiaries — or be a fully handwritten holograph will. Checklist and common mistakes.

• Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Alberta?

  You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in Alberta. Here's what the Wills and Succession Act requires, when DIY works, and when advice pays off.

• Is a Handwritten Will Legal in Alberta?

  Yes — a fully handwritten, signed holograph will is legal in Alberta with no witnesses. Here are the rules, the partly-typed trap, and why they're easier to contest.

• Are Online & Electronic Wills Legal in Alberta?

  Online wills are legal in Alberta once printed and witnessed. Fully electronic (e-signed) wills are not valid in Alberta. Here's the difference and how to comply.

• What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Alberta?

  Die without a will in Alberta and the Wills and Succession Act decides. A spouse or AIP with only shared children inherits everything; blended families split it.

• Does Your Spouse Inherit Everything in Alberta?

  Sometimes. In Alberta a spouse or AIP inherits everything if all children are shared — but blended families split the estate, with the survivor getting $150k or 50%.

• How Much Does Probate Cost in Alberta?

  Alberta probate fees are a flat sliding scale capped at just $525 — among the lowest in Canada. A $1M estate pays $525. See the full fee table and examples.

• What Assets Skip Your Will & Avoid Probate in Alberta?

  In Alberta, named-beneficiary accounts and joint property pass outside your will. But with probate capped at $525, avoidance is about speed, not savings.

• Does a Will Cover Medical Decisions in Alberta?

  No — a will only takes effect at death. In Alberta you also need an Enduring Power of Attorney for finances and a Personal Directive for health decisions.

• How Often Should You Update Your Will in Alberta?

  Alberta wills don't expire, but they go stale. Review after marriage, an AIP relationship, divorce, kids, or big assets — and note marriage no longer revokes a will.

Cities in Alberta

Calgary, Alberta

Making a Will in Calgary, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Calgary: Alberta's witnessing rules, holograph wills, the $525 probate cap, AIP partners, and how to start.

Updated 2026-06

Edmonton, Alberta

Making a Will in Edmonton, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Edmonton: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Red Deer, Alberta

Making a Will in Red Deer, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Red Deer: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Lethbridge, Alberta

Making a Will in Lethbridge, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Lethbridge: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

St. Albert, Alberta

Making a Will in St. Albert, Alberta

How to make a valid will in St. Albert: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Medicine Hat, Alberta

Making a Will in Medicine Hat, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Medicine Hat: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Grande Prairie, Alberta

Making a Will in Grande Prairie, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Grande Prairie: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Airdrie, Alberta

Making a Will in Airdrie, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Airdrie: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Strathcona County, Alberta

Making a Will in Strathcona County, Alberta

How to make a valid will in Strathcona County: Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06

Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), Alberta

Making a Will in Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), Alberta

How to make a valid will in Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray): Alberta's witnessing rules, probate costs, intestacy, and how to start — updated for 2026.

Updated 2026-06