You don’t always need a lawyer to make a will in Canada. A will is valid as long as it meets your province’s legal requirements for signing and witnessing. Many Canadians can create a legally-valid will using an online platform like Willful, without stepping into a lawyer’s office.
If your assets are straightforward and your wishes are clear, an online will platform may be a great fit. If your estate involves multiple jurisdictions, blended family dynamics, or advanced tax planning, legal advice may help prevent costly mistakes.
This guide breaks down when legal advice is helpful and how to decide what works best for your situation.
When to consider an estate lawyer
Some situations benefit from personal legal advice. For example, if you own property in more than one country, the laws of each jurisdiction may affect how your estate is handled.
Blended families can also create complexity. When you’re balancing the needs of a current spouse and children from a previous relationship, careful structuring may reduce the risk of disputes.
If you own a business, want to create a customized trust like a Henson trust, or require advanced tax planning, working with a lawyer can help ensure the structure matches your long-term goals.
1. Why People Think They Need an Estate Planning Lawyer
Lawyers are experts in managing legal, financial, and family complexities. If you need a personalized trust, want to reduce taxes, or expect your will to be challenged, legal advice can help you get it right.
A lawyer may be helpful if:
- You own a business and need structured business succession planning
- You’re part of a blended family or want to exclude someone from your will
- You have property outside Canada
- You want to create a complex trust
- You’re leaving large charitable gifts with detailed instructions
- You expect family conflict or potential challenges to your will
What lawyers typically handle:
- Drafting wills, powers of attorney, and trusts
- Creating tax plans to reduce fees or avoid probate
- Managing disputes and legal challenges
- Interpreting provincial laws and requirements
- Working alongside accountants and financial advisors
2. Limitations of Lawyer‑Only Approaches
Lawyers play an important role in estate planning, but traditional legal services aren’t always the best fit. For many Canadians, an online platform offers a simpler, more affordable alternative that still meets legal requirements.
Things to keep in mind
- Cost: Legal fees often start around $500 and can go beyond $1,000 per person
- Time: Working with a lawyer can take weeks or months, with multiple meetings
- Convenience: In-person appointments may be harder to schedule, especially in rural areas
- Experience: The process varies depending on the lawyer’s expertise
3. Online Will vs. Lawyer: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)
Online will platforms are a great option when your needs are straightforward, and your wishes are unlikely to be challenged. They’re legally valid across Canada when executed correctly, and often more affordable and accessible than legal services.
An online platform may be enough if:
- You’re a new parent naming a guardian
- You have simple assets and clear wishes
- You and your partner agree on how to divide your estate
- You’re comfortable using guided online tools
Mistakes to avoid
Even with the right documents, your will must be properly signed and witnessed. Common issues include:
- Asking a beneficiary or their spouse to witness
- Missing signatures or not dating the document
- Using remote witnessing when it’s not allowed in your province
Online Will or Lawyer? A quick comparison
💰 Compare the costs of an online will platform vs. a lawyer
4. What Makes a Good Online Will Platform?
Not all online will platforms are built the same. If you are trusting a platform to help you create a legal document, it should feel clear, transparent, and follow Canadian law.
An online will platform should provide documents that are reviewed by legal professionals and tailored to your province. Estate law is provincial in Canada, so the signing and witnessing rules are different depending on where you live. A good platform walks you through those steps clearly so you know exactly what to do.
Flexibility is important too, as your life will change. You might move, have children, get married, or separate. Updating your will should not feel complicated or expensive.
Why legal details matter
Some platforms use generic templates or skip key legal steps. Others don’t clearly explain how to make your will valid.
Willful was built with Canadian laws in mind. We offer lawyer-reviewed documents, step-by-step support, and coverage across all provinces, including Quebec.
5. Estate Planning Checklist: Lawyer vs. Willful
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose based on your needs, budget, and timeline.
Read more about the difference between a will and full estate planning.
6. How Willful works
Willful helps Canadians create a legal will without needing a lawyer. The process is simple and takes less than 30 minutes.
How it works:
- Answer questions about your province, family, and assets
- Get documents tailored to your situation
- Print and sign with step-by-step instructions for your province
- Register your will and share with key contacts
- Update anytime if your life or wishes change
Willful is designed for most estates. If you need a trust, business succession, or advanced planning, legal advice is recommended.
The easiest way to create your legal will.
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7. Making your decision
Estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some people prefer legal advice. Others just need a clear way to put their wishes in writing. The right fit depends on your life and your comfort level.
An online platform like Willful may be right for you if:
- Your assets are in one country
- Your family relationships are straightforward
- Your wishes are unlikely to be contested
- You want a faster, more affordable way to make a will
- You don’t need a trust, business planning, or tax strategy
A lawyer might be better if:
- Your estate is complex
- You plan to exclude someone or expect challenges
- You own property outside Canada
- You want to reduce taxes or create a trust
- You prefer one-on-one legal advice
8. Your next step
Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, most Canadians can make a legal will in under 20 minutes—without leaving home.
Start your will online today →
