In Canada, you can write a will yourself, with a lawyer, using a will kit or with an online will service. The options are endless and it can seem... daunting.
Writing a will is a complicated subject that can drum up difficult emotions such as fear of the unknown. As a result, estate planning often gets bumped to the bottom of the to-do list.
Thankfully, writing your will is actually a fairly straightforward process.
In this article we’ll cover the importance of writing a will and how simple it actually can be with a step-by-step guide on writing a will in Canada.
Quick Answer: How to Write a Will in Canada
In Canada, you can write a legal will online, with a lawyer, or by hand, which is called a holographic will.
In order to be legally-valid, a will must name an executor and explain how you want your assets to be distributed. You can also include wishes about guardianship for minor children or pets, and instructions for managing digital assets like online accounts.
In order to be legal, your will must be printed and signed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. In British Columbia, you can create a will digitally, which includes digital execution.
Why Do You Need A Will?
Your last will and testament is a blueprint for your family when you pass away. Your will guides your loved ones through how you’d like your assets to be divided, who can manage your estate and funeral, and any other end-of-life wishes you may have.
If you die without a will, your assets will be divided based on your province's regulations around intestacy. The court will also have to appoint an executor for you, along with any guardians for minor children.
By writing a will, you know that in the event of your death, you will be contributing to the well-being of your family members and loved ones.
All Canadian adults should have an up-to-date will at the time of their passing, so here's a breakdown of the process of writing your will in Canada.

How To Write Your Will In 6 Simple Steps
Here are six easy steps to help you write your will:
1. Identify the key people involved
Before sitting down and writing your will, it’s essential to outline the list of people you’d like to fill the following key roles.
2. Have the conversations
However hard or uncomfortable the discussion may be, once you’ve decided who the key people involved in your will should be, it’s important to talk to them.
Roles such as the guardian or attorney for personal care can be financially and emotionally taxing, so it’s important to ensure that they are willing to take on the responsibility.
If you find end-of-life conversations sensitive, we’ve gathered some tips to help make talking about wills a bit easier.

3. Make a list of your items for gifting purposes
Take a tour around your home, and create a list of valuables and items that you’d like to include in your will so you don't have to think through all the items on the spot later.
Specific gifts, also known as bequests, are identifiable pieces of property or monetary amounts gifted to individuals upon your passing. These gifts are not included in your residual estate.
Some common gifts include:
- Cash
- Jewelry
- Art
- Clothing
- Family heirlooms
- Mementos with special meaning
You don’t need to include any specific items in your will, unless you’re gifting it to a specific individual, for example, you want to give your red Honda to your sister Katy. Any items not listed as a specific gift will be included in your residual estate and distributed accordingly.
In terms of the financials, you don’t need to worry about calculating your current net worth or the value of your RRSPs—your will covers your umbrella estate, including everything you own, unless it’s owned jointly, or already has a named beneficiary.
Learn more about beneficiaries and gifts →
4. Involve your spouse or partner
If you’re married or in a common-law relationship it’s a good idea to sit down together when drafting the will, especially when making important decisions like who will care for your dependents when you both pass on.
Equally as important, is the opportunity to discuss your wishes with your partner. A recent study Willful conducted with Angus Reid showed that 66% of Canadians don’t know the end of life wishes of their spouse.
It’s important to remember that both you and your partner may share many assets, loved ones, and wishes. Talking with them about these things can make all the difference later on.
5. Decide how you want to write your will
Depending on your unique life situation and the complexity of your wishes, you’ll need to decide how you’d like to write your will. Most Canadians will go with one of the following four options:
- Visiting a lawyer
- Writing a holographic will
- Using an online will platform
- Purchasing a DIY will kit
Any of these options can help you create a legal will. It’s important to remember that what makes your will legal has nothing to do with whether it was created with a lawyer.
To help find the best way for you to write your will, we’ve broken down the pros and cons for each method of making your will.
6. Block off some quiet time
When you’re finally ready to sit down and create your will, find a quiet place with limited distractions so you can avoid making any mistakes.
You will want to block off between 20 minutes to a couple of hours.
The amount of time needed will depend on how you’ve decided to make your will. If you’re working with a lawyer or notary, you’ll need to block off time for your in-person appointment plus your commute to get there.
With Willful, you can easily complete your will within 20 minutes from start to finish. Plus, you can do it from the comfort of home.
And that’s it. It’s truly not as complicated as many people perceive. Have the important conversations, gather those important names, and check this important to-do off your list today.
What Are The Most Important Things To Put In A Will?
A comprehensive will should be as unique as you are. Each last will and testament looks a little different based on your individual circumstances and the assets under your name.
When you create a will using Willful, we ask you a series of questions to ensure your legal document is customized to your life situation.
Every will should include these important pieces:
Write your will in under 20 minutes with Willful. Get started for free today →
Common Mistakes When Writing A Will In Canada
We’ve rounded up some common mistakes that people make when writing their wills. Avoiding these mistakes will help you make sure your will is legal and help prevent it from being contested in court.
Who Can Write A Will In Canada?
While the specifics around who can write a will in Canada varies from province to province, the general rule is that anyone over the age of majority who is mentally capable can write a will!
In certain provinces, the age of majority rule is mandatory for everyone except for some individuals, such as those who are legally married, have children, or are members of the Canadian armed forces.
There are no requirements for the amount of assets you have or other restrictions.
Essentially, any adult can and should write a will.
Can You Write A Will Yourself?
Yes. You can write a will yourself in Canada.
There is no requirement to visit a lawyer or use a specific method of creating your will. From online wills to will kits, or even writing your will by hand—there are many ways to make a will yourself in Canada that are 100% legal.
Do You Need A Lawyer To Write A Will?
No, this is a common misconception about making a will.
In Canada, there are many ways to write your will that do not include a lawyer or even a notary. As long as you've met the requirements for a legally valid will in your province, you're all set.
To find out more about the requirements of a legal will, read our comprehensive guide on legal wills in Canada.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Canada?
If you die without a will, also known as dying intestate, provincial laws decide how your estate is divided.
This may lead to unintended outcomes, for example, a common-law partner not inheriting anything, or a court appointing a guardian for your children. Writing a will puts you in control and ensures your wishes are carried out.
How to Store Your Will Safely
Once your will has been printed and signed in front of witnesses, it’s important to store it somewhere safe and accessible.
A fireproof safe, a locked filing cabinet, or a safety deposit box are all good options.
Don't forget: Let your executor know where the will is stored, and consider giving them a copy. While digital copies can be helpful for reference, only the original signed paper copy is legally valid in most provinces.
Common Questions About Writing A Will In Canada
Give Yourself Peace Of Mind And Write Your Will Today
While there are several options available to write your will, the process can actually be quite simple. There is no requirement to visit a lawyer and you can even write your will online.
