Estate Planning Guide
How to Make a Will in Canada
Making a will is one of the most important things you can do for your family. This guide covers everything — what to include, how to sign it correctly, and when to update it.
Why It Matters
Why Every Canadian Needs a Will
More than half of Canadians do not have a current will. Without one, your province decides what happens to your estate — and that decision may not match your wishes.
Your assets go to who you choose
Without a will, provincial intestacy law decides who gets what.
Your children are protected
Name a guardian for minor children — don't leave it to the courts.
Your executor is someone you trust
Choose who administers your estate, not who the law assigns.
Probate is faster and cheaper
A clear will reduces court time and legal fees for your family.
The Process
How to Make a Will in Canada: Step by Step
Decide what to include
List your assets — real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property — and who you want to receive each.
Choose your executor
This person administers your estate. They should be organized, trustworthy, and ideally younger than you.
Name a guardian (if you have children)
If you have minor children, naming a guardian is one of the most critical parts of your will.
Have a lawyer prepare the documents
A lawyer ensures your will is valid in your province, uses correct legal language, and is properly witnessed.
Sign it correctly
In most provinces, you must sign in the presence of two independent witnesses. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries.
Store it safely
Keep the original in a fireproof location and tell your executor where it is.
Legal Requirements
What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Canada?
Estate law in Canada is provincial, so the exact requirements vary by province. However, the core rules are consistent across the country.
Key requirements in most provinces: You must be at least 18 years old (or legally married). The will must be in writing. You must sign it in the presence of two witnesses. Witnesses must be adults and cannot be beneficiaries or their spouses.
Some provinces (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec) also recognize holograph wills — entirely handwritten and signed by you, with no witnesses required. However, even small errors can invalidate a holograph will. A lawyer-prepared will is always the safer option.
Keeping It Current
When Should You Update Your Will?
A will is not a set-it-and-forget-it document. Life changes, and your will needs to keep up.
Marriage or divorce
Marriage revokes a previous will in most provinces. Divorce does not automatically remove an ex-spouse.
Birth of a child or grandchild
Add new dependants and update guardianship provisions.
Death of a beneficiary or executor
Replace named individuals to avoid complications.
Major asset changes
Bought a home, sold a business, or received an inheritance? Update your will.
Moving to a new province
Provincial differences can affect your will's validity and execution.
Every 3–5 years
Even without major life changes, a regular review keeps everything current.
Common Questions
Will FAQs
Yes — a holograph (handwritten) will is legal in most provinces as long as it’s entirely in your own handwriting and signed. However, even small errors can invalidate a will. Having a lawyer prepare the will is the safer choice.
No. A will does not need to be notarized to be valid. It must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. However, creating a notarial or notarized will can simplify probate in some provinces.
In most provinces, marriage automatically revokes a prior will. You should make a new will after getting married. Some provinces allow you to make a will ‘in contemplation of marriage’ that survives the marriage.
Costs range from free (DIY online templates) to $300–$1000+ for a lawyer-prepared will. Wills Made Easy offers a flat rate of $395 for individuals and $495 for couples — prepared by a licensed local lawyer.
Get It Done Today
Make Your Will in One Hour
Book an appointment with a licensed lawyer in your city. Your will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — complete.
Related Guides
More guides on wills and estate planning in Canada.
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