Updating your will in Manitoba generally costs between $200 and $400 CAD if you use a simple codicil to make a minor change. If you have experienced a major life event like a divorce, drafting a completely new will is highly recommended and usually costs between $500 and $800 CAD.
Life is constantly changing, and your estate plan needs to evolve with it. Whether you have recently welcomed a new child, gone through a separation, or moved from another province to Dauphin or Portage la Prairie, your will must reflect your current reality. Outdated wills frequently cause devastating family conflicts and delays at the Court of King’s Bench when a loved one passes away.
Many people assume that once they sign a will, they never have to look at it again. This is a common and risky misconception. In Manitoba, specific life events—especially divorce—can automatically alter how your will is interpreted under the law. We strongly suggest finding a qualified local lawyer through our directory to review your documents and ensure your estate is fully protected against unintended consequences. 👤
Step-by-Step Process to Updating Your Will in Manitoba
Updating your will does not have to be a stressful ordeal. Most law firms in Manitoba handle these updates efficiently, focusing only on the changes you wish to make while ensuring the overall legal structure remains sound.
Step 1: Reviewing Your Current Will
The first step is simply reading through your existing document. Take a close look at who you named as your executor, your backup executor, and your beneficiaries. Has anyone passed away? Have you sold a major asset mentioned in the will, like a family cottage? Identifying exactly what is outdated helps your lawyer determine the most cost-effective way to update it. 🔍
Step 2: Choosing Between a Codicil or a New Will
Your lawyer will recommend one of two paths. A codicil is a small, separate legal document that modifies just one or two specific clauses in your existing will, like changing your executor’s name. However, if your wishes have changed significantly, or if you have separated from your spouse, your lawyer will likely advise drafting a completely new will to avoid any confusion or legal ambiguity.
Step 3: Drafting and Signing the Update
Once you decide on the method, the lawyer will draft the new text. You must then attend a formal signing meeting. Whether it is a codicil or a new will, it must be signed in the physical presence of two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries, strictly adhering to Manitoba’s provincial laws. ✍
How Much Does it Cost in Manitoba?
The cost to update your will depends entirely on how extensive your changes are. Law firms typically charge a flat fee for estate updates. Here are the expected 2026 costs in Canadian dollars (CAD): 💵
- Drafting a Codicil: For very minor changes (e.g., swapping an executor or adding a single cash gift), the cost is usually between $200 and $400 CAD.
- Drafting a New Individual Will: If you need a total rewrite, expect to pay standard drafting fees ranging from $400 to $800 CAD.
- Updating a Couples Package: If both you and your spouse need new mirror wills, the combined cost will generally be between $600 and $1,000 CAD.
- Updating Powers of Attorney: If you also need to update your Enduring Power of Attorney, add approximately $150 to $250 CAD to your total bill.
| Update Method | When to Use It | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Codicil | Changing an executor’s address or adding a small charity donation. | $200 – $400 |
| New Will Rewrite | After a divorce, marriage, having children, or major financial changes. | $500 – $800 |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Because you already have a foundation from your previous estate plan, updating a will is usually a very quick process. If you are just doing a simple codicil, it can often be drafted and signed within 1 to 2 weeks. ⏱
If you are rewriting the entire will due to major life changes, the process generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks. This gives your lawyer enough time to properly structure new trusts or accommodate complex family dynamics, such as ensuring a new spouse is provided for without disinheriting children from a previous marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just cross out names on my old will and write in new ones?
No, you should never physically write on, cross out, or use correction fluid on an original signed will. Doing so can invalidate the document entirely in the eyes of the Court of King’s Bench. All updates must be made through a formal codicil or a new will.
Does marriage automatically revoke my old will in Manitoba?
As of recent legal updates in Manitoba, marriage no longer automatically revokes an existing will. However, getting married represents a massive change in your legal responsibilities, and you should update your will immediately to ensure your new spouse is adequately protected.
Does divorce automatically update my will?
In Manitoba, a finalized divorce treats your former spouse as if they had pre-deceased you for the purposes of your will, meaning gifts to them are generally revoked. However, being merely separated does not trigger this rule. You must draft a new will upon separation.
Do I have to use the same lawyer who drafted my first will?
No, you are free to use any licensed lawyer in Manitoba to update your estate plan. The new lawyer will simply draft a new will that contains a clause explicitly revoking all previous wills and codicils, rendering the old document legally void.
How often should I review my will?
Most estate planning lawyers recommend reviewing your will every 3 to 5 years, or immediately following a major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary, or a significant change in your financial net worth.
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