An online will is a simple, affordable way to make your legal wishes known—without setting foot in a lawyer’s office. Instead of printing out confusing templates or paying steep legal fees, you answer a few guided questions and your personalized documents are created for you.
In Canada, online wills are legally valid as long as they’re printed, signed, and witnessed according to your province’s rules. And while they’re not the right fit for everyone, they’ve become a popular choice for Canadians looking for peace of mind—from the comfort of their couch.
What are the benefits of creating a will online?
- Save time: Most online platforms let you create a legal will in under 20 minutes
- Avoid legal jargon: Tools are written in plain language, no law degree required
- Step-by-step guidance: You’re guided through each decision, like choosing guardians or executors
- More affordable: Online wills typically cost a fraction of what lawyers charge
- Easy to update: Log in and update your will anytime, from anywhere
“My wife and I have 2 young kids, but no will. I was putting it off, because I assumed I’d be spending $1000+ on a lawyer. Over the weekend, my friend told me he did his through Willful online. The price is much cheaper!”- u/patchy_22 on Reddit
What Are Online Wills and How Do They Work?
An online will is a legal document you can create through a website or app, instead of hiring a lawyer. In Canada, online wills are legally valid as long as they’re printed, signed, and witnessed according to your province’s rules. Some provinces, like British Columbia, also allow fully digital wills with digital execution.
Live in British Columbia?
You’re in luck. BC is the only province in Canada that allows digital wills. That means you can sign and store your will electronically, without printing. Just make sure it’s signed in the presence of two witnesses, and follow BC’s rules for digital execution.
Key Features to Look for in an Online Will Platform
It’s a common question: What should I look for in a will platform?
Not all online will platforms are created equal, so when choosing the right one for you it's important to keep an eye out for features that make the process simple, secure, and legally sound.
Here’s what to look for:
- Legal compliance across Canadian provinces
Your will should meet the legal requirements of the province you live in—and that includes specific rules for signing, witnessing, and storing. - Clear, easy-to-navigate interface
The platform should be intuitive, with helpful prompts that guide you through each step. - Customization options
From naming guardians for your children to leaving charitable gifts, your platform should let you tailor your will to fit your life. - Affordable and transparent pricing
No hidden fees. Look for platforms that are upfront about what you’ll pay—and what’s included. - Access to estate planning experts if needed
Sometimes, questions come up. A good platform will offer support from knowledgeable humans who can help you feel confident about your choices. Just because a will is created online shouldn’t mean you can’t access human support. At Willful our certified estate planning experts can be reached by phone, chat, and email. - Unlimited updates or changes
Life changes—your will should be easy to change too. Choose a provider that lets you make updates as often as you need. - Security and privacy protections
Your personal information should be encrypted and stored securely. Read the platform’s privacy policy to see how your data is protected. - Money-back guarantee
A strong signal of confidence. If you’re not happy with the service, you should be able to get a refund—no questions asked.
Legal Wills vs. Willful: A side-by-side comparison →
When To Consider an Online Will
Online wills are a great fit for many Canadians—especially during major life milestones. If you’re getting married, having a child, buying a home, or adopting a pet, now’s the perfect time to put a will in place
Here’s when going digital might be the right move:
- You want a will, but don’t know where to start
Online platforms walk you through every step. No legal background required. - You don’t want to spend thousands on a lawyer
Online wills are significantly more affordable—often under $200—without sacrificing legal validity. - You value convenience and flexibility
Create or update your will from your couch, in about 20 minutes. No fighting for parking or attending long appointments. - You’d rather avoid legal jargon
Online will platforms explain everything in plain English so you can feel confident about your decisions. - You’re planning for common life scenarios
It’s important to make or update your will at major life milestones:- Single or married (with or without kids)
- Homeowners
- Pet owners
- Wanting to name guardians, executors, or leave specific gifts
A side-by-side comparison of different ways to make a will in Canada
Online wills make it easier than ever to get your wishes down on paper—and legally recognized. If you’re ready to check “make a will” off your list, they’re a smart place to start.
“After doing a deep dive into my own will and comparing it to Willful, in all honesty I’m a bit annoyed that I paid $1,000 for a will that’s not as comprehensive as what Willful’s software provides. With Willful, not only do you get free unlimited updates to your will, but you can also outline your resting place and funeral wishes, specify gifts for beneficiaries, donate assets to charity, and much more.” - Jessica Moorhouse
Why Willful Is a Trusted Choice for Canadians
At Willful, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of Canadians create their legal wills—and we’re proud to be a trusted choice from coast to coast, as well as being recognized as one of the best online will services in Canada.
Legally recognized across Canada
Willful wills are legally valid in every province, as long as they’re signed and witnessed according to local rules. In British Columbia, we also support fully digital wills, making the process even easier.
Built with lawyers, reviewed regularly
Our platform was created in collaboration with experienced estate lawyers. We continuously review and update our documents to make sure they’re up to date with the law in your province—so you can feel confident your will is valid.
What makes Willful different?
- A simple, step-by-step platform
Our guided process helps you make key decisions without the stress or confusion. - Clear pricing, starting at $99
No hidden fees, no surprise costs. Just peace of mind that fits your budget. - Update your will anytime
Life changes—and your will should keep up. You can log in and make updates anytime, from any device, for free.
Real Canadians, real peace of mind
“I used it and really liked it! You don’t have to pay until you finish filling your info out, so you can make sure it has everything you need for your will and power of attorneys.” - u/Merkyet on Reddit
Still wondering if online wills are “real wills”?
Let’s clear that up:
Yes—online wills are 100% legally binding in Canada when printed, signed, and witnessed correctly.
That’s not just our opinion. Legal experts agree that digital will platforms, when built and maintained properly, are a safe and valid alternative to traditional methods. At Willful, we also provide guidance to make sure you follow every step required to make it official.
"Willful provides access to justice for many Canadians by allowing them to create their own Will and Powers of Attorney online. It’s user friendly, convenient, and affordable." - Ashley-Rose Gillespie, Wills & Estates Lawyer, Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions When Looking for a Will Platform
Are online wills legal in Canada?
Yes—online wills are legal in Canada as long as they’re printed, signed, and witnessed according to your province’s laws. In British Columbia, digital execution is also allowed, meaning you can sign and store your will entirely online.
How do I know if an online will platform is trustworthy?
Look for platforms that are built in collaboration with legal experts, offer transparent pricing, and follow provincial laws. A trustworthy provider will clearly explain how their documents meet legal requirements—and won’t pressure you into buying.
What happens after I make a will online?
Once you complete your will online, you’ll need to print it, sign it in front of two witnesses, and store it in a safe place. Some provinces may also require your witnesses to sign the document. You can then share copies with your executor and loved ones.
Can I update my online will later?
Yes. Most online platforms let you log in and make unlimited updates. If your life situation changes—like getting married or having a child—it’s a good idea to review and update your will to keep it current.
Is it better to do a will online or with a lawyer?
It depends on your situation. If your estate is straightforward, an online will can save time and money. If your wishes are complex—like setting up trusts or planning for business succession—it may be best to speak with a lawyer for personalized legal advice.
Create your legal will now →
