Best Online Will Makers for Canadians:
Complete 2026 Guide

More than 70% of Canadians don't have an up-to-date will — and that means billions in assets go through costly, time-consuming probate every year. The good news: creating a legally valid Canadian will online has never been easier, starting at just $34.95 CAD.

But you must use a Canadian service. US-based will makers don't comply with Canadian provincial legislation and could leave your estate legally vulnerable. Here's what actually works in 2026.

Top Online Will Makers for Canadians: 2026 Comparison

Why Canadian Wills Differ from US Wills

The biggest mistake Canadians make is using a US-based will service. Services like Trust & Will or LegalZoom are built around American law — US tax code, US state formalities, and US probate procedures. A will from these services will not meet your Canadian province's legal requirements.

• No federal inheritance tax in Canada — Canada has no estate tax. However, a "deemed disposition" at death triggers capital gains tax on appreciated assets (except transfers to a surviving spouse).
• Provincial probate fees — vary dramatically, from Alberta's $525 cap to Ontario's ~1.5% of estate value.
• Quebec civil law — Quebec is North America's only civil law jurisdiction. Wills here must meet requirements fundamentally different from other provinces.
• Registered account beneficiary designations — RRSPs, RRIFs, and TFSAs with named beneficiaries pass outside the will and bypass probate entirely.

Provincial Breakdown: What You Need to Know

Ontario

Ontario's estate administration tax is approximately 1.5% of estate value over $50,000. On an $800,000 home, that's $11,250 in probate fees. Strategies to minimize Ontario probate include joint ownership, registered account beneficiary designations, and the dual-will strategy (primary will for probated assets, secondary will for private company shares and personal property).

British Columbia

BC probate fees are approximately 1.4% on estates over $25,000. BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) is relatively modern. Importantly, BC has strong "wills variation" provisions allowing dependents — including adult children — to challenge a will that doesn't make adequate provision for them. Careful drafting matters in BC.

Alberta

Alberta is the most probate-friendly province — fees are capped at $525 regardless of estate size. This reduces the urgency of probate avoidance strategies, though a will remains essential for asset direction and guardian appointments for minor children.

Quebec

Quebec operates under the Civil Code of Quebec. Three types of valid wills exist: notarial (signed before a Quebec notary, no probate required), holograph (entirely handwritten and signed), and witnessed (signed before two witnesses). A notarial will is the gold standard — it doesn't require probate and is most difficult to contest. For complex Quebec estates, a Quebec notary is recommended alongside any online service.

US Citizens Living in Canada: Cross-Border Planning

If you're an American living in Canada (or a dual citizen), a single Canadian will is not sufficient. You need:

• A Canadian will covering Canadian-situs assets
• A US will covering US-held accounts and property
• Coordination between the two to prevent inadvertent revocation
• A tax attorney familiar with FBAR, FATCA, and the US-Canada tax treaty

For cross-border US-Canada situations, ExpatLegalWills.com specializes in creating coordinated wills for both jurisdictions. See also: How to Create a Will as a US Expat Living Abroad →

Probate Avoidance Strategies for Canadians

• Beneficiary designations on RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, and life insurance — these pass directly to named beneficiaries and bypass probate entirely.
• Joint ownership with right of survivorship — the surviving owner automatically receives the property. But adding an adult child to title can trigger capital gains tax and creditor exposure.
• Multiple will strategy (Ontario and BC) — a primary will for probated assets and a secondary will for private company shares and personal property, keeping the secondary estate out of probate fees.
• Alter ego trust or joint partner trust (age 65+) — transfers assets into a trust that avoids probate at death while allowing full control during your lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions