In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of online will kits in Canada, highlighting the best platforms available, their benefits, and what you need to consider before making this important decision.
Let’s face it – nobody likes to contemplate the inevitable. But ensuring your loved ones are protected when you’re no longer around is a responsibility we can’t ignore. When it comes to securing your family’s future, one crucial thing is a well-prepared will. But the traditional route of seeking legal counsel can be daunting and expensive.
Many Canadians don’t have a will, which puts their assets and family’s well-being at risk. It’s time to change that narrative and explore a more accessible and cost-effective alternative. Thankfully, technology has opened up new possibilities, and online will kits in Canada are revolutionising estate planning.
In this informative guide, we’ll discuss the best online will kits in Canada and show you how they’re just as legally valid as those prepared by lawyers. You’ll discover how easy it is to create a will from the comfort of your own home without sacrificing quality or security.
Join us as we equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions and ensure your final wishes are respected, preserving your legacy for future generations.
The 3 Best Online Will Kits in Canada
When it comes to making wills in Canada, online will kits in Canada stand out as a cost-effective and user-friendly option.
These platforms have revolutionized the process, making it incredibly simple for Canadians to create a legal will within a matter of minutes. The best online will-writing services in Canada have streamlined the steps, ensuring you can complete the entire process online without needing an estate planning attorney.
As a result, you save valuable time and avoid hefty fees that would otherwise be incurred with traditional legal assistance. With just a few clicks, you can secure your family’s future and know that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.
Let’s explore the top online wills kits in Canada, unlocking the door to efficient and accessible estate planning.
1. Epilogue
Epilogue stands out as a leading online estate planning platform in Canada, managed by a team of professional estate attorneys. If you’re seeking lawyer-calibre documents for your will, look no further. Epilogue offers documents that are of the same (or higher) quality as those prepared by a lawyer. The best part? You can create a legally recognized will within just 20 minutes, guided by their step-by-step instructions. Starting at $139, their Will document service ensures your final wishes are respected.
Epilogue was founded by two former estate planning lawyers, ensuring the documents provided meet the highest standards. They offer a range of plans, from individual wills starting at $139 to comprehensive couples’ Wills and Powers of Attorney plans priced at $289. The platform simplifies the will-making process, guiding you from start to finish.
Beyond the initial creation, Epilogue also allows you to update your documents online for free at any time. Additionally, if you prefer, you can name a professional trust company as the executor of your will.
Available in various provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I, and Saskatchewan, Epilogue provides accessible and cost-effective estate planning solutions to Canadians. With a seamless online interface and lawyer-quality documents, it’s a standout choice for those seeking peace of mind in securing their legacy.
Cost: From $139.
You can check out our Epilogue Wills Review.
2. CanadaWills
CanadaWills is a free online Canadian will kit platform that lets you complete your legal will, and living will, and advance directive in just a few minutes.
It’s a straightforward process – fill out their online questionnaire, print the PDF version of your will, and sign it along with two witnesses.
Remember that while CanadaWills is cost-effective at $0, it may not offer the same level of customer service as other platforms. If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly option, CanadaWills could be the perfect fit for you.
Cost: $0
3. Willful
This reputable and highly user-friendly platform allows you to build your will quickly and efficiently, catering to your specific needs through a tiered pricing structure. With Willful’s easy-to-follow questionnaire guiding you through every step of the process, completing a legal will online takes just 20 minutes, starting at an affordable price of $99. At the end of the Willful process, you’ll have all the necessary documents ready for executing a straightforward legal will.
Founded in 2017, Willful has swiftly risen to become one of Canada’s top destinations for legal online wills. Offering three distinct will packages, including basic, premium, and couples plans, Willful ensures there’s an option tailored to your unique requirements. For added convenience and peace of mind, you can also include a Power of Attorney and healthcare directive within your last will.
By signing up for any Willful plan through our promo link (no code required), you’ll even receive an exclusive 15% discount. With Willful, safeguarding your legacy has never been easier or more affordable. Discover the simplicity and effectiveness of Willful’s platform and embark on the journey of securing your family’s future with confidence.
Cost: Starting from $99
Are Online Wills Legal in Canada?
Yes, online wills in Canada are legal, with the exception of Quebec, which operates under different laws. However, ensuring your online will is done properly is crucial to be considered legal in the country. So, what makes a will legal in Canada? Let’s explore the key requirements.
To have a valid online will in Canada, you must have reached the age of majority in your province or territory. The age of majority varies across regions, ranging from 18 to 19 years old. Being in a sound mind is essential for your online will to be legally recognized. This means you must be mentally capable of understanding the consequences of your actions when creating the will.
For your online will to be legally binding, you must sign it with two witnesses. After generating the will online, you should print it and sign it before the witnesses. Both witnesses must sign the will in your presence for it to be recognized legally in Canada. Importantly, the witnesses should not be beneficiaries of your will.
It’s essential to ensure your online will meet these specific criteria for it to be valid and legally enforceable. While online wills are generally legal, it’s crucial to understand the unique requirements of your jurisdiction. Notably, Quebec has differences in its laws, and certain online will kit services may not be available in that region. In Quebec, you also have the option of a notarial will, which requires a notary’s signature.
Online will kit services collaborate with experienced estate lawyers to create templates that adhere to the estate laws of different jurisdictions. These services also allow you to prepare other important legal documents, such as powers of attorney and living wills, which specify your preferences for managing legal, financial, and health affairs.
Remember, an online will needs to be printed on paper and signed by two witnesses to be valid. Ensuring your online will meets all legal requirements is crucial for securing the future of your assets and loved ones.
Why Create a Last Will and Testament?
As a Canadian, creating a last will and testament is essential for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it is a crucial tool to protect your family and dependents. Your will isn’t merely a paper record; it’s a legally binding agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of individuals in the event of your passing.
Having a will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, preventing the government from making those decisions on your behalf. Without a will, your estate may end up in the hands of individuals you never intended to benefit.
Secondly, a well-crafted will can significantly reduce the amount of taxes imposed on your estate, providing financial security to your loved ones and easing the burden of your departure. It’s one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever create to safeguard your assets for the benefit of your heirs.
Do you have anyone who relies on you financially? If your answer is yes, then having a will becomes imperative. Your will ensures that your assets are directed to the right individuals and that your wishes for the care of your dependents are explicitly known.
While most Canadians should have a will, not everyone requires complex legal services from a lawyer. For many, an online will-making service can sufficiently establish their final wishes, offering a practical and straightforward solution to secure their legacy.
How to Make an Online Will in Canada
Now that you’re familiar with the common features of online will kits in Canada. Let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your will.
- Choose Your Beneficiaries: Identify who will inherit your assets when you pass away. Be clear and specific in describing how your assets will be shared among them to avoid any confusion or disputes, whether it’s your children, spouse, common-law partner, or a charity organisation.
- Determine How Your Assets Would Be Shared: Once you’ve selected your beneficiaries, decide how your assets will be distributed among them. Providing clear instructions about each beneficiary’s share will help ensure your wishes are carried out accurately.
- Choose a Guardian for Your Children: If you have minor children, it’s vital to appoint a guardian who will act as their parent in case of your absence. Choose someone you trust to provide the best care and support for your children’s well-being and future.
- Find Witnesses: For your will to be legally valid in Canada, it must be signed by two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Seek reliable individuals who can testify to the authenticity of your will in a courtroom, ensuring its legitimacy.
- Look for an Executor: An executor is responsible for implementing your will after your passing. Choose someone you trust to handle this crucial role and ensure your final wishes are fulfilled as you intended.
- Make Your Will: Creating your will can be simple and efficient, depending on your online will-making platform. Fill in the required information in the provided boxes; your will can be ready for signing within minutes.
- Sign Your Will: Print your will and sign it in ink. The two witnesses you’ve selected must also sign the document for it to be legally valid, providing additional confirmation of its authenticity.
- Store Your Will Properly: To safeguard your will from damage or loss, store it in a safe place, such as a bank or a secure location at home. Ensure someone you trust knows where the will is stored for easy access after your demise.
- Review and Update Your Last Will and Testament: Regularly review and update your will whenever significant life events occur, such as marriage, having children, or divorce. Keeping your will current ensures it reflects your latest wishes and intentions.
Final Thoughts on Online Will Kits in Canada
Online will kits in Canada are a game-changer for anyone seeking a convenient and affordable way to secure their legacy.
As I explore the world of digital estate planning, I’m amazed at how these user-friendly platforms offer peace of mind without the complexities of traditional approaches. By harnessing the power of technology, we can now easily create our wills from the comfort of our homes, ensuring our final wishes are respected, and our loved ones are taken care of.
So, if you’re ready to take control of your estate planning journey, don’t hesitate any longer. Embrace the simplicity and empowerment of online will kit, and start crafting your legacy together. If you need further help in making your will, don’t hesitate to contact a financial advisor who’s in the right position to give you customized advice.
FAQs on Online Will Kits in Canada
Can I Just Write a Will Myself?
Yes, you can write your will yourself without involving a lawyer. However, if you’re unsure what to do, you must seek help from a financial advisor or lawyer. Furthermore, for your DIY to be legally recognized, it must be signed and witnessed.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in Canada?
There’s no law that makes it compulsory to involve a lawyer in making a will in Canada. However, it’s advisable to contact a lawyer if you’re not sure of the will-making process.
Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in Canada?
No, there’s no law in Canada that requires your will to be notarized. All you need is to have your will signed in the presence of two witnesses.
Who Can Witness a Will in Ontario?
As in other Canadian provinces and territories, those that can witness a will in Ontario are those selected by the testator (will-maker), who are not part of his/her beneficiaries.
Do Wills Expire in Canada?
There’s no expiry date for wills in Canada.
