Online Wills in Canada: Complete Guide for 2026

Q: Do Canadian wills need to be notarized?

Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in Canada. However, having a notarized 'notarial will' (in Quebec) or a notarized affidavit of execution is common practice to simplify probate.

Q: Can I write a holographic will in Canada?

Yes. All Canadian provinces except British Columbia recognize holographic wills (entirely handwritten and signed by the testator, no witnesses required). However, typed wills with witnesses are generally more reliable.

Q: How much does an online will cost in Canada vs. a lawyer?

Online will services in Canada typically cost $39–$200. A lawyer typically charges $400–$1,500 for a basic will. For complex estates, an attorney is worth the cost; for straightforward situations, online is excellent value.

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✍️ Law-Trust.com Editorial Team · Editorial Policy · Last reviewed: March 2026

Canada has a thriving market for online will services — and for good reason. Fewer than 50% of Canadians have a will, yet the legal requirements for making a valid will are straightforward in most provinces. An online will can be completed in 20–30 minutes for under $100, compared to $400–$1,500 with a lawyer.

This guide covers Canadian will law by province, the best online services for Canadians, what documents you'll need, and an honest cost comparison. For our full ranking, see our Best Online Will Services in Canada guide.

Canadian Will Requirements: What Makes a Will Legal?

Will law in Canada is primarily provincial (not federal), but the basic requirements are very similar across provinces:

Age: Must be at least 18 (16 in some provinces with exceptions for married persons)
Mental capacity: Must understand what a will is and what you own
In writing: Must be a written document (typed or handwritten)
Signed: Must be signed by you at the end of the document
Two witnesses: Two adult witnesses must watch you sign and sign themselves — witnesses cannot be beneficiaries in most provinces

Quebec: The Exception

Quebec has a distinct civil law system. The most common type of will in Quebec is a notarial will — made before a notary and a witness. Notarial wills don't require probate, which saves time and money. Alternatively, Quebecers can make a holographic will (entirely handwritten) or a witnessed will.

Holographic Wills in Canada

All provinces except British Columbia recognize holographic wills (entirely handwritten and signed, no witnesses needed). BC requires witnesses even for handwritten wills. While holographic wills are legally valid, they're more likely to be contested and harder to administer.

Provincial Requirements at a Glance

Province	Witnesses Required	Holographic Will	Minimum Age
Ontario	2 disinterested	✅ Allowed	18
British Columbia	2 witnesses	❌ Not recognized	16 (with exceptions)
Alberta	2 disinterested	✅ Allowed	18
Quebec	1 (notarial will) or 2 (witnessed)	✅ Allowed	18
Manitoba	2 disinterested	✅ Allowed	18
Saskatchewan	2 disinterested	✅ Allowed	18

Online Wills vs. Lawyer in Canada: Cost Comparison

Option	Typical Cost	Time Required	Best For
Online Will Service	CAD $39–$200	20–60 minutes	Simple to moderate estates
Lawyer (basic will)	CAD $400–$1,500	1–3 hours total	Complex estates, business interests
Lawyer (complex)	CAD $1,500–$5,000+	Multiple meetings	High-net-worth, trusts, business succession

What Documents Do You Need for a Canadian Will?

Before creating your will, gather:

Full legal names and addresses of beneficiaries
Full legal name and address of your executor
Names and addresses of alternate executor(s)
If you have minor children: name of proposed guardian(s)
List of major assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments, RRSP/RRIF, life insurance)
Account numbers and institution names (for a separate letter of instruction)
Any specific bequests (items you want specific people to receive)

Best Online Will Services for Canadians

LegalWills.ca

9.4

Canada's #1 online will service — purpose-built for Canadians

Starting at CAD $39.95 / one-time

All Provinces French Available POA Included Healthcare Directive RRSP/RRIF Guidance

LegalWills.ca is the gold standard for online wills in Canada. Built specifically for Canadian law — not an American product adapted for Canada — it covers all provinces and territories, offers French-language support, and generates properly formatted will documents that comply with your province's specific requirements. Their platform also creates a personal will kit with instructions for your executor. Exceptional value for Canadians of all circumstances.

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LawDepot (Canada)

8.6

Well-established platform with strong Canadian province coverage

Starting at CAD $39 / document

All Provinces Will + POA Bundle Attorney-Reviewed Multiple Document Types

LawDepot's Canadian offerings cover all provinces with province-specific language. Their subscription gives access to both a will and power of attorney — a good deal for those who want both documents. Interface is clean and the questionnaire format guides you through every decision.

Visit LawDepot →

Canadian Estate Planning: Key Differences from the US

No Estate Tax — But Deemed Disposition

Canada does not have an estate tax. However, at death you're deemed to have sold all capital property at fair market value — triggering capital gains tax on any accrued gains. Planning ahead (spousal rollovers, principal residence exemption, etc.) can significantly reduce this tax burden.

RRSP and RRIF on Death

RRSPs and RRIFs can be transferred tax-free to a surviving spouse's RRSP/RRIF. If transferred to other beneficiaries, the full value is added to the deceased's income in the year of death. Proper beneficiary designations are critical.

Probate Fees by Province

Probate fees vary dramatically by province — from zero in Quebec (for notarial wills) to approximately 1.5% of the estate value in Ontario and British Columbia. Using a living trust, joint ownership, or beneficiary designations can reduce or avoid probate fees entirely.

Create Your Canadian Will Today

Don't be part of the 50% of Canadians without a will. Compare the best Canadian will services and get protected in under an hour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are online wills legal in Canada?

Yes. Online wills are legal in Canada as long as they meet provincial requirements — primarily being in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by 2 adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Properly formatted online will documents meet these requirements.

Do Canadian wills need to be notarized?

Notarization is not required for a will to be valid in most Canadian provinces. However, in Quebec, a notarial will made before a notary is the most common form. For other provinces, an affidavit of execution (notarized) helps simplify probate.

What is probate in Canada?

Probate is the legal process that validates your will and gives your executor authority to administer your estate. Probate fees vary by province — highest in Ontario and BC. Strategies like living trusts and beneficiary designations can reduce probate exposure.

Can I write a holographic will in Canada?

Yes, in all provinces except BC. A holographic will must be entirely in your handwriting and signed. No witnesses are required. However, typed wills with witnesses are generally more reliable and less likely to be contested.

How much does an online will cost in Canada vs. a lawyer?

Online will services cost CAD $39–$200. A lawyer typically charges CAD $400–$1,500 for a basic will. For straightforward estates, online services offer excellent legal protection at a fraction of the cost.